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. This is a long trail so expect about 4 -5 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: $75 Per Person

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

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. Guests will receive a location pin upon registration. Restrooms are on site. Expect about 3 hours and I'm happy to extend the time depending on your interests. Bring your waterproof binoculars for sure!

Lost Frontier Designated Paddling Trail is a 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.

Although this is not a TPW Designated Paddling Trail, Housen Bayou is a quiet, beautiful area to kayak known for its abundant wildlife. Remote shorelines are generally forested and feature a diverse range of aquatic vegetation, including massive lily pad fields. Many species of birds frequent the area due to presence of aquatic vegetation, shallow bays, wooded islands, abundant forage and open water. It hosts a wide array of migrating and resident waterfowl, wading birds including multiple heron species, raptors including osprey and songbirds. Other wildlife in the area includes American alligator, many turtle species, whitetail deer, wild hog, beaver, otter, red fox, and coyote. Late summer vegetation can restrict access to some backwater areas. A camera is a must for this lovely area. 

Launch and return is Ladners Landing, an unimproved rural ramp off a gravel road. Alternate launch site is Jack's 944 Marina off HWY 944 south of Hemphill. Guests will receive a location pin 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 a more protected trail.

Join me on the Patroon Bayou Paddle Trail and discover the beauty of the upper Patroon Bayou. We'll paddle about 8 miles and enter the remote riverine area of the bayou. The 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. This is a long trail so expect about 4 - 5 hours depending on launch location and observation stops. Because much of the trail leading to the riverine area is exposed to prevailing southerly winds this tour is suited to paddlers with at least some kayaking experience. In the case of high southerly winds you will have the option to reschedule your tour or relocate to a more protected trail.

Cost: $75 Per Person

The tour generally launches and returns to Holly Park Marina. Clean lodging, a convenience store and grille are available. During late spring and summer months we'll use an alternate launch further up the bayou. Guests will receive a location pin upon registration.

We'll explore lovely Sandy Creek on Toledo Bend, a protected area rich with aquatic vegetation, many turtle species, American Alligator, shoreline mammals, wading and shore birds (many migratory), kites (migration), bald eagles and osprey. Bring your binoculars or spotting scope! Although Sandy Creek is not a designated paddling trail, it is a wonderful example of the diverse ecosystem of Toledo Bend. This is an excellent Sunset Tour location! Expect about 2-3 hours, depending on your interests. I'm happy to extend the time at no charge.

Cost: $65 Per Person

The tour launches from picturesque Willow Oak Campground off HWY 87 south of the Six Mile community. Guests will receive a location pin upon registration.