When talking about the Lone Star State, one can surely say, "A river runs through it." Texas boasts 3,700 flowing streams totaling about 80,000 miles of running water.

The most scenic and popular recreational rivers are located in Central and West Texas, where pure, spring-fed currents roll over limestone stream beds through beautiful hills.

Here are some of the top 10 recreational rivers in Texas.

Ratings reflect access, appeal to paddlers, proximity to parks or other facilities and fishing opportunities.

While enjoying Texas rivers, it's important to remember that most lands are privately owned.

Folks cannot legally get out of the water and onto the bank, unless the streams are flowing through state or federal property. The private property issue makes access to the waterways a major concern.

One of the best sources of information for Texas paddling is "Rivers and Rapids," a canoeing, rafting and fishing guide to popular streams in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"Rivers and Rapids" identifies access points, accurately describes various stretches of the river and provides information on campgrounds and canoe rental outlets.

The publication is available at bookstores or by calling (972) 272-3353.

Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe is considered the premier Texas canoeing water, simply because it's centrally located northwest of San Antonio and offers a variety of water.

The Guadalupe's flow ranges from a gentle current on most stretches to raging rapids that challenge expert paddlers under high-water conditions.

Because of its popularity, the Guadalupe has more private campgrounds and canoe rental outlets than any river in the state. It's also the most crowded.

Guadalupe River State Park in Kendall County is a beautiful facility developed alongside the scenic river.

Colorado River
When measured by its length and drainage, the Colorado is the largest river totally within Texas.

The Colorado is another lazy river (under ordinary water conditions) that's excellent for a family float trip.

It is particularly scenic in the upper reaches of the best floating water, around San Saba and Lampasas counties.

Guided tours are available to Gorman Falls and Gorman Cave, two Hill Country delights within the 5,000-acre property.

Llano River
The Llano is a spring-fed Hill Country beauty near Junction.

The Llano River rivals the Guadalupe in scenery but lacks the Guadalupe's challenging water conditions.

Because of pristine water quality, the Llano is a recreational dream for paddlers, swimmers and anglers.

Because of good access, one of the hot spots is where the South Llano River flows through South Llano River State Park west of Junction.

Frio River
As a recreational stream, the Frio is short but sweet.

The Frio heads above Leakey in the country of 1,100 springs and, for recreational purposes, only flows about 20 miles until it rolls off the Edwards Plateau. But it's an important 20 miles.