The Names of Five Major Rivers in Texas

The Names of Five Major Rivers in Texas

Pecos River Joins the Rio Grande image by Felipe Fernandez from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Texas is the largest U.S. state and is bordered by Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Many rivers run through Texas, but the two most famous are the Rio Grande and the Colorado River. In the city of San Antonio, a river runs right through the center of town, making the city a major attraction for visitors who enjoy walking along the river's edge. Outdoor, water-related activities are also common to the state.

Rio Grande

The Rio Grande, which is known as the Rio Bravo in Mexico, is the river that forms a large part of the border between the United States and Mexico. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, this is the fourth largest river in the nation, spanning 1,885 miles. El Paso,Texas, is the main city that hosts the Rio Grande, and the surrounding valleys host many species of birds, butterflies and dragonflies, making this area a popular choice for wildlife viewing.

Colorado River

The Colorado River originates just south of Lubbock, Texas, and takes a turn toward Austin, Texas, running right through Lake Austin. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, this is the 18th largest river in the nation at 862 miles in length. In Lake Austin, the Pennybacker Bridge crosses right over the river, and the Deep Eddy Pool is built around the river. Both are popular attractions in the area, with the Deep Eddy Pool being a part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

San Antonio, Guadalupe and Devils Rivers

The San Antonio River is one of the main attractions of the city of San Antonio and its famed River Walk. The river is also host to many missions, including Mission Espada, Mission Concepcion, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano and San Antonio de Valero Mission, also known as the Álamo. The San Antonio River leads into the Guadalupe River, which runs to the San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The Guadalupe is popular for trout fishing in the area. When it comes to fishing and other river sports like kayaking, the Devils River is worth mentioning, as it's known for having some of the most pristine waters in the area.

Article Written By Susanna Lo

Susanna Lo is an established writer, director and producer who won awards in The Berlin and Montreal film festivals. She is a member of PEN and WGA. Her parents worked for the airline and hotel industries and she's been traveling since infancy. Lo has lived in Europe, Asia, South America and North America and speaks five languages. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication.

Write for Trails.com
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