Experience Toledo Bend through a Guided Kayaking Tour

Upper Palo Gaucho TPW Designated Paddling Trail is a classic bayou area filled with native bald cypress, diverse wildlife and local history going back to the Caddo peoples. Expect about 3 to 4 hours. Once around the first bend on the trail we generally take a leisurely pace with observation stops along the way. This is a great opportunity to see some of the wildest waters Toledo Bend has to offer and is a must during bird migration! The southern shoreline is well protected from prevailing southerly winds and a great alternative on windy days. There's even credible evidence of Bigfoot in a nearby sighting, mysterious tree knockings and vocalization recordings in the remote backwater area. Bring your camera just in case!

Cost: $65 Per Person

Tours launch and return from the boat ramp at Sandals and Spurs Resort. Lodging is available with advance reservation.

Lost Frontier Designated Paddling Trail is a lovely protected area rich with aquatic vegetation, turtles, American Alligator, shoreline mammals, wading and shore birds (many migratory), kites (migration), bald eagles and osprey. Bring your waterproof binoculars or spotting scope! The 5-mile trail is great for beginners and on windy days. Expect 2 - 2-1/2 hours at a leisurely pace however I'm happy to extend your time! Sunset tours are popular during the summer months.

Cost :$65 Per Person

Tours launch and return at Lost Frontier Resort to the left of the boat ramp. This is a perfect location for larger groups that will be scheduled in flights. Clean lodging, a bar/restaurant, weekend entertainment and many additional, luxury amenities are available at extra charge from the resort.

Six Mile Paddling Trail is a lovely area largely surrounded by the Sabine National Forest. The designated Western Loop portion of the trail is 5 miles long and in a protected backwater area that's great for beginners and windy days. The trail can be extended either eastward from the Hwy 87 bridge along the National Forest or westward into the remote feeding creek. 

Six Mile boasts a wide variety of aquatic vegetation and is an excellent trail to experience nature. Wildlife includes Osprey, American Bald Eagle, American White Pelican in season, numerous waterfowl and wading birds, songbirds, American Alligator and many mammals make the remote forest area their home. There has been a credible Bigfoot siting in the backwaters so if you're a believer, or just curious about how a big stinky primate might hide away in our East Texas woods, I'd love to share the area with you!

Cost: $65 Per Person

Tours launch and return from either the North or South Sabine River Authority Six Mile Boat Ramp (depending on tournament activity) on Hwy 87 south of Hemphill. Restrooms are on site. Expect at least 2-1/2 to 3 hours to leisurely paddle and I'm happy to extend the time depending on your interests. Bring your waterproof binoculars for sure!

Although this is not a TPW Designated Paddling Trail, Housen Bayou is a beautiful area to kayak known for its rich history and abundant wildlife. Shorelines are generally forested and feature a diverse range of aquatic vegetation. Many species of birds frequent the area due to presence of mud flats, shallow bays, wooded islands, abundant forage and open water. It hosts a wide array of migrating waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. Other wildlife in the area includes whitetail deer, wild hog, beaver, otter, red fox, coyote, alligator, and many turtle species. Binoculars are a must for this lovely area.

Tours launch and return from Jacks 944 Marina at the end of Hwy 944 south of Hemphill. Alternate launch site is Ladners Landing, an unimproved rural ramp off a gravel road. Guests will receive a location pin via text upon registration. Expect 2-1/2 - 3 hours depending on how many observations stops we make, and I'm happy to extend that time at no extra charge.

Cost: $65 Per Person

This trail follows the northern bank and islands and can be impacted by prevailing southerly winds. In the event of high winds you'll have the option to reschedule your trip or relocate to Palo Gaucho or Six Mile Trail.

Join Andi Sanders on the Patroon Bayou Paddle Trail and discover the beauty of the upper Patroon Bayou. We'll paddle about 4 miles up into the riverine area of the bayou. The remote area is rich in wildlife including whitetail deer, wild hogs, raccoon, fox, otter, osprey, bald eagle, alligator, waterfowl including American White Pelican during winter months and more. Expect about 3-4 hours depending on observation stops. Because much of the trail leading to the riverine area is exposed to prevailing southerly winds the tour is suited to paddlers with at least some kayaking experience. In the case of high winds you will have the option to reschedule your tour or relocate to Lost Frontier or Palo Gaucho.

Cost: $65 Per Person

The tour launches and returns to Holly Park Marina. Clean lodging, a convenience store and grille are available.