The following email was received from Richard and Bonnie Donovan regarding the new Neches River Paddling Trail in the Davy Crockett National Forest.  I've reprinted it here in its entirety.  You can reach the Donovans at ddonovan@consolidated.net.

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Texas Forest Country now has a 27 mile paddling trail stretching down the beautiful, historic Neches River from Anderson Crossing to  Hwy 94.

We finished working the Davy Crockett Paddling Trail from Anderson Crossing to Hwy 7 about 1:00 PM Saturday. We owe a great "Thank You" to Mack Turner, Chairman of Texas Conservation Alliance, for securing the grant from the Hoblitzell Foundation, to make this possible.

Map

The river is extremely low (the reason we chose this time). That made the job both easy and more difficult. Easy in that the workmen could wade and do most of the cutting,  causing the work to proceed more quickly. Difficult in launching and retrieving boats and going upstream when necessary. I wrecked the foot on my motor and cracked the transom in the rear of my canoe. It took its toll on  me physically, too.

For the past several years, since Jonathan Gerland showed me the site, I have used the USGS gauge at Rockland to check the level of the river.  Any time that gauge reads 3 ft. or lower the river is low and I don't recommend a paddling trip north of Biloxi Creek. Below this creek, the river is wonderful at low water levels. The river has been 3 ft. or lower the entire time we were cutting. If anyone would like the address of this site just let me (or Jonathan) know and I will oblige.

The construction at Hwy 94 may sometimes cause a problem during the week, but if things don't  change, accessing the river will actually be easier during the weekend. The construction road down to the river is much smoother. Angelina Tree Works, our contractor, put in and took out there several times. Of course that site is clay and will likely be pretty slick when wet.

The river is full of wildlife. We saw many ducks, herons, egrets, beaver, deer and alligators.  One nest of baby gators less than 1 ft. long. A big white-tailed buck jumped into the river right behind me and splashed across in a spray of water. I  hope Parks and Wildlife will watch this area a little more carefully. The alligators are not yet afraid of people and boats, they would allow me to pass within no more than 40 or 50 ft. with the little 4 hp motor. An outlaw with a rifle could make short work of them and the turtles.

The Neches paddling trail offers the opportunity for people from all walks of life to enjoy a beautiful and thrilling outdoor experience. I hope we can help make  it available to them. It might also boost tourism for the region.