Seguin Paddling Trail (Lake Nolte/Meadow Lake)

On March 27, 2023, the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) began the process of lowering the spillgates at Lake McQueeney and Meadow Lake. As a result, the Lake Nolte/Meadow Lake Paddling Trail in Max Starcke Park East is closed to the public until further notice. The paddling trail in Max Starcke Park West near the bowl waterfall will remain open on Lake Seguin. This paddling trail is not affected by the drawdown because it is located upstream. GBRA has stated "In the interest of safety, all activity on and downstream of the Guadalupe Valley Lakes and in the exposed lake bed shall be suspended until the process is complete, as unpredictable increases in river flow may occur. Community members should stay out of the water and continue to maintain a safe distance from the dam at all times."

With two different access points, this paddling trail on the Guadalupe River offers paddlers a variety of opportunities to create their own trip from 2.6 miles up to 8.4 miles in length. This trail is perfect for beginners since no shuttle is needed.


SLIGHT TRAIL CHANGE

The map for this trail is being updated to reflect recent changes that move the Max Starcke Park East access site location toward the eastern edge of the park. To see a more detailed map of this park and the new access site, please visit Seguin Parks and Recreation. Note: Court order requires life jackets along this trail.

Getting There

One access site:

Max Starcke Park Natural Fishing Area: (DD) 29.5592°, -97.9609°
River Shade RV Park Boat Ramp: (DD) 29.54648°, -97.95023°
Nolte Dam Turnaround Point (no access - reference for location only): (DD) 29.52886°, -97.93959°

Driving Directions to Access Site:

From IH-10 to Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area)
Exit Austin St./123 Business.  Go South through downtown until you get to Max Starcke Park.  Go under the Guadalupe River Bridge and turn right into Park between Playscape and Little League Complex. Follow park road to back of park along side walking trail and site is by natural fishing area.  

From IH-10 to River Shade RV Park Boat Ramp
Exit 123 Bypass.  Go south towards Stockdale.  Before you get to the Guadalupe River Bridge, River Shade RV is located on left hand side of 123 Bypass (Look for River Shade RV Sign). Once in the park, follow signs to the boat ramp to unload equipment and then follow signs to the designated parking area.

Distance from nearest major cities:

  • Austin - 52
  • Corpus Christi - 145
  • Dallas - 250
  • Houston - 244
  • Lubbock - 430
  • San Antonio - 36
  • Waco - 154

 

Map


Trail Description and Landmarks

Trail Length: 2.6 – 8.4 miles (depending on route taken)

Paddling Route Options and Distances:
2.6 miles - Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area) to River Shade RV Park (one way)
3.2 miles - River Shade RV Park to Nolte Dam and back (no one way option for this segment)
5.8 miles - Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area) to Nolte Dam and then back to River Shade RV Park (partial round trip)
8.4 miles - Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area) to Nolte Dam and back (round trip)

Float Times: ~1-6 hours (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed)
This paddling trail was designed for beginning or novice paddlers, with no shuttle or portage necessary.

Because the river is dammed at Saffold Dam in Starcke Park and Nolte Dam, the river has a slow current and can be easily paddled in either direction and from either access site for the trip length of your choice, from 2.6 – 8.4 miles depending on the route taken.  Heavy rains upstream or in the vicinity can create dangerous flooding, and paddlers are advised to not use the trail during these times, as well as to stay away from the dams.  Flow information is available to paddlers on the web at:  www.gbra.org/Public/FlowData.aspx.

Fishing

The Guadalupe River along Starcke Park provides excellent fishing opportunities, and supports several species of catfish, sunfish, and largemouth and Guadalupe bass.  Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, and light line are recommended.

Wildlife and Ecology

The Guadalupe River in the vicinity of Starcke Park up to State Highway 46 is a slow moving river with scenic vegetation and great birdwatching and angling opportunities.  Paddlers can enjoy the shade of pecans, green ash, sycamores, and the majestic bald cypress trees that support a variety of songbirds, hawks, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife. 

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river is classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.

Events & Attractions

For more information please see the Paddling Events calendar.

Max Starcke Park:
A 227 acre park located along the scenic Guadalupe River.  The park property was a pecan orchard prior to the park’s dedication in 1938.  The park offers a variety of recreational activities that include a regulation 18-hole golf course, natural fishing area, walking trail, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.  For children, there is a Kids Kingdom Playscape, Little League baseball-softball complex.  Pavilion and picnic areas are available throughout the park.  For more information please call (830)401-2480.

Saffold Dam: 
Named for William Saffold, who owned land here in the mid 1800’s, Saffold Dam is typical of many mill dams built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Originally a natural rock outcropping, the dam was first improved by Henry Troell in the late 1800’s when he added rock to the dam to raise the water level to power a cotton gin.  The City of Seguin bought Troell’s property in 1907 to further develop the river’s hydroelectricity, and subsequent improvements have led to the establishment of a hydroelectric plant on the dam’s south side.  

Seguin Electric Plant (Hydro Plant):
This is a tribute to those far seeing loyal citizens of our community and their leader F.C. Weinert, Chairman of the first citizens committee and first Board of Trustees in acquiring and developing these utilities by subscribing their names here to make sure that our appreciation of their unselfish efforts shall never fade from our memories because such work and devotion seldom have been or will be bestowed upon any community as was done by those unselfish men.
Electric Plant Advisory Committee – August 20, 1906
Electric Plant Trustees – March 5, 1907

Juan Seguin Burial Site: 
Juan Nepomuceno Seguin was born on October 27, 1806.  He was a Texas Patriot Statesman for whom the City of Seguin was named.  Walnut Springs citizens voted to rename this community Seguin in his honor on February 25, 1838.  He died on August 27, 1890 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.  His remains were returned to Seguin in September 1974.  He was reinterred with special honors on July 4, 1976 by the City of Seguin and Seguin Bicentennial Commission.

Seguin Wave Pool: 
The Seguin Aquatic Center is located in Max Starcke East and is open seasonal June through August.  The center features a 15,000 square foot wave pool with a zero-depth beach type entry and a splash pool with raindrop mushroom

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the City of Seguin and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.

Shuttles & Rentals

TG Canoes & Kayaks

402 Pecan Park Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
(512)353-3946
Canoe and kayak rental available (your vehicle would transport to trail). No shuttles for small groups or individuals. Large groups can call ahead to make reservations for canoe/kayak delivery to trail.

Paddle With Style

Martindale, Texas
Phone: (512)749-2350; Operate by reservation only. Able to accommodate large groups.
www.paddlewithstyle.com

*Potential New Canoe/Kayak Business in Seguin: Check back for details*