With the announcement from the TPWD last week, my family and I were excited to explore some familiar ground, this time by kayak. Our first call was Robert at JR Tool and Equipment. He recently began renting kayaks, paddles and lifejackets. I know, it’s a surprise that we live on Toledo Bend and don’t already have these things, but up until now, the pontoon has been our main mode of transportation on the lake. It was great to be able to have access to what we needed at a convenient location and affordable price. And the new rental office, located beside The Emporium, has more lake and watersports offerings including tubes, water trampolines, lake mats and yes, the favored Hot Dog that seats five. If you are looking for a fun day on the lake, go see Robert and Jasmine.

We rented a two-seater and a single rider. My husband and I decided to paddle together and our youngest, braved the bayou alone. We set out early and put in on the beachy banks beside the Holly Park Marina Boat Ramp. We took the short route to Patroon Creek and back. The scenery was beautiful, and though we are in the middle of drought levels, we had no trouble navigating.

We timed our return perfectly and were able to enjoy the best bacon cheeseburger around at Holly Park Grill. We spent lunch catching up with family and sharing football stories, Astros scores and memories from days gone by. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning. Check out more of our photos on our website, and below is the complete press release from TPWD. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently announced the opening of the 79th statewide paddling trail. East Texas nature lovers won't have to go far to experience this one because it is set on Patroon Bayou at Toledo Bend Reservoir.

'The Toledo Bend-Patroon Bayou Paddling Trail lets you explore a quieter part of the Toledo Bend Reservoir,” said Shelly Plante, Nature Tourism Manager at TPWD. “By paddling through this side arm of the lake, paddlers will experience great birdwatching and fishing while enjoying views of the surrounding national forest lands. It’s quite an experience!”

Paddlers can access this loop trail at Holly Park Marina, so no shuttle is needed. The trail length ranges from two to eight miles depending on the chosen route and takes up to six hours to complete, depending on factors including the route taken, water level, wind speed and time spent on other activities like fishing. It’s also important to note that paddlers crossing the open water portion of the trail could be exposed to high winds and waves. Therefore, paddlers need to be sure to paddle at their skill level.

The trail offers an openwater paddling experience on Patroon Bay before moving to Patroon Bayou on the opposite side of the bay. Birders will see wood ducks, egrets, herons, bunting and storks in the summertime while a winter trip enables paddlers to view sparrows, pintails and teals, providing great birdwatching opportunities all year long. Paddlers can also expect to see other forest wildlife on the journey into the bayou.

If fishing is the objective, there are ample opportunities to reel in largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish. White bass, crappie and catfish can also be caught.

The Texas Paddling Trails program helps promote habitat conservation through sustainable economic development while providing additional recreational opportunities to the public. This is the first paddling trail to be designated by the TPWD on Toledo Bend. There are several others within the Deep East Texas area including ones on or near the Neches River, Caddo Lake, and Big Cypress Bayou.

The Toledo Bend Patroon Bayou Paddling Trail is a cooperative effort between the TPWD, Sabine County and Holly Park Marina.

To learn more, visit the Texas Paddling Trails website. https://tDwd.texas.gov/fish boat/boat/paddlingtrails/ https://tDwd.texas.gov/fish