NPS Photo / Soren George-Nichol Paddle Through the PreserveEnjoy a different kind of trail—a trail on the water! Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail4.8 miles roundtrip | Beaumont, TX Paddle from one river to another through a cypress slough on this scenic loop. The paddling trail begins and ends at the LNVA Saltwater Barrier boat ramp, located at the end of Bigner Road in Beaumont. The trail goes north up the Neches River, left into Pine Island Bayou, north into Cooks Lake Bayou, then east through a marked maze of bald cypress and tupelo trees to Scatterman Lake. From there it goes south down the Neches River to the boat ramp. Take a map and the GPS coordinates for this trail, and look for signs on trees marking the route. Check the water level before you go. Collier's Ferry to Lake Bayou Paddling Trail7 miles roundtrip | Beaumont, TX From Collier's Ferry Park in Beaumont, the paddling trail goes downstream a short distance on the Neches River to the confluence with Lake Bayou, a quiet slow-moving channel lined with bald cypress and tupelo trees. Paddlers should be aware that waterfowl hunting is allowed in the Lake Bayou area during hunting season. Check the water level before you go. Village Creek Paddling Trail21 miles one-way | Kountze, Silsbee, and Lumberton, TX The Village Creek Paddling Trail winds past beautiful white-sand beaches and high banks lined with bald cypress, river birches, and other shade trees. Several access points along the creek allow paddlers to make trips of varying lengths, from 2.1 miles to all 21 miles. From north to south, find creek access on FM 418, TX 327, Baby Galvez Road, US 96, and at Village Creek State Park. Camping is allowed year-round on sandbars.
NPS Photo / Soren George-Nichol |
Last updated: August 22, 2021