Jacksonville, Texas- Have you ever thought of paddling down the Neches River? Here is your opportunity. The public is invited to help launch the new Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail at a Launch Event Saturday, March 21, 2015!
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife in designating the Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail. Other partners are Neches River Run Park, Texas Conservation Alliance and Friends of the Neches River. They will host the Launch Event beginning at 11:00 am at the put-in location for the Trail in Neches River Run Park.
The Launch Event will include the unveiling of an information kiosk and a ribbon cutting on the river, to dedicate the trail. Then you are encouraged to paddle the Cherokee Neches Trail on this opening day of the trail (or anytime!).
From its starting point at Neches River Run Park, the trail continues downstream on the Neches River to the take-out location at Highway 79. The seven mile paddle usually takes the average paddler with normal river conditions about three hours. An informational kiosk about the Cherokee Neches Trail will be placed at the put-in and take-out locations.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, kayaking and canoeing are the fastest growing segments in outdoor recreation. The Cherokee Neches Trail will provide folks an outdoor opportunity to view the historic Neches River up close and personal. Its designation as a State Paddling Trail will draw tourists from all over the state and the nation.
For more information about the event, call the Jacksonville Chamber at 903-586-2217 or go to jacksonvilletexas.com. To reserve a rental canoe or to arrange transportation if you have your own boat, call Neches River Run Park (riverrunpark.com) at 903-724-4100 to make a reservation.
For more information about paddling trails, check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails.