FM 3478 Bridge

The FM 3478 Bridge crossing provides boat access to the Trinity River in Walker County. This is a major river system—the eighth-order Trinity spans 474 miles and drains over 17,500 square miles. Paddlers should expect a substantial waterway with an average flow of approximately 9,510 cubic feet per second and moderate current velocity around 5.9 feet per second. The river's gentle average gradient of 0.8 feet per mile makes it manageable for most paddlers, though current and water conditions can vary seasonally.

This access point allows boaters and paddlers to launch onto the Trinity River roughly 472 miles upstream from the river mouth. The area is in Walker County near the Estelle Unit, with Nelson Creek located downstream. This site offers a practical entry point for exploring a major Texas river system, though paddlers should be prepared for the typical conditions of a large, flowing river. Water levels and current conditions vary with season and rainfall, so check conditions before launching.