|
Forming at Blue Hole Spring on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word inside the city limits of its namesake in Bexar County, the San Antonio River rises in southcentral Texas as a coastal plains flatwater stream, then gently meanders its way southeast through Wilson, Karnes, Goliad and Refugio Counties some 236 miles to its confluence with the Guadalupe River near San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The river is fed by numerous springs, as well as inflow from the Medina River, Cibolo Creek and several lesser creeks and streams that provide a near-constant navigable level. A couple of scenic waterfalls are near Falls City between Floresville and Hobson, but other than that the river is flat without rapids of any significance. The major obstacles to paddling the San antonio River are deadfall logjams and the steep, often muddy banks that contain the river.
Vegetation along the channel include growths of cottonwood, sycamore, elm and willow trees, as well as natural coastal grasses, bushes and flowering plants. Animals, birds and at least 73 documented species of fish can be found along and in the San Antonio River, which is in a mostly remote, secluded area of minimal development and few signs of civilization once the City of San Antonio fades behind. Goliad State Park is located along the banks of the river near the historic Town of Goliad, site of the famous battle for Texas Independence from Mexico, just above the Guadalupe River confluence. Because of restrictions imposed by the City of San Antonio private recreational paddling is not allowed until below the city limits. There are, however, paddleboats for rent and group river boats that passengers can ride along the Riverwalk though the historic mission town where restaurants and shops of all sorts line the banks in stark contrast to the river below the city limits. The last few miles of Lower San Antonio River trips are on the Guadalupe River between the confluence and SH 35 near Tivoli. |
|
