The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has introduced its 83rd official paddling trail, the Powderhorn Paddling Trails, situated along the Gulf of Mexico near the Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area and the future Powderhorn State Park. The grand opening took place on April 5 at Calhoun County Boggy Nature Park, marking a significant addition to the state’s coastal recreational offerings.
This new trail system encompasses four distinct segments—Boggy Bayou Trail, Matagorda Bay Shoreline Trail, Powderhorn Lake Loop Trail, and Coloma Creek Trail—providing paddlers with a combined 26 miles of shoreline and marshland to explore along the Gulf of Mexico. Each trail offers unique experiences, catering to various skill levels and interests.
The Boggy Bayou Trail, ideal for beginners, meanders through protected marshes teeming with birdlife such as spoonbills, herons, egrets, and osprey. Paddlers can launch from the sandy bayou shoreline and navigate seagrass-filled lakes and oyster beds into the backwaters of this productive estuary. However, high tides or rain events can make launch access challenging.
The Matagorda Bay Shoreline Trail allows paddlers to explore the shoreline of the future state park to historic Indianola. While high tides or rain can make the Boggy Bayou launch site problematic, an alternative launch is available from the Matagorda Bay shoreline just past the boardwalk. Paddlers should note that Matagorda Bay can be exposed to high north or south winds, making paddling conditions less favorable during such times.
For those seeking a more extensive journey, the Powderhorn Lake Loop Trail offers the opportunity to paddle around the entire lake. Launch points are available at the Indianola Fishing Marina or Powderhorn RV Park. Depending on wind strength and direction, either the north or south shoreline may be exposed, potentially creating challenging paddling conditions.
The Coloma Creek Trail presents a more remote experience, resembling a shallow bay more than a creek. Paddlers can launch at the Coloma Creek Bridge and head west to explore a wide area that narrows down before entering a second lake. The creek primarily consists of shallow mud flats, offering a unique paddling environment.
These trails provide abundant opportunities for bird and wildlife watching along the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal habitats in the area are home to wading birds, gulls, terns, waterfowl, and occasional wintering Whooping Cranes. Dolphins and sea turtles may be observed in Matagorda Bay and Powderhorn Lake, while alligators can often be seen basking along the shores of Boggy Bayou and Coloma Creek.
Anglers will find the paddling trail network a prime location for fishing along the Gulf of Mexico. Species such as spotted seatrout, red drum, and flounder are commonly targeted, and sight-casting to “tailing” redfish is a popular activity among local fishermen.
The development of the Powderhorn Paddling Trails was made possible through a partnership between TPWD, Calhoun County, Indianola Fishing Marina, Powderhorn RV Park, and the San Antonio Bay Partnership. This collaboration aims to promote habitat conservation through sustainable economic development while providing additional recreational opportunities to the public along the Gulf of Mexico.
Image Source https://tpwd.texas.gov/boating/paddling-trails/gulf-coast/powderhorn/
Texas Reporter 