This pretty little bayou is south of Houston close to the small towns of La Marque and Hitchcock. Although parts of it have modern homes built along the banks, two cemeteries, and even a travel trailer park, it is mostly unspoiled. Large oak trees grow along the banks, and in some spots wild roses have grown out on the trees over the water and provide a beautiful display in early spring. Many birds, both aquatic and terrestrial, fly overhead in search of food, including a large purple martin colony in at least one of the backyards. The trip is an out-and-back trip as described going northwest from the put-in at Mahan Park. The trip is 5 miles roundtrip from Mahan Park with a lunch stop mid-way.
Directions: Exit the Gulf Freeway at Exit 10/Highway 519. From the southbound feeder, go right (West) at 519, but don't take the second curve to the right on 519 - proceed straight ahead to the T-intersection, where a brown park sign, to Highland Bayou and Mahan Park, directs you to turn left. This is Lake Road. You will go through a cut in the flood control levee, and then make the next right turn on to Woodland Road (there's a brown sign here to Mahan Park). A quarter mile or so down Woodland Road, you will see Mahan Park on your left. Go in the second of the two entrances, past the ball fields, less than a quarter mile total distance to the gravel turnaround parking lot that you can see when you clear the ball fields. The boat ramp is at the end of the gravel turnound. Unload, and move your vehicle so boat trailers have plenty of turnaround space from the lot.
Put-in lat - lon: 29°20'55.17"N, 94°58'59.94"W
Meet by 9:30 for paddles wet at 10:00.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD.
Hazards -- Sunburn,windburn, hypothermia, pilings, boat traffic, jellyfish, stingrays, fire ants. We will try to avoid hazards. Most importantly, bring plenty of water, A DRY BAG WITH SPARE CLOTHING (NO COTTON) sun protection and snacks.
| Trip Leader |
Kim Head |
| Trip Assistants |
John Grisaffi |
| Trip Rating* |
1 with potential to be a level 2 trip depending on conditions |
| Ready to Launch at |
10:00 AM
|
| Duration (hours) |
3 |
| Paddling Miles |
5 |
| Emergency Initiator (Level 3 & 4) |
|
| Emergency Phone #s |
Galveston Coast Guard409-766-5633
Galveston Sheriff409-766-2322
|
| Latest Expected Return |
1:00 PM
:30 pm |
| Auto Description/Lic # |
|
| Distance from Houston |
25 miles |
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ACA-HASK Adult Waiver ACA-HASK Minor Waiver
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Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.