Happy Trails! Fall 2023 Edition

Written by:

Posted on:

Categories:

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Get The Latest:

Join our print or digital newsletter to be informed about the agency’s many projects and other news.

A monarch butterfly approaches a flower to pollinate

Last Updated on January 30, 2024

Welcome back to the Happy Trails Blog Series! We hope you have had a chance to get outside and enjoy some fresh air at the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) parks and trails this summer! But first, a quick thank you.

Thank you to the military personnel and their families from Joint Base San Antonio who joined us for a Kayak Experience along the Mission Reach Paddling Trail. Check out some action shots below! 

Paddlers exploring the San Antonio River

Kayak goers paddle downstream on the San Antonio River.

Hey! I want to paddle the San Antonio River, too!

Great! Here’s some more information: The River Authority offers over thirty miles of paddling trails along the San Antonio River from San Antonio to Goliad with varying levels of difficulty. Difficulty levels range from beginner-friendly to experience-recommended. These trails are not connected, and anyone wanting to paddle the San Antonio River will need to use the proper access points to move between the paddling trails. You can find more information on access points on our website under parks and trails, and you can find additional information about kayaking under river recreation.

UPCOMING FALL EVENTS

As the weather cools down, we’ll have a busy calendar of programs encouraging you to enjoy the river and our parks along it. Read ahead to see what we have planned!

discovery Hunt 10-13

Fall 2023 Discovery Hunt

Friday, October 13, 2023, through Sunday, October 22, 2023

Discover the San Antonio River beyond the downtown river walk! Find hidden gems of art, nature, and engineering as you complete missions and experience San Antonio’s great outdoor spaces. Plus, it is a great excuse to get outside and explore our newest parks, Hendrick Arnold Nature Park and Truehart Ranch.

Free Camping Weekend at Helton Nature Park

 Free Camping Weekend at Helton Nature Park

Friday, October 20, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023

Friday Night Hikes October 20 at Helton Nature Park

Friday Night Hikes at Helton Nature Park

Friday, October 20, 2023

6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Wilson County Trade Days Farmers Market Every 3rd Saturday from 9am - 2pm

 Wilson County Trade Days – October

Saturday, October 21, 2023

9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Fall Festival

 

Fall Festival 2023

Saturday, October 21, 2023

9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Haunted Hike King William

Haunted Hike Tour – King William

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

7:30 PM- 8:45 PM

Haunted Hike Museum Reach

 Haunted Hike Tour – Museum Reach

Thursday, October 26, 2023

7:30 PM- 8:45 PM

Race the River Mission Reach

2023 Race the River Mission Reach

Saturday, November 4, 2023

9:00 AM-11:00 AM

The River Authority, together with the San Antonio River Foundation, is excited to welcome you to the conclusion of our 2023 Race the River competitive paddling race series!

Canoeists and kayakers from all over are invited to join us on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River. Racers can compete in the Pro Class alongside experienced paddlers, who compete in endurance adventure races throughout Texas, or in the Amateur Class with beginner and intermediate paddlers who are ready for a challenge.

 

Friday Night Hikes at Escondido Creek Parkway

Friday Night Hikes at Escondido Creek Parkway

Friday, November 10, 2023

5:00 PM-6:30 PM.

Community Drum Circle

 Community Drum Circle

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

7:00 PM-8:00 PM.

Stay updated on all free programs and events taking place at River Authority Parks and Trails by visiting our event page.

Here’s to a great kick-off to fall. Happy trails, and see you at the river!

Related Articles

Alerts

Parks Notice – Mission Reach Art

Please be aware the San Antonio River Foundation in coordination with the River Authority will be de-installing public art benches for maintenance on January 22, 8am-5pm.

Located along the Mission Reach between Roosevelt Park and Confluence Park, the benches Serapes by Vincent Valdez and Butterflies by Anita Valencia, will be reinstalled when restoration is complete.

Freezing Weather Alert

Freezing weather is expected in the San Antonio area from Sunday to Tuesday. We advise all park and trail visitors to exercise caution during this time. Please watch for icy conditions and prioritize safety while enjoying our parks and trails.

Mission Reach:

  • Water Fountains will be shut down starting Saturday, January 18th. We will provide updates once they are turned back on.
  • Espada Park, River Front Parkway & Camino Coahuilteca restrooms will be closed until further notice. Updates will be provided once they are reopened.

Brooklyn Lock and Dam & San Pedro Creek Culture Park:

  • Restrooms will be closed until further notice. Updates will be provided once they are reopened.

Trueheart Ranch, Helton, Escondido, and Branch River Parks:

  • Restrooms will be closed until further notice. Updates will be provided once they are reopened.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!

 Stem Density efforts in the Eagle Land segment will be extended through the end of February 2025.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing materials from: San Antonio River Authority, 100 East Guenther St., San Antonio, TX, 78204, US. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.