Neches River, Hwy 84 Launch nr Palestine, going up
Kayak paddle trail route map on the Neches River. The launch is on Highway 84 just east of Palestine Texas. The plan on this nice fall day was to go upstream to the spillway (this was the endpoint of an earlier trip starting at the Highway 79 launch) and return back down to Highway 84. Mission accomplished, all good, but a tough paddle. Initially, just upstream of the launch, the trail has a swampy feel, with Spanish moss hanging from the trees. And some of the curves are super tight and even though the current was weak you really have to wrestle the boat around these turns. Further upstream the scenery changes to a bit more leafy northern woods feel, and towards the spillway the stream widens out a bit and paddling becomes easier. Much of this route, which was about 20 miles round trip, required going over, under, or around the many log jams. A set of pictures below show some of these obstacles. It took four hours to go up, and three and a half to get back, which is pretty slow. Mild current, the Neches River nr Neches gage was about 120 cfs.
Above: The Highway 84 launch point.
Above: Just upstream of the launch the feel is southern swamp, with Spanish moss, lilies, and low lying side pools.
Above: Abandoned boat.
Above: Surprise! A persimmon tree was hanging over the stream, and the fruit was ripe!
Above: The spillway turnaround point.
Above: Going under this one meant taking off the life jacket to save a couple inches. And the boat sinks a bit into the water when it is pushed down, giving a bit more room as well. Getting stuck would be bad.
Above: Dragging the boat.
And now, below, some additional pictures that show a few of the obstacles, log jams, encountered on these types of river trips. This gives a better feel for the actual paddle. Some of the pictures show there is a bit of current as well.
www.SawdustRiver.com 