Did you know that the San Antonio River Authority maintains more than 500 acres of parks along the San Antonio River’s 240-mile course? Here are some highlights of our parks and trails so you can start planning your visit. Make sure to visit our website for updates on safety protocols due to COVID-19.
Bexar County
Our journey begins at San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a world-class linear park– with a purpose that combines public art, architectural design, and historic preservation with engineering and native landscaping. On the San Antonio River Walk, the Museum Reach segment offers an engaging urban park as the river flows by public art installations, the Witte Museum, the San Antonio Museum of Art, a culinary and cultural destination at the reimagined historic Pearl, and the oldest VFW post in Texas, which is open to the public!
Continue your journey southbound on the River Walk as you make your way to the Mission Reach segment where not only you can hike, bike, and paddle, but you can also enjoy birdwatching the more than 200 bird species that have been spotted as part of our avian study. Don’t forget to stop by Confluence Park to learn how this internationally award winning park was built utilizing unique design principals that catch, collect, and use the rain water that falls on the property. Last but not least, enjoy a quick lunch and access the first point of the SASPAMCO paddling trail at River Crossing Park in southern Bexar County.
Wilson County
Have you ever tried disc golf? Graytown Park offers a free, tournament caliber Par 57 level disc golf course on its park grounds! The next River Authority park is only a short drive (or paddle) away. John William Helton – San Antonio River Nature Park offers towering pecan trees and it’s an ideal destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, nature-lovers, and athletes alike. Plus, you can now also reserve one of 42 spots for overnight primitive camping! The River Authority also maintains Jackson Nature Park in Stockdale, a hidden gem where families can enjoy a day of hiking, nature study, bird watching, and picnicking.
Karnes County
The River Authority partnered with the City of Kenedy, the Kenedy 4B Corporation, and the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce for the design and construction of the Escondido Creek Parkway in Karnes County. The parkway will have hike and bike trails, a playground, a pavilion, a splash pad, and more for community members of all ages to enjoy and the first phase is scheduled to open in September 2020!
Goliad County
Branch River Park links the historical with the natural, along with a good dose of fun! Have a picnic under the heritage oak trees or nearby pavilion while kids enjoy the playground. Test your skills on the 9-hole disc golf course or you can also partake in some birdwatching. The park also has an access point to the Goliad Paddling Trail and is a close connection to the Angel of Goliad hike and bike trail, connecting you to Goliad State Park and General Zaragoza’s Birthplace.
