Last Updated on January 30, 2024
Welcome to the Happy Trails Blog Series! While Happy Trails sounds like we are wishing you a pleasant farewell, we hope you stick around to enjoy all the fun and free activities available at San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) parks and trails!
Let’s take a step back.
We know you’re probably already aware, but just in case you didn’t know, the River Authority was created to preserve, protect, and manage the resources and environment of the San Antonio River Basin. Through that vital work, parks and trails were (and continue to be) created throughout Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties for YOU to enjoy!
A “Book Worm” challenge photo was submitted by a participant during our Fall Discovery Hunt.
Families take part in some birdwatching during the Black Outside Family Day event at Acequia Park along the Mission Reach.
Did you know? It is FREE to use the River Authority Parks and Trails!
Need a place to walk, hike, or play? In Bexar County alone, scenic routes along the Museum or Mission Reaches of the San Antonio River Walk and San Pedro Creek Culture Park (to name a few) offer places where you can bike, sit by the river, think, read a book, write a book, create an original work of art, bird watch (check out this video on our avian study), and more!
Where are the River Authority parks and trails? Great question! To keep it simple, follow this link to check them all out. There are maps and videos included that provide some great visuals of where to go and what to do: Parks & Trails.
A participant takes up the “Five Panel Mural” challenge during our Fall Discovery Hunt.
What can you do at these parks and trails?
Check out these links for information on some of the many opportunities for you to enjoy throughout the basin:
- Paddle on the San Antonio River
- Camp at Helton Nature Park
- Play disc golf at Graytown Park
- Visit the Skate Park at Escondido Creek Parkway
- Hike the natural trails at Jackson Nature Park
- Enjoy Arts & Culture at San Pedro Creek Culture Park
- You can even reserve a pavilion for your next celebration!
P.S. We host fun and FREE programs and events at our parks every month! Visit our Events Page to find out which ones you would like to attend.
Paddlers get ready to compete at the Remember Goliad Paddling Race
Here are some upcoming events and activities to keep an eye out for:
- Watercolor Collage Art Workshop led by artist Kat Cadena – November 19, 2022
- River of Lights & Holly Jolly Kayaking – December 3, 2022
- Free Camping Weekend at Helton Nature Park – December 9 – 11, 2022
- Campside Cinema screening of Elf at Helton Nature Park – December 10, 2022
- Monday Night Yoga and quarterly Drum Circles at San Pedro Creek Culture Park
- Race the River Paddling Race Series – Dates and registration coming soon
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with the River Authority’s latest happenings.
2022 River Authority Recreation Recap
We invite you to take a peek at some of what’s happened this year on our parks and trails!
NBA Hall-of-Famer Manu Ginobili paddled down one of the many riffles along the Mission Reach Paddling Trail.
Spurs Players Dominik Barlow and Tre Jones paddled along the Mission Reach.
Yanawana Herbolarios conducted an ethnobotany tour, and attendees created their own tea blends during the Art of Tea workshop at Confluence Park.
Attendees learned camping skills at Tent Life 101 with REI at Helton Nature Park.
Campers settle in to enjoy a free movie night during Campside Cinema at Helton Nature Park.
Once in a Wild conducted a Show & Tell animal demonstration at Escondido Creek Parkway.
Last Chance Forever conducted a large bird of prey demonstration at Helton Nature Park.
Join Free Yoga on the Creek with Mobile Om every Monday night at San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
Community Drum Circle participants pause for a fun photo at San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
The River Authority held the Mission Reach Rally Paddling Race on the San Antonio River.
Participants had the opportunity to dunk fellow community members at Escondido Creek Parkway’s Back to School Bash. The warm weather also made cooling off in the park’s splash pad a delightful experience!
Keep an eye out for future blogs where we tell you more about our parks and give tips and tricks for your adventures.
Happy trails!
Sign Up for the River Reach
River Reach is a quarterly, 12-page newsletter that is designed to inform the San Antonio River Authority’s constituents about the agency’s many projects, serve as a communication vehicle for the board of directors and foster a sense of unity and identity among the residents of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties.
If you wish to be placed on the mailing list for River Reach, please contact us or complete the form.
