Sabine River, Highway 155 Launch, up
Kayak paddle route map on the Sabine River, launching along Highway 155 northeast of Tyler TX. The route goes up to State Park Highway and back, roughly seven or so miles each way. Took 2 hours up and an hour fifteen back. The launch is one of the ‘off the highway and under the bridge’ sorts, no actual ramp. It had recently rained and there was a mudhole to avoid, but a small side detour got you to the river. Otherwise it might have been a Triple AAA call to get unstuck. The river was up decently, the USGS gage at State Park Highway (nr Hawkins) read about 740 cfs. No portages, the river is pretty wide. Saw beavers, pigs, and coyotes. Nice February paddle.
Above: The launch site underneath the Highway 155 bridge, pull the boat down and back up.
Above: Looking upstream, soon after launching.
Above: At this spot you can see the current through the brush in the river. This is a rate where you can hear the flow, a good sound.
Above: One of several houseboats along the way tethered to both banks of the river with ropes.
Above: Serene scene on the Sabine.