Neches-Davy Crockett Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: ~9.2 miles

Float Times: ~3 - 6 hours (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed)

Trail Description

This stretch of the Neches is well known for the Neches River Rendezvous, an annual float trip hosted by the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Temple-Inland, Inc.  This river segment is great for a family outing even though there are occasional logjams and snags to avoid, especially when water is low.  A variety of water types including quiet pools and several small riffles are present.  There are no man-made obstructions.

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This creek is classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.

Trail Map

Things to Do and See

Fishing

Once used as a main food source for early settlers, the Neches River is still home to the native species of freshwater fish in East Texas. The mainstay of this historic fishery is catfishing.  Rod and reel fishing is the most used technique for catfish, while a more effective technique used is the limb line. Neches River largemouth bass seem to be more active than their lake count

erparts; therefore, river bass are smaller but much more fun to catch. A unique species in this wild river and sometimes overlooked is the buffalo fish.  These “rough” fish congregate in deep holes in the spring and are susceptible to live crawfish on small, weighted hooks.

Perch including bluegills and crappie are fished in the Neches using worms (nightcrawlers or earthworms) or small jigs. The prehistoric alligator gar sliding just under the surface is a common fish sighted on the scenic Neches River while fishing. This gar is the largest freshwater fish in the river and can weigh over 300 pounds. Few anglers fish for alligator gar because they are difficult to hook and more difficult to clean for eating.

Wildlife and Ecology

The Neches River is truly one of Texas’ wildest and least-discovered natural assets.  Its sometimes steep, heavily wooded banks and bluffs grow a combination of pines and hardwoods – oak, hickory, dogwood, hackberry, pecan and blackgum.  Birds spotted here include Prothonotary Warbler, Northern Parula, Summer Tanager, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Duck and Belted Kingfisher.  Common wildlife include squirrel, raccoon, deer, coyote, opossum and feral hog. 

Rentals and Shuttles

Tack-A-Paw Expedition

Danny Rowzee
Leesville, LA 71496
337-286-9337
1-800-256-9337
T-A-P Is Located On Hwy 392 (LA) Two Miles From Toledo Bend Dam, 2340 Toro Road.  Rentals for groups of 10 or more canoes only; advance reservations only.

Adrian VanDellen

guide services only, no canoe rentals
NaturMate@earthlink.net

Jim Lemon

Canoes, kayaks, guide service (prefer youth groups – scouts, etc)
936-615-5053 (best way to contact)

Shawl Canoe School

Shuttle, canoes, guide
Lumberton, TX  77657
409-791-0040  (cell)

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Conservation Fund.