Best Rafting & Tubing Near DFW
The sizzling summer heat is upon us. Sometimes air conditioning just isn't enough for refreshment and relaxation, not to mention, it's boring. Dallas/Fort Worth is crisscrossed with water just waiting for the onslaught of tubes, rafts, kayaks and even bikerafts. Here are some great places to jump in.
Big City Bikerafts
Dallas, TX
(214) 886-9958
www.bigcitybikerafts.com
If there was ever a way to prove stamina, bikerafting would probably be it. Consider the motto "pedal, paddle, pedal." Bikerafting covers wooded and street terrain to water. Bikers pack specialized inflatable rafts, transporting them to watery currents where the rafts take their turn carrying the bikes, trekking through wooded and wet terrain throughout North Texas. Adventurers can join in on existing local trips or reserve a group trip in an area of their choice.
Brazos River
Brazos River Authority
4600 Cobbs Drive
Waco, TX 76429
(254) 761-3100
www.brazos.org
The best point to dip into the Brazos River for canoeing and rafting is near the Morris Sheppard Dam at Possum Kingdom Lake, under 100 miles from Fort Worth. Less of a leisurely ride than other rivers, this area of the Brazos River presents views of picturesque bluffs and cliffs and wooded wonderlands. Canoers can ride the Brazos about 20 miles from the dam to Highway 4. Currents and streams can change quickly, so water-lovers should be alert as they enjoy this exciting ride.
Rockin' the Trinity – Summer Tubing & Music Series
Panther Island Pavilion
395 Purcey Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 698-1700
www.trinityrivervision.org
The Panther Pavilion on the Trinity River in Fort Worth is once again hosting the Rockin' The River-Live on the Trinity Summer Tubing & Music Series for the unbeatable summer of 2013. Imagine this: live music from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., loads of lively people and big, bubbly tubes. Tube rental costs $6 and beer and sodas are $3, while parking and water are free. Thursday evenings on the river have never been this much of a party.
Related: Best Swim Classes In DFW
Trinity River Expeditions
304 Lyman Circle
Dallas, Texas 75211
(214) 941-1757
www.canoedallas.com
Charles Allen has spent years promoting the health and appreciation of the Trinity River. Guided canoe or kayak tours on Elm or West Forks and Main Stem of the river take place on the second Saturday of each month for only $50. Charles paddles along, describing the ecological wonders and animals that call the river home. For those who prefer solace and quiet, kayaks and canoes can also be rented for a comparable price with prior reservation.
Dallas Trinity Paddling Trail
1001 Sylvan Ave.
Dallas, TX 75208
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
This urban paddling trail highlights the friendship between waterways and bridges, a delight for fans of both nature and architecture. Rafting down the river here will take enthusiasts through a bridge tour where they can observe both native animals as well as people in more of a hurry than they should be, as they pleasantly paddle past the modern Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava and the historic Houston Street Viaduct.
Kena Sosa is a freelance writer in Dallas. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
