September 8, 2018
5th Annual BTA NECHES RIVER RALLY
Contact: Bruce Walker at Director@Bigthicket.org
(Registration does not include boat rental)
"We thank our corporate sponsors for their generous donations which
will make The Neches River Rally a huge success."
Highlights:
- Family Friendly
- Life Preservers Mandatory
- Launch at Set Times
- Rain or Shine
- No Refunds
The Collier’s Ferry to Lake Bayou Paddling Trail is an “out-and-back” paddling trail. It is approximately 7 miles long. Paddlers float a short distance down the Neches to Lake Bayou and into the Big Thicket National Preserve. This trail provides a great opportunity for paddlers to experience wildlife and ecology. Paddlers would have the option to dock their boats on some parts of the trail and walk on the banks. Collier’s Ferry to Lake Bayou has been proposed to be an official Texas Paddling Trail with Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Collier’s Ferry was the main crossing on Old Jasper Road and alternate crossing on Opelousas Trail from Liberty through Beaumont to Louisiana. Used as early as 1750, route followed Indian traces and was the “highway” for explorer-settlers, priests, soldiers, trades from Spain, France, and Anglo-America. The ferry's most important use was as a cattle crossing on famous Opelousas Trail from 1820s to 1900. Herds came this way to bypass the streets of Beaumont. Although others ran it during 1831-1950 career, the ferry crossing took its name from the John Collier family who operated it for 50 years.
(New this year, registration will be required for each person)
(Registration does not include boat rental)
Early Bird Registration ends Monday, August, 20
PARTICIPANTS 13 YEARS & OLDER - $30 (AFTER AUG. 20 - $40)
PARTICIPANTS 12 YEARS & YOUNGER - $10 (AFTER AUG. 20 -$15)
ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd
Getting There
One access site:
Distance from Nearest Major Cities:
Huntsville – 111 miles
Bryan/College Station – 188 miles
Waco – 241 miles
Austin – 253 miles
Dallas – 281 miles
San Antonio – 285 miles
Fort Worth – 303 mile
Early Bird Registration ends Monday, August, 20
PARTICIPANTS 13 YEARS & OLDER - $30 (AFTER AUG. 20 - $40)
PARTICIPANTS 12 YEARS & YOUNGER - $10 (AFTER AUG. 20 -$15)
ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd
Online registration Deadline is Monday, September 3 rd in order to allow time for our volunteers to process your applications and prepare your "goodie" bags.
(New this year, registration will be required for each person)
Thank you for your interest in participating in the Rally. If you have questions regarding the Rally or need to change a registration already submitted, please send us an e-mail or call the Neches River Rally office at 409-790-5399.
(Registration does not include boat rental)