COMMENT OF THE DAY RUNNER-UP: WHY YOU SHOULD TRY BOATING ON THE BAYOU 
“. . . Buffalo Bayou looks really nice from a kayak or canoe, and you can see the houses from the water. I’ve encountered all sorts of wildlife including many different bird species, turtles, and an alligator. There are maps online locating the put-in / take-out spots, if you’re so inclined. Pro tip: if you’re paddling by yourself and wish to take out at the same spot you put in, paddle upstream first, and save the easier downstream half for when you’re tired and just want to go home.” [GoogleMaster, commenting on Comment of the Day: The Real Reason Why Buffalo Bayou Smells and Looks the Way It Does]
Sign up for the Newsletter
My favorite place to paddle in the Houston area is Mac Lake. Put in at Cedar Hill Park (on Lake Charlotte), then use Google Maps to navigate the bayous to get to Mac Lake. No people, no trash, absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks for the suggestion! I found a description in Texas Highways that makes it sound pleasantly free of people. http://www.texashighways.com/eat/item/557-wallisville-lake-project-tranquility-along-the-trinity