Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Paddling Trails
Three paddling trails run through and around Martin Dies, Jr. State Park; The Neches Paddling Trail, Walnut Slough Paddling Trail, and Sandy Creek Paddling Trail. The three trails are guaranteed to suit anyone as they offer 3 to 16 miles of scenic beauty on the park’s backwater sloughs and lake.
The three trails offer a variety experiences , all filled with amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. The riparian corridors of the Angelina and Neches Rivers support a great diversity of plant and animal life. Try your hand at fishing from your canoe or kayak, as the water yields a variety of species.
If you do not have a canoe or kayak of your own, rent one at the park. Canoe rentals, including life vests and paddles on-site in the park. Large group shuttle service for Bevilport Paddling Trail. For more information contact the park at 409-384-5231.
Access Sites
Three access sites:
Neches Paddling Trail and Walnut Slough Paddling Trail
Walnut Boat Ramp
- Directions to Walnut Boat Ramp
Enter the Walnut Ridge Unit (north off Hwy 190) onto Park Road 48, go past Nature Center and shelters, turn right at boat ramp sign.
Sandy Creek Paddling Trail
Canoe Dock
- Directions to Canoe Dock:
Enter the Hen House Unit (south off Hwy 190) onto Park Road 48, go past park headquarters, and stay on Park Road 48 until you come to the first bridge. This is the Canoe Dock
Henhouse Boat Ramp
- Directions to Henhouse Boat Ramp:
Enter the Hen House Unit (south off Hwy 190) onto Park Road 48, go past park headquarters, and stay on Park Road 48 past the Day Use Area, and the Hen House Boat Ramp will be on your left.
Trail Description
- Neches Paddling Trail – 3.2 – 16 miles (this trail is marked by a series of 8 buoys, allowing paddlers options in the route taken to the Neches River and back to the park that can add up to 16 miles of paddling depending on routes taken.)
- Walnut Slough Paddling Trail – 4.3 miles
- Sandy Creek Paddling Trail – 4.9 miles
Float Time: ~2-4 hours per trail, Neches Paddling Trail could last up to 8 hours (depending on route taken, water level, flow rate and wind speed)
These paddling trails were designed for beginning or novice paddlers, with no shuttle or portage necessary.
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