Take this quiz to test your knowledge of New Braunfels’ two rivers!
Whether you’ve floated the river in New Braunfels for years or you just jumped in for the first time, it’s clear that the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers are the heart of the city. While you may know all about having fun on the river, how much do you really know about the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers? Test your knowledge with this quiz!
1. How long is the Comal River?
Often called the “longest shortest river in the world,” the river originates from headwater springs in Landa Park, then flows about 2.5 miles before merging with the Guadalupe River. It’s the shortest navigable river in the United States. In contrast, the Guadalupe is approximately 250 miles long, from its origins in Kerr County to the Gulf of Mexico.
2. What dam feeds the section of Guadalupe River that runs through New Braunfels?
The Canyon Lake Dam captures water from the Guadalupe River just northwest of New Braunfels, forming a lake with a surface area of 8,230 acres and 80 miles of shoreline. The dam was built for both flood control and water conservation, but it also created a popular visitor destination with waterfront parks, yacht clubs, boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, hiking trails and more. Further downstream, dams form other popular recreational spots near New Braunfels, including Lake McQueeney, Lake Dunlap and Lake Placid.
3. Which river parallels one of the state’s most scenic drives?
River Road, a 10-mile stretch of highway between Canyon Lake Dam and Loop 337 in New Braunfels, hugs the Guadalupe River as it winds through beautiful stretches of the Texas Hill Country, crossing the river at five points. In addition to views of limestone bluffs, majestic cypress trees, and sparkling clear water, River Road provides access to outdoor recreation along the river, from campgrounds, resorts and cabins to fishing spots, swimming holes and tubing outfitters.
4. Which is warmer, the Comal or Guadalupe?
2 It depends. The spring-fed Comal maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees. Water in the Guadalupe can range from the low 50s in winter to 75 degrees during the summer months. When water is released into the river from Canyon Lake Dam, the temperature cools considerably as it’s filled with the coldest water from the deepest part of the lake (which feels fantastic on a hot August day!).
5. What river flows through the middle of a famous German-themed festival each year?
Tens of thousands of revelers flock to the banks of the Comal River each November for Wurstfest, an annual celebration that combines German culture with Texas-style fun. It’s a 10- day salute to sausage, with live music, dancing, a carnival and more, all in celebration of the city’s German roots.
6. Does any part of the Comal River have lifeguards?
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months at the famous tube chute near downtown New Braunfels, where tubers return to the river after blasting through a water-slide-type chute. Tubers can also stay safe with life jackets, available at no cost in Hinman Island Park at the public entrance to the Comal River.
7. What fish is stocked each fall on the Guadalupe River?
Every fall, the Guadalupe River becomes a trout fishing paradise. Texas Parks and Wildlife and conservation group Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited (GRTU) stock the river between Canyon Dam and New Braunfels starting in late November and continuing until early March. Lower temperatures in the winter months keep the water cool enough for trout to flourish, making the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels one of America’s top 100 best trout streams and the southernmost trout fishery in the U.S.
8. What springs feed the Comal River?
The river flows from Comal Springs, the largest spring system in Texas. The Comal is unique among Texas waterways in that virtually all its water flows from a cluster of springs, mostly within the 51 acres of Landa Park. Springwater forms Landa Lake, which feeds the Comal River (insider tip: rent a paddleboat to view the dozens of springs on the lakebed). 3
9. Which river has a live music venue on its banks?
The Whitewater Amphitheater is perched on the banks of the Guadalupe River, with a stage framed by towering cypress trees. This outdoor arena draws world-renowned performers such as Willie Nelson and Miranda Lambert and holds up to 5,600 fans.
10. What is the most fun activity you can do on the rivers: tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing or swimming?
Whatever answer you picked, you’re absolutely right! This is a trick question, because they’re all amazing options for enjoying the two rivers in the heart of New Braunfels.
Plan on visiting the Comal and the Guadalupe next time you’re #InNewBraunfels! Start planning the activities, dining, nightlife, and lodging options for your next visit at VisitNBTX.com.