Trails in the Canyon Lake Area

Canyon Dam Crest Trail

Located along the crest road of the dam, this trail provides a popular leisurely stroll across the top of Canyon Dam, which offers a beautiful view of the lake and river valley. Since the trail is very flat and scenic, it is especially popular for folks needing to walk for medical rehab or those just beginning an exercise program.  The south trailhead parking area is in Overlook Park which opens daily at 7am and closes at sunset.  The trail can also be accessed on the north end of the dam via North Park Road.

North Trail

Fishing is great in the discharge area of Canyon Dam especially during trout stocking season (Nov-Feb). However, the steep terrain of this area has historically limited its access to people with walking disabilities.  Now this area is available for all to enjoy.  The Guadalupe North River Trail is a short, paved, fully ADA-accessible trail which leads from a North parking area below the base of the dam to a concrete fishing platform at the mouth of the river.
The parking lot is located on South Access Road between FM 306 and FM 2673. It is the first parking lot on the left when coming off of FM 306.

Guadalupe South Trail

The trailhead is located at the base of Canyon Dam at the far end of the southernmost parking area. It is a short 1/4 mile scenic walk along the bald cypress-lined banks of the Guadalupe River. This riparian trail along with the North River Trail was built by volunteers during Public Lands Appreciation Day in 1995.  We plan to continue to develop and lengthen the trail with help from the Texas Master Naturalist.   If you or your group is interested in helping with trail building or trail maintenance, please contact the Texas Master Naturalist.

Old Hancock Trail

The Old Hancock Trail is a 3.5 mile trail along the north shoreline of Canyon Lake.
The trailhead is located at the end of Old Hancock Road just off FM 306 on the north side of the lake.
The trail runs from open plain near the shore to the wooded coves along the north shore. Along the way you will find several park style bench’s placed near the water’s edge for your usage. Be courteous of all other trail users. The trail runs from Hancock Road to the north shoreline of Canyon Park near group pavilion 1.
This trail is designated an equestrian riding trail. Hikers are welcome, but please be respectful to riders on horseback.

Madrone Trail

N 29°54.306’
W 098°13.731’

The Madrone Trail gets its name from the Madrone Tree. There are several of the trees near the trail head with in the first 2 miles of trail. The tree is famous for its pinkish red bark that is visible at certain times of the year. Recently, Boy Scouts set up a fence around one of the larger Madrone Trees along with a plaque describing the tree species.
The trail is approximately 8.2 mile hike and bike trail located in Canyon Park.
It is an intermediate to advanced level mountain biking trail with several sections that are fairly technical to most riders. This includes drops, ledges, tight turns, narrow path and other natural obstacles.
The trail head parking is located on Canyon Park Road approximately one mile off of FM 306 on the North side of the lake.  Cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets, respect other trail users and respect the parks natural resources while riding the Madrone Trail.
The trail was recently marked with new distance marks. if you need to know how far you have come you can refer to the distance parks along the trail. They are also color coded in case you get lost or need help.

If you or your group is interested in helping with trail building or trail maintenance, please contact the Canyon Lake Office at 830-964-3341.

Information Courtesy of Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce 2012-2013 Visitors’ Guide