Jefferson Paddling Trail
By Jeff Campbell/Jeff In Jefferson
Jefferson- The Jefferson Office of Tourism Development is currently partnering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop a paddling trail for Jefferson. The Texas Paddling Trail program was recently developed by TPWD to create public inland & coastal paddling trails throughout the state and support these trails with maps, signage, fishing and wildlife-viewing information.
Jefferson’s trail will start at the new boat ramp, across the street from the Jefferson Transportation and Visitor Center, and continue east along Big Cypress Bayou. The trail will end at the Thompson Camp access point. By water, the route on Big Cypress Bayou is approximately 5 ½ miles. By car or truck, the drive from the new Jefferson boat ramp to the access point at the end of Thompson Camp Road is about 7 miles. Take Highway 49 east, from downtown Jefferson and turn right on Thompson Camp Road.
Photo by Kenda Hayes
The next step in the process is to have Shelly Plante and the folks from TPWD come up from Austin and certify the trail. After that we will have information kiosks at both access points and Jefferson will have an official Texas Paddling Trail. This trail will allow visitors and locals alike to enjoy the unique beauty of Big Cypress Bayou.
For more information about the Texas Paddling Trail Project go to http://tpwd.state.tx.us/