Coastal Paddling Trail - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

CyberCelt · 04-06-2006, 10:13 AM

The Lighthouse Lakes Trail meanders through a black mangrove estuary into sloughs and back lakes near the historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse on North Harbor Island, west of Port Aransas and north of Hwy 361 causeway.

Access the trail from the north side of the causeway and paddle across Aransas Pass. Follow the trail markers.

These sites below might be helpful to you if you want to paddle the Lighthouse Lakes Trail.

Order a map of the Lighthouse Lake Trails from Shoreline Publishing (713-973-1627). The owner, Mr. Moulden, said that the Lighthouse Lake Trails are an incredible experience for fisherman, kayaker or naturalist.
Download a free GPS map of Lighthouse Lake Trails from the Travel by GPS site. Evidently, you NEED a guide or GPS to find your way out of the maze that is the Lighthouse Lakes Trail.
TexMaps has wonderful aerial photographs of the Texas coast, in which the coast and barrier islands in the photographs appear as exotic jewels. View this trail from above.
View a closeup map of the Lighthouse Lakes Trail at the Sea Kayak Texas webpage.
The TPWD website has a paddling page, but there is no maps or other information, yet.

Safety Notes: Check wind speed and tide while planning your trip. You do not want to paddle in high wind or to be left behind when the tide goes out.

Keep on paddling!

CyberCelt · 04-14-2006, 09:02 PM

I rec'd my map card of Lighthouse Lakes Trails today. I cannot wait to go to Port Aransas. I guess this means I have to learn to kayak.

toejam · 05-07-2006, 07:52 AM

Can you camp along the "trail"?

CyberCelt · 05-09-2006, 09:39 AM

I have not been yet. Our travel trailer was totalled by hail and we are without wheels.

Email this man: bob.spain@tpwd.state.tx.us.

The only coastal trail that I see that actually says camping is the Port O'connor trail: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/coastal/

toejam · 05-10-2006, 06:46 AM

******Thanks!****

06-09-2006, 01:49 PM

I think that formal campsites are proposed for Lighthouse Lakes Trail; however, they're not yet implemented. Last I knew, camping was allowed; however, you were on your own.

For camping, I'd suggest Matagorda Island.

Steven in Corpus Christi

Electric Water Boy · 03-30-2007, 04:16 PM

I've been there a couple of times, but I haven't gone too far in. I didn't own an electronic breadcrumb machine (GPS) at the time. I highly recommend one. LHL is a cool place, but it is also a maze. You can stand up and see over all the mangrove trees and find out where you are. No problem seeing the truck or the lighthouse, but how the heck to get back to my truck, that was another story!