SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced the San Antonio River Walk: Mission Reach Paddling Trail will be joining 71 other inland and coastal trails as an official Texas Paddling Trail March 2.

The 8-mile long trail winds through restored natural habitat on the San Antonio River and features more than 30 canoe shoots to help paddlers pass through riffles during low flow periods. A float on the entire trail takes about three to five hours, but designated alternate access sites allow paddlers to shorten the trip or stop and explore points of interest along the way.

“We are very excited that San Antonio is now home to two official paddling trails,” said Shelly Plante, TPWD’s nature tourism manager. “To be able to enjoy views of downtown San Antonio and the historic missions as well as the natural habitat and wildlife that call the river home make the Mission Reach float a unique experience for paddlers and visitors in the city.”

Paddlers looking to float through history have the opportunity to visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way by taking out at designated spots near Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada.

Wildlife and fishing opportunities are also abundant on the trail as the plentiful natural habitat attracts several species of migratory birds and provides shade and structure for popular sport fish like largemouth bass and catfish.

The Mission Reach Paddling Trail is easily accessible by visitors to San Antonio and those looking to see the city from a new angle. The kayak and canoe put in at Roosevelt Park is located minutes from downtown San Antonio and several local vendors offer kayaks and canoes for rent to explore the trail.

The designation of the San Antonio River Walk: Mission Reach Paddling Trail into an official Texas Paddling Trail was a collaborative effort between Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio River Authority, TPWD and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

The Texas Paddling Trails program helps promote habitat conservation through sustainable economic development, while providing additional recreational opportunities to the public. To learn more about the trails, including the Mission Reach Paddling Trail, and to download maps with canoe/kayak access points and points of interest, visit the Texas Paddling Trails website.