OLD RIVER 10/24/26

By Joe Coker

October 24, 2026 was a perfect fall day with no better place to be than paddling on Old River! We’ve done that same roughly 3.5 mile stretch for many years, and it never disappoints…lush greenery in the spring and colorful leaves in the fall.

Typically the put-in has been at Dead Hog under the 1409 bridge. But this time, we chose to launch from the new Joe Matthews Park in Mont Belview about 2 miles upstream. It’s a very pretty, well-kept spot with a playground, restrooms and ample parking down by the water. The modern boat launch facility makes entry and exit very convenient. Maybe bring wheels to make it even easier.

This was a Houston Canoe Club outing. Thank you Natalie for leading. Our little group of six chose to do the 4 mile R/T float down to 1409 and back. It was a super leisurely, relaxed paddle


…in at about 10:30 and out by around 2:00 with a floating lunch in one of the scenic, narrow tribs. Blue skies, calm water, frogs, cows, king fishers, herons, egrets, turtles, jumping fish and good friends all graced by beautiful fall foliage!

Another great day on the water!
 

*Group pic courtesy Natalie. See all pics on the HCC website.
https://thcc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=187&club_id=496051