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Experience Home > Outdoors
Colorado
River - Webberville, TX
Directions
From Austin - From 183, take the MLK/969 exit. Travel east on 969
approximately 11 miles to Webberville. A generic 'County Park' sign
will direct you to Little Webberville Park. This is the launch point
for canoes and kayaks.
 General
Information
The Colorado River stretches approximately 1400 miles. It supplies
water to the Highland Lakes (Lake Travis, Inks Lake, etc.). As it
runs through Austin, it is considered Lake Austin and Town Lake.
About 15 minutes east of Austin, boaters can find a stretch of the
river that feels as if civilization has been left behind.
AustinExperience's
Take on the River
I've checked out different parts of the river around Austin,
and found that the Webberville area is a great combination of seclusion
and convenience. If you're looking to canoe or kayak, you can drop
in at Little
Webberville Park, and exit the river 5 miles later at Big
Webberville Park. The river is fairly wide the entire stretch,
and easily navigatable. The river's pace picks up around bends and
around the island located about half way down this stretch of the
river. The current may lead you under an occasional low-hanging
tree, forcing you to paddle around them, but you won't encounter
any whitewater.
 When
you reach a split in the river, you can go either way. At that point,
you've reached the island. If you steer left of the island, you'll
encounter some rocky areas perfect for a quick break and a chance
to take a dip in the river. Additionally, you'll find a sandy area
on the island if you prefer to be in the shade. Further inland,
an area has been cleared on the island for camping.
On
occasion, you will see homes along the river, but most of the banks
are lined with dense vegetation. We noticed plenty of birds and
an occasional fish jumping out of the water, I've been told that
the fishing is great.
Good
to Know
We hooked up with Cook's
Canoes in Webberville. They rent canoes and kayaks, and provide
shuttle service. If you have a canoe or kayak of your own, you can
still use their shuttle service. The owner indicated that some folks
will leave in the afternoon, camp on the island, and finish up their
journey the following day. He also indicated that arrangements can
be made for those who want to travel further than 5 miles down the
river.
Austin
Experience Home > Outdoors
Written
by Jason Massey
© 2004 AustinExperience.com
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Check
out some of these books for more Texas getaways:
Shifra
Stein's Day Trips from Austin: Getaways Less Than 2 Hours Away
Official
Guide to Texas State Parks
52
Texas Weekends : Great Getaways and Adventures for Every season
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