Kayaking the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail

Trail: South Bay Loop

Put-in: Crabman Marina
GPS coordinates:
27° 52' 31.224" N
97° 5' 24.324" W

Trailhead: Marker 59
GPS coordinates:
27° 53.92' N; 97° 04.729' W

Trail Length: 6.7 miles

Map: Click on the satellite image to the right
to view a full-size map of the South Bay Loop.

Trail: Cutters Loop

Put-in: Lighthouse Lakes Trail Park
GPS coordinates: 27°51' 43.775" N;
97°5' 24.324" W

Trailhead: Marker 60
GPS coordinates: 27°52.039' N;
97°05.026' W

Trail Length: 5 miles

Map: Click on the satellite image above
right to view a full-size trail map.

Trail: Redfish and Electric Lake Loops

Put-in: Lighthouse Lakes Trail Park
GPS coordinates: 27°51' 43.775" N;
97°5' 24.324" W

Trailhead: Marker 1 (Redfish)
GPS coordinates: 27°52.98' N;
97°04.447' W
Markers 3-6 (Electric Lake)

Trail Length: 6.8 miles (Redfish)
1.25 miles (Electric Lake)

Map: Click on the satellite image above
right to view a full-size trail map.

To download the GPS coordinates associated with each of the Lighthouse Lakes trail markers, click the link below (scroll down for the GPX file link on the webpage) :

Download GPS Coordinates Here

To view each of the 65 waypoints, click this link:

GPS Chart - Trail Marker Waypoints

The Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail is part of the Redfish Bay State Scientific Area. When visiting please practice the leave no trace ethics of natural resources preservation. This is a fragile ecosystem that is protected by law. Special regulations are in effect to protect the seagrasses that are critical habitat for many forms of marine life. Prop damage or uprooting of seagrasses is prohibited. Please do not litter. Pack out what you bring in.

Congress authorized the construction of a lighthouse for Aransas Pass in 1851. Located on the Gulf Coast between St. Joseph Island to the north, and Mustang Island to the south, the lighthouse was to be constructed on twenty-five acres of land on Harbor Island.

There was much debate regarding the best type of lighthouse to be built. Because the pass was rapidly shifting south due to continuous sand deposits, it was recommended by one admiral that a lightship be used instead of a permanent structure. After several surveys were completed, the lighthouse committee chose to have a brick tower built.

In December of 1855, the schooner transporting the bricks to Harbor island for lighthouse construction was destroyed in high seas after foundering on a sand bar. No lives were lost, as the crew was rescued, but all else was a total loss.

During 1856, the 55-foot octagonal brick tower was built, along with a lighthouse keeper's dwelling. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed in the tower and was in operation starting in 1957.

As the Civil War broke out, the lighthouse lens was removed for safekeeping. Legend has it that the lens was buried in the surrounding marsh and was never found after the war. The top of the lighthouse tower was damaged when a Confederate general ordered it to be destroyed. It has since been repaired.

By 1952 sand deposited by the currents had shifted Aransas Pass over a mile south of the lighthouse. At this point, the Lydia Ann light was deactivated and replaced by the Port Aransas Coast Guard Station. Though the Lydia Ann light has been decommissioned, private lighthouse keepers continue to keep the lantern lit.

Historians credit the name of the channel and lighthouse to Lydia Ann Dana Hastings Hull Wells. She was the wife of James B. Wells who was a settler of nearby St. Joseph Island.

For more history and details about the Lydia Ann Lighthouse and its keepers, visit the Friends of the Lighthouse webpage. Check out the links section of this website for access.

The first time I kayaked the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail I did not have a GPS device. Though I had a waterproof map of the trails, I found that the waterways are a real maze.

You are never far from civilization, and you do have landmarks that you can see from within the channels, but I highly recommend that you travel with a GPS unit in addition to the trail map. I am providing all of the trail marker GPS coordinates for you.

Click on the satellite image above left to access a full-size map of the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail.

After my first paddling adventure here, I purchased the highly rated Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx because it is especially well-equipped for marine use. I have been extremely satisfied with the performance of this Garmin GPS device.

You don't have to own a kayak or fishing equipment to enjoy the Texas coast. There are plenty of reasonable options for renting or hiring out a charter tour. I am providing some links and resources for your convenience.

Slow Ride Guide Kayaking and Fishing Tours
Coastal Bend Kayaking
Port Aransas Adventures

The Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail is located on Highway 361 between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas in Texas.

Traveling Distance:
From Corpus Christi - 28 miles
From San Antonio - 153 miles
From Houston - 193 miles
From Austin - 194 miles
From Dallas - 374 miles

If you are coming from Corpus Christi:

Take Hwy. 35 toward Aransas Pass.
Exit on Hwy. 361 (Wheeler Avenue).
Follow the signs to Port Aransas.
Continue on 361. You will cross the bridge and take the causeway out to either Crabman Marina or the Lighthouse Lakes Trail Park.

When kayaking it is always important to be aware of the weather. Always allow plenty of time to get to safety should a storm front approach while paddling. Never remain on the water in the event of lightning or strong winds.

Please note that when you cross any channels near the put-in locations, such as the Aransas Shrimp Boat Channel, kayaks do not have the right of way. You must always yield to the boats that are traveling down the channel. This can be a very busy channel, so be aware and take care to allow adequate lead time to cross in between the larger boat traffic.

As with all outdoor activities, it is a very good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. That way, should you have any unexpected difficulties, you will be missed and someone will be looking for you.

The best clothing options for kayaking and kayak fishing offer sun protection and fast-drying fabrics. When I'm on the water or the beach, I live in my Columbia gear. The Eddyline shirts have really comfortable venting to keep me cool, while at the same time protecting me from sunburn. I like the versatility of the zip-off pants. Being able to convert to shorts or full-length pants is perfect for long days outdoors. For foot protection, I usually wear a neoprene wetshoe, but you can also wear water sandals.

Listed below are some of the clothing items and footwear I recommend for water activities.

Lydia Ann Lighthouse - Lighthouse Friends Website

All Texas Paddling Trails - Texas Parks and Wlldlife Website

Texas Kayak Fisherman Forum

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