Check points and spectatator areas are accessible via Hwy. 19. From Frankston or Neches access CR 320 or 335 to checkpoints 1 and 2. Take US 175 from Frankston to FM 1892 to the race start. Take US 79 from Palestine to the race finish .
Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race takes place on a section of the Neches River in rural Anderson County near Palestine, the county seat, about 120 miles southeast of the Dallas-Ft. worth metroplex. This part of Texas is rolling hills, ranch land with oak and pine forest. Only 55,000 people live in the entire county, which is bounded on the east by the Neches River and on the West by the Trinity. Both these rivers are unrestrained during flood season, fairly tame during August and September. This part of the Neches is the Texas State Historical Railway section, where vintage steam trains carry tourists between stations at Palestine and Rusk, crossing the Neches near where U.S. Hwy. 84 transects its banks south of the race course finish line. Driving time from Houston is about 2.5 hours, from Dallas about 2 hours, and from Tyler about 1 hour. Learn more about the Palestine area by visiting www.visitpalestine.com/
THE PLACE
To the finish: From Loop 256 in Palestine take US 79 E. approx. 16 miles to the Neches River bridge, cross over, turn left, and loop back to the Neches River.
The race covers 22 miles of scenic, largely uninhabited Neches River Trail and the uniquely challenging race course annually attracts a mix of world class marathon canoe and kayak racers, adventure racers, and amateurs of all ages for a crazy day of fun and adventure on the Neches River.... more on the race.
The race course can be divided into roughly 3 parts by noting several markers along the way. Approximately 2 miles past the first checkpoint and water station at CR 320-Cuney bridge is an old wooden bridge which serves as a first 1/3 marker.
The second and last checkpoint and water station at CR 335 serves as a marker to start the last 1/3.
To the start: From E. Loop 256 in Palestine take SH 155 North 21 miles to Frankston, Tx. Turn east (rt.) on US 175 and travel approx 3.4 to FM 1892 and turn left. From there follow the signs a short distance to the primitive camping area and starting line behind Blackburn Damn and Lake Palestine.
The race begins just below Lake Palestine and Blackburn Damn and finishes 22 miles downstream at U.S. Hwy. 79, 17 miles notheast of Palestine, Texas.
And if you happen to be in the Schulenberg area please show your appreciation by staying with our longtime frend of the race and most generous sponsor, Bill Jones at Schulenberg Inn and Suites.
