ACA Trip Report: 20221113_Lk.Charlotte_ACA.Rpt Trip Description: We will meet at 9:30 to launch at 10:00 from Cedar Hill Park, paddle west to Mac Bayou, then maybe north into Little Mac Lake and Mac Lake, probably stop for lunch at Sulphur Cut. Exact paddle route is not predetermined. We will explore areas in and around Lake Charlotte as the water level and wind allow. This is a beautiful cypress swamp paddle.
Directions to the Put-in: Our destination is Cedar Hill Park. To get there take I-10 East from Houston about 35 miles and cross over the Trinity River bridge. Continue 4 miles further to FM 563 at exit 810. Turn left onto FM563 (North) and go 2.7 miles to Lake Charlotte Rd. Turn left (West) and travel 1.0 mile to the entrance (left turn) to Cedar Hill Park. It's approximately 45 miles from Downtown Houston. The Lat/Long for the put-in is N29 52.606 W94 43.132. Here is some historical info. on the immediate area we will be in: http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/coast/images/he2.html http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/uqn08
Hazards: East Texas critters - alligators, fire ants, wasps, snakes. poison ivy. If we are very lucky, we might see bears, rattlesnakes, and tarantulas. Present wind forecast is about 12 mph, which will make the lake fairly choppy. Note: The bryozoans are harmless. Here's a bryozoan (courtesy Natalie Wiest). Remember, even baby bryozoans are cute and their mothers love them.
Ready to Launch at
Duration (hours
Paddling Miles
Emergency Initiator
Emergency Phone Numbers
Latest Expected Return Date/Time
Auto Description/License#
Contact at Launch Site (opt)
Distance from Downtown Houston
none
* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. All participants in ACA-insured activities must wear properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times during on-water activities. Non-HASK participants must sign a waiver.
Waivers - Please complete our easy to use online waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully. You give up substantial rights when you sign it.
ACA-HASK Adult WaiverACA-HASK Minor Waiver
Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. As per our insurer, we will collect $11 from each non-American Canoe Association (ACA) participant via this PayPal Link: HASK Guest PayPal $11 ($1 to cover PayPal transaction). Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.