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 was to go upstream to the spillway which was the turnaround point of an earlier trip starting at the Highway 79 launch. Just upstream of the launch the trail has a Spanish moss swampy feel and some of the curves are super tight where you really have to wrestle the boat. Up towards the spillway the stream widens out a bit and paddling becomes easier. But much of this route, about 20 miles round trip, required going over, under, or around the many log jams. A set of pictures below show some of these. 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.
31.777,-95.39645
Launch Site Google Maps Link
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.
Below, some additional pictures that show a few of the obstacles, log jams, encountered on these types of river trips. This gives a feel for the actual paddle.
