2023 Neches Wilderness Race

More information and to register, go to their website here: https://www.necheswildernessrace.com/home

Race Day Schedule

6:30 a.m. check in begins

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After inspection of participants and crafts, the participants will have numbers placed on their boat for identification.

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Classes will launch at timed intervals

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8:00 a.m. Leisure Class canoes will begin launching

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9:00 a.m. Pro Class canoes will begin launching.

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​If during the race a canoe has not passed the last checkpoint by 3:00 p.m. the participants will be removed from the race. We must have all contestants out of the water before dark to ensure everyone's safety.

Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race takes place on a section of the Neches River in rural Anderson County near Palestine, the county seat, about 120 miles southeast of Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. This part of Texas is rolling hills, ranch land with oak and pine forest. Only 55,000 people live in the entire county, which is bounded on the on the east by the Neches River and on the west by the Trinity River. Both of these river are unrestrained during flood season, fairly tame during August and September. This part of the Neches is the Texas State Historical Railway section, where vintage steam trains carry tourists between stations at Palestine and Rusk, crossing the Neches near U.S. Hwy. 84 transects it banks south of the race course finish line. Driving time from Houston is about 2.5 hours, from Dallas about 2 hours, and from Tyler about 1 hour. Learn more about the Palestine area by visiting  www.visitpalestine.com/. ​​

The race covers 22 miles of scenic, largely uninhabited Neches River Trail and the uniquely challenging race course annually attracts a mix of world class marathon canoe and kayak racers, adventure racers, and amateurs of all ages for a crazy day of  fun and adventure on the Neches River.

The race begins just below Lake Palestine and Blackburn Damn and finishes 22 miles downstream at U.S. Hwy. 79, 17 miles northeast of Palestine, Texas.​

To the start: From E. Loop 256 in Palestine take SH 155 North 21 miles to Frankston, Tx. Turn east (right) on US 175 and travel approx. 3.4 miles to FM 1892 and turn left. From there follow the signs a short distance to the primitive camping area and starting line behind Blackburn Damn and Lake Palestine.