Bosque Bluffs Paddle Trail

The Bosque Bluffs Paddle Trail offers a unique perspective of the Cameron Park bluffs that is only attainable by watercraft. With ample wildlife, natural rock features, and a relatively short route, Bosque Bluffs is a great outing close to the city for those with watercraft, an appreciation for quiet and seclusion, and limited time to spend.

To reach the bluffs from the McLennan Community College Boat Ramp put-in, paddle south. You will be able to see Lover's Leap immediately. About 150 meters toward Lover's Leap, look left (toward the east), and you will see a small outlet—depending on the time of day, deer can be spotted here. Continue paddling south to Lover's Leap and Emmon's Cliff shortly thereafter.

After taking in the views and enjoying the surprising peace and quiet, you can choose to continue on the paddle trail toward the Circle Point Bluff or you can turn back to the MCC Boat Ramp. The paddle trail to Emmon's Cliff from the Boat Ramp is roughly 975 meters (about 0.6 mi) one way, and a strong paddler can be down and back in 20 minutes depending on river conditions.

To continue to Circle Point Bluff, paddle south and to a point where the Bosque River meets the Brazos River. This is called the Mouth of the Bosque, and you will be able to see Circle Point Bluff from here. Stay the course to the south to reach Circle Point. At this point you will have paddled 1,931 meters (about 1.2 mi). Turn around and paddle back to the put-in to complete the paddle trail for a total of about 3,862 meters (2.4 mi).

In addition to deer, you can see red-eared slider turtles big and small at all times of day almost anywhere near the riverbanks. There is also birdwatching to be done; you can see scissor-tailed flycatcher, duck, hawks, great egret, and blue cranes. The Bosque River is also a popular place for fishing. You can catch carp, crappie, largemouth bass, and multiple varieties of catfish in these waters. A fishing license is required to fish here and can be purchased at local sporting goods stores.