Bevilport Paddling Trail

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The Bevilport Paddling Trail begins at Bevilport Boat Ramp, an historic riverboat landing site and location of the first cattle drives from Texas. It offers over 9 miles of river trail down the Angelina and Neches rivers.

Trail Access

Bevilport Boat Ramp

Type:
Put In
GPS Coordinates:
30.9240, -94.1565

8.5 miles from the park

From Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, located on Hwy 190 between Woodville and Jasper, turn right (east) on Hwy 190 and travel 2.6 miles. Turn left onto FM 1747, and travel 4.2 miles to stop sign.  Turn left onto FM 2799, and travel 1.7 miles to Bevilport Boat Ramp.

Walnut Boat Ramp

Type:
Take Out
GPS Coordinates:
30.8629, -94.1828

Located inside Martin Dies, Jr. State Park on Hwy 190, between Jasper and Woodville, Texas. 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.

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Trail Lengths: ~9.6 miles with the short-cut and 12 miles without the short-cut

Float Time: ~4-6 hours (depending on route taken, water level, flow rate and wind speed)

Trail Description

Following waterways through pristine, old growth river-bottom hardwood forests, you will find a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles during all seasons of the year. The Bevilport Paddling Trail utilizes the flows of both rivers, with minimal paddling experience needed. See information on three additional paddling trails on the Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Paddling Trails page.

Surrounding land for all four Martin Dies, Jr. State Park paddling trails are owned and/or managed by governmental agencies. You will not see cows grazing along the banks or any private residences during your paddling trip.

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river and lake are classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.

Trail Map

BevilportMap

Things to Do and See

Fishing

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The waterways surrounding Martin Dies, Jr. State Park provide extensive habitats for a large variety of fish. The ever-constant flow of the Angelina & Neches Rivers into Steinhagen Reservoir provides the fisherman with bass, crappie, perch & catfish year-round. Anglers of all ages, using rod & reel and cane poles, catch large numbers of fish from our fishing piers and shoreline, as well as from kayaks and canoes. The slow-moving sloughs and backwaters provide deep holes, whereas the channels surrounding the park provide faster-moving waters, offering a variety of fishing opportunities.

Wildlife and Ecology

The riparian corridors of the Angelina and Neches Rivers support a great diversity of plant and animal life.  Birds spotted here include the Swallow-tailed Kite, Anhingas, Belted Kingfisher, and Ibis. Bald cypress trees drip with Spanish moss, while the scaly-barked trunks of the River Birch tower along the shoreline. Common wildlife encountered includes deer, armadillos, and alligators.

Rentals and Shuttles

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park

Jasper, Texas  409-384-5231
Canoe rentals, including life vests and paddles on-site in the park.

Austin Canoe and Kayak

Rent kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards by the day to take anywhere you want, when you want. Locations in Austin, Houston and the San Marcos/New Braunfels area. For more information, visit http://www.austinkayak.com/rentals

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and US Army Corps of Engineers.