Scenic Texas Paddling Race on Neches River Trail

120 miles southeast of the Dallas-Ft. worth metroplex, on the first Saturday in August paddlers from across the nation and the world come to Palestine, Texas to participate in the 'toughest little canoe race' in existence, raising scholarship funds for the students of the Palestine campus of the Trinity Valley Community College. Paddlers race through 22 miles of scenic, largely uninhabited Neches River Trail in Texas. (Paddling The Wild Neches)

'The Neches' is called one of the toughest flatwater races in Texas due to low water obstacles and lack of current. In other words lots of the fallen trees, stumps, in the low water typical in Oklahoma's late summer. Plenty of challenge without the hazards associated with a fast moving river. Conditions that act as an equalizer to the race field, taking away some of the advantage of hull designs and handing it to the resourceful. Stay hydrated and keep moving!

Now in the 15th year, the Neches Race has become one of Texas' favorite paddling events. It's become a tradition around Texas, regularly attracting one of the largest fields of paddlers in the Lone Star State. Over the past 6 years, funds in excess of $10,000 from the Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race have provided over 85 scholarships to deserving college students.

Want To Race?

Registration is now available online where you may pay your fee, purchase extra t-shirts, and rent canoes or kayaks as well. Click here to register for The Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race!



Texas Canoe Race Scouts