Lighthouse Lakes Kayaking Trails in Texas

Trip Overview

Nestled in the bays between Aransas Pass (on the mainland) and Port Aransas, are the Lighthouse Lakes Kayaking Trails. With four loops ranging from 1.5 to 6.8 miles on some of the most beautiful bay waters along the Texas coast, the Lighthouse Lakes are fast becoming the choice for amateur and professional kayakers, canoers and outriggers. Whether you enjoy paddling in solitude or bringing along your fishing gear, these trails, put together by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, offer a great day trip or weekend getaway. Located just east of Aransas Pass, there are plenty of affordable hotels, local restaurants, and shops, and coming soon...a Lighthouse Lakes Parking area off of the causeway to allow you the best of both worlds...a great place to paddle and a convenient place to park your gear!

Accommodations:

Located in Aransas Pass, there is a new Hawthorn Suites Ltd. hotel as well as a Super 8 Motel; both facilities welcome kayakers. There are plenty of eating establishments, and other shops in downtown Aransas Pass. The new parking area should be finished by Summer, 2002!

Fees:

Currently, there are no fees required to utilize the Lighthouse Lakes Kayaking Trails. It's one of the best kept secrets on the Texas coast.

Directions:

Aransas Pass is located 20 miles north of Corpus Christi and is the main connector to the island of Port Aransas. The Lighthouse Lakes Kayaking Trails can be accessed by driving along State Highway 361 away from the mainland.

Contact:

For further information, contact Brian Bondy, President/CEO of the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce, go to the Chamber's website at www.aransaspass.org or 800-633-3028 or can contact Texas Parks & Wildlife Department; their website is www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Resources:

There is an excellent photomap of the Bay System and Lighthouse Lakes Kayaking Trails and is available through the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce and other retailers in and around Aransas Pass. The Chamber charges $21.55 (tax included). It's a worthwhile investment for novice or experienced paddlers, and it utilizes GPS waypoints as well as course markers in the water.