Comal River
The shortest river in Texas, spring-fed, clear, and floatable almost year-round through the heart of New Braunfels.
Today’s read
Flow history & what's normal
All gauges on the Comal
About the Comal
The Comal rises at Comal Springs, the largest spring complex in Texas, and runs about two and a half miles through New Braunfels before joining the Guadalupe. Because it's entirely spring-fed, it stays cool, clear, and floatable when rain-fed rivers run low.
The float is a city-park run: put in near Prince Solms Park, ride the tube chute, and drift through town. It's short, reliable, and the most beginner-friendly water in Central Texas, which also makes it the most crowded on summer weekends.
New Braunfels may order the river closed around ~500 cfs at the city's discretion, which happens after heavy rain pushes the springs and the watershed up together.
Float stretches we track
Safety on the Comal
- ⚠ The tube chutes (Prince Solms) demand attention, follow posted rules and keep small kids seated.
- ⚠ The city can close the river near ~500 cfs at its discretion, check before a trip after heavy rain.
- ⚠ Holiday weekends are extremely crowded; expect slow lines at the chute and busy exits.
Season by season
- •Year-round: spring flow keeps the Comal floatable in months when rain-fed rivers are stranded.
- •Summer: peak season and peak crowds, go early on weekends.
- •Drought: extended dry years pull spring output down; the river stays floatable but slower.
Outfitters on the Comal River
Along the river
New Braunfels