The Houston area’s best-kept secret, this scenic trail runs through a thriving ecosystem and paddlers will enjoy seeing an abundance of wildlife.
Clear Creek Paddle Trail
Paddle Into Paradise
Grab your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and head over to The Clear Creek Paddle Trail. This trail meanders 5.5 miles through Clear Creek, starting at Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside and ending at Heritage Park.
Paddlers will enjoy scenic views along their journey and may spot some of the wildlife that live in and around the creek, including wading birds, alligators, and deer. There are multiple parks along the trail where you can stop for a picnic to recharge before getting back on the creek. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunblock, and a waterproof phone case so you can capture memories from your trip.
Clear Creek creates a natural northern border for League City and feeds into Clear Lake. Much of the paddle trail is flanked by dense trees and foliage with an abundance of subtropical plants and local wildlife. Over 250 species of birds have been spotted around the Clear Creek Nature Center, near the middle of the trail. Fishing is very popular either from the shore or by boat. Catfish, sunfish, crappie, and bass are all swimming beneath the surface.
paddle trail Launch sites
Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside
Paddlers can start their journey from one of three boat launches along the creek. If you launch your kayak from Countryside Park, you will paddle down a somewhat narrow portion of the creek, walled in tightly by dense trees, bushes, and grasses. It has a distinct bayou feel and is incredibly scenic and peaceful.
Heritage Park
If you launch from Heritage Park and head west, you’ll paddle through wider sections of the creek. You’ll make your way beneath Highway 3, where you’ll encounter flocks of swallows flitting in and out of nests they’ve built on the underside of the bridge, and then float past what is quite possibly an alligator nesting area. Keep your eyes peeled for gators in this area. They often stay very still and can be hard to spot.
Walter Hall Park
Launching from Walter Hall Park gives paddlers the option of heading west, taking them further into the creek and its walls of trees, or heading east and paddling toward Clear Lake. This direction also leads to Heritage Park, where you can get out and enjoy a picnic, visit the turtle pond, or just take a break before heading back.
Picking a starting point
Paddlers can start their journey from one of three boat launches along the creek. If you launch your kayak from Countryside Park, you will paddle down a somewhat narrow portion of the creek, walled in tightly by dense trees, bushes, and grasses. It has a distinct bayou feel and is incredibly scenic and peaceful.
If you launch from Heritage Park and head west, you’ll paddle through wider sections of the creek. You’ll make your way beneath Highway 3, where you’ll encounter flocks of swallows flitting in and out of nests they’ve built on the underside of the bridge, and then float past what is quite possibly an alligator nesting area. Keep your eyes peeled for gators in this area. They often stay very still and can be hard to spot.
Launching from Walter Hall Park gives paddlers the option of heading west, taking them further into the creek and its walls of trees, or heading east and paddling toward Clear Lake. This direction also leads to Heritage Park, where you can get out and enjoy a picnic, visit the turtle pond, or just take a break before heading back.
clear creek kayak rental info
Need a rental? Local outfitter, Clear Creek Kayaks offers weekend rentals and guided Clear Creek Paddle Trail tours. For reservations and booking information, send an email or text 281-468-4256.
Explore Paddle Trips
The creeks and bayous surrounding Clear Lake offer a variety of scenic places to paddle, fish, and explore by boat. Paddle trails, guided kayak and pontoon boat tours, and stand-up paddle board rentals provide many options to enjoy time on the water.