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The
Guadalupe River was one of the earliest-explored rivers
in Texas, and was named for Our Lady of Guadalupe
by Spanish explorer Alonzo de Leon in 1689. During 1691-93, Domingo Teran de los
Rios, the Spanish Governor of Texas, maintained a colony on the river, and an
early Anglo-American settlement, with thirty to forty families living along the
banks, formed the boundary of the Power-Hewitson Irish Colony. Near the mouth
of the river, historic Victoria
was founded. Sixty miles above the headwaters is Gonzales,
where the first shot for Texas freedom was fired on October 2, 1835. The Guadalupe
River is 250 miles long and supports some of the finest recreation spots in Central
Texas.
Take IH35 to
Loop 337 (TX 46) and go west from New
Braunfels. Take a right at the first stoplight after crossing the river and
follow the blue signs. |
View
of the railroad bridge over the Guadalupe River in New
Braunfels
Photo courtesy Chia-Wei Wang, August 2006 |
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River
RoadRiver Road
is a 10.6-mile scenic drive between Loop 337 in New
Braunfels and Canyon Lake Dam which crosses the Guadalupe River four times.
There is no stopping or parking allowed on the road, so the best way to see this
area is from an innertube on the river. Millions of people float this 20-mile
stretch of the river between Sattler and New
Braunfels every summer. The river flows from Canyon Dam toward the
coast, and is extremely popular. There are over two dozen outfitters along the
shore where you can rent tubes and canoes and buy concessions. Most outfitters
offer a shuttle service to bring you back to your point of entry. Styrofoam and
glass are prohibited on the river, and officers patrol the waters for safety.
Whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular,
but tubing seems to be the mode of choice. The river cuts through tall limestone
bluffs and towering cypress trees. There are occasional rapids, but for the most
part the river flows along lazily. The riverfront property is all privately owned,
and there are many places to camp and spend the night, as well as restaurants.
New
Braunfels Hotels > Book Your Hotel Here & Save |
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Guadalupe
River
Photo courtesy Gloria Bauernfeind, 2007 |
Guadalupe River Guadalupe
River State Park - Thanks to a handful of canoeists who lobbied the Texas
Legislature in the mid-1970s, this 20-mile stretch of the upper Guadalupe River
is now preserved as a state park. moreKerrville-Schreiner
State Park - Kerrville-Schreiner State Park has 517 acres fronting
the Guadalupe River ... more
Louise
Hays Park
- Louise Hays Park is a lovely little spot in the heart of downtown Kerrville.
... more
Cascade
Caverns - Since 1932, tours of this unique cave structure on the Guadalupe
River have been given to the public. ... more
Max
Starcke Park - This glorious municipal park, operated by the City of Seguin,
is beautiful and rich with the area's history.... more
New
Braunfels Hotels > Book Your Hotel Here &
Save |
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"A picture taken about 1919 of Papa & his sisters on an excursion somewhere
on the Guadalupe River when they visited their grandfather." - Sarah
Reveley | |
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