Neches River, Highway 7 Launch, down
Kayak paddle trail map on the Neches River starting at the Highway 7 put-in west of Lufkin TX and going downstream. The turnaround point was set based on an earlier trip starting at Highway 94, just for the sake of connection. Nice winter paddle, USGS current on the Neches @ Hwy 7 was about 620 cfs, not bad coming back. During the trip a wildfire in the forest somewhere was blowing a bit of smoke into the woods, kind of weird and slightly worrying. I’m not sure the river would save a person if a fire swept through. The Highway 7 put-in is good and there is even a shuttle service located there. Not far past the launch is a branch off the main river which I took a few hundred yards before turning around; how far this continues I’m not sure. Also, about midway down, on the east side, Google Maps indicates a possible public road 48C that leads right to the river (an X on the map). But upon investigation it turns out the road enters private hunting club land and is gated and posted no entry. So that isn’t usable. On the other, west, side of the river is the Davy Crockett National Forest. Nice paddle, lots of turtles. And no log jam portages this time.
Above: The Highway 7 launch onto the Neches River.
Above: Nice stand of pines along the river.
Above: The sky in this picture and a few others has a hazy smoke look because of a fire somewhere.
Above: Sky is a bit smoky, and the smell was strong.