A long-forgotten landmark, a peaceful stretch of river and a 25-acre parcel of highway right-of-way is being celebrated as city and state officials officially open the Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail.

The six-mile route on the San Marcos River between U.S. Hwy 90 and the historic Zedler Mill in Luling is the state's first inland paddling trail and offers canoeists and kayakers a safe, well-mapped route with convenient access and parking, officials say.

It may also bring an economic boost to this small town just off IH-10 east of San Antonio and south of Austin.

To increase local tourism appeal, Luling residents, the city government and the local economic development corporation have come together to restore and redevelop the historic Zedler Mill (built in 1874) near the city's existing nine-hole golf course.

"We organized a town meeting inviting anybody who wanted to know what was happening at the mill or wanted to be part of it to come out," said Randy Engelke, city of Luling parks and recreation director. About 100 people showed for that first meeting and soon there was consensus on what Luling's waterfront would one day look like.

"What came to the top was a museum - whether a working museum or a static display. A restaurant was high on the list," Engelke said. "An amphitheater and open-air pavilion were two of the next top ideas. We're planning on building a stage and a boat dock right on the river. The boat dock can be used for portage around the mill, or to stop and eat."

"This paddling trail is a model public-private partnership we're looking to replicate around the state," said Philip Montgomery, Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioner from Dallas, who has taken a personal interest in the concept of paddling trails in Texas.

"Having a unique piece of Texas history in the Zedler Mill matched with the natural resources of the San Marcos River gives this first river paddling trail an outstanding mix of tourism features."

Randy Worden, executive manager of business development and resource management for the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, said promoting economic development in the communities within its boundaries is part of its mission.

The river authority put up some of the money for the purchase of the mill property and has assisted the city in obtaining grants.

Local companies will provide canoe and kayak rentals and shuttle services between the paddling trail take-out at the Zedler Mill and the put-in at a new city park on U.S. Hwy. 90 six miles upstream. The city will maintain the put-in and take-out locations (parking is free), and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing interpretive materials, signs and promotion.

Canoeists, kayakers will find something new in nearby Luling

Check out TG Canoe and Kayak for Luling Shuttle Service!