See all 5 routes on South Llano River
Texas | Texas Hill Country
South Llano RiverCupgrass Access to South Llano River State Park
Potential spring-fed Hill Country float from TPWD-listed Cupgrass access to South Llano River State Park. TPWD publishes the 9.3-mile route shape, but the access page's lease term ended August 31, 2026; confirm the lease and launch are active before planning this put-in.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch through Bailey Creek at the TPWD Cupgrass access and paddle down to South Llano River State Park for a spring-fed Hill Country day with quiet pools, riffles, wildlife, and a campground finish.
Access map
Put-in
TPWD Cupgrass AccessTPWD's Cupgrass page describes a gated leased access and launch via Bailey Creek, but its published lease term ends August 31, 2026. The current TPWD leased-access index still lists Cupgrass; confirm the lease and launch are active before relying on this put-in.
Take-out
South Llano River State Park paddling accessSouth Llano River State Park is a popular destination that can reach capacity, so day-use or camping reservations are the cleanest way to secure the take-out plan.
Road shuttle
Confirm current Cupgrass lease and public-launch status with TPWD before planning this shuttle: its individual access page lists a term through August 31, 2026, while the current leased-access index still lists the site. If access is confirmed, stage the take-out at South Llano River State Park first, then follow TPWD's current parking instructions for the gated Cupgrass site.
Additional access notes
- Use only the named public access points and direct river-portage paths because most of the shoreline between them remains private.
More route and safety guidance
- TPWD warns that heavy rains and high water can create dangerous conditions on this otherwise gentle corridor.
- Respect private property and use only the named TPWD access sites, direct portage paths, and the designated state-park landing.
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Conditions
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
S Llano Rv at Flat Rock Ln at Junction, TX. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
Look for recent access, obstruction and hazard observations. Context photos may show a different part of the river.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | S Llano Rv at Flat Rock Ln at Junction, TX |
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| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 65 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Texas Rivers Protection Association South Llano overview |
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NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Published flow guidance65 cfs minimum; 100-500 cfs broader ideal
Texas Rivers Protection Association summarizes the South Llano with a 65 cfs minimum and 100-500 cfs ideal band at the Junction gauge.
- Official flow contextSpring-fed river averaging about 75 cfs
TPWD's Texas waterway analysis says the South Llano has a healthy flow averaging around 75 cfs and that the best recreation conditions come when rain is abundant and the river is on a slight rise.
- Official route segmentCupgrass to South Llano River State Park, about 9.3 mi
The TPWD Cupgrass access page says a paddle from the lease site down to South Llano State Park is about 9.3 river miles.
- Put-in accessCupgrass Access, 30.393543, -99.886693
TPWD publishes Cupgrass coordinates and Bailey Creek access instructions, but its individual page lists a lease term ending August 31, 2026. TPWD's leased-access index still lists Cupgrass; confirm current launch permission before travel.
- Current lease statusConfirm with TPWD before using Cupgrass
The individual Cupgrass access page lists a lease term through August 31, 2026, while TPWD's leased-access program index still includes Cupgrass. The public launch status is ambiguous and needs direct confirmation.
- Take-out accessSouth Llano River State Park, 30.4498, -99.8128
The TPWD South Llano Paddling Trail page identifies the state-park access point and the state-park page confirms camping and day-use reservation context at the finish.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-11USGS 08149900 at 51.6 cfs / 2.14 ft
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Route hazardsShallow riffles, strainers, high-water rises, private banks
TPWD says the trail includes quiet pools, gentle riffles, and runs, warns about snags at low water, and says heavy rain and high water can create dangerous conditions.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
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All 5Nearby routes within 75 miles
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