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Canoeing and tubing are two of the most popular pastimes in the Llano
River area.
The South Llano River flows northward to the town of Junction meeting
the North Llano River at the City Park just downstream from the dam,
creating the Main Llano River which then travels across miles of the
Hill Country terrain and empties into the Colorado River.
When traveling south from Junction on Highway 377, there are two places
where the road crosses over the southern tributary of the Llano River,
otherwise known as the South Llano River. An eight- to ten-hour canoe
trip back to Junction begins by launching at the first crossing. Some
tubers have found the waters to be great fun between the first and
second crossings.
The Main Llano canoe trip launches below the dam at the City/County
Park. Drive across the South Llano River bridge and turn left (Days Inn
Hotel is in the distance), then access to the County Park is on the
left. Continue down as far as the road will take you in order to launch
a canoe. The first public access will be Grobe Crossing, a six- to
seven-hour trip. Yates Crossing is approximately two more hours.
Longer canoe trips which require camping on the banks or gravel bars of
the river are not recommended. There are two reasons why:
• Being on or close to the river during heavy rains can be very
dangerous. There are times when the area does not receive rain, but the
rainfall up river will affect the level of the river downstream. If
caught in rising waters, get off the river immediately and go to higher
ground.
• Landowner’s rights versus canoeist’s rights are not clearly defined as
to who ‘owns’ the river banks and gravel bars. “The landowner’s deed
determines where the property line is placed. To avoid confrontations,
it is recommended visitors contact the landowner to gain permission to
camp overnight at any location on the river,” said Gary Dick, Game
Warden. “However, if approached by a landowner, and asked to leave the
premises, it is advised to move on down the river.” Only in emergency
situations should you venture onto private property.
When it comes to tubing the river, just remember, what takes a canoe
three hours to travel down on the river, will take at least twice as
much time floating the river in a tube. Tubing lengthy distances is not
recommended. Suggested tubing trips are:
• between the first and second crossings on the South Llano River
(approximately 15 miles from Junction on Highway 377 south)
• within the boundaries of South Llano River State Park (park fees
apply)
• beginning at Flat Rock Crossing (near Texas Tech Center) and finishing
at the two privately owned campgrounds or the City Park.
Any canoe service listed in the directory located in the front of this
Visitor’s Guide can accommodate canoe excursions on the South Llano and
Main Llano Rivers.
Many of the local convenience stores and service stations rent
innertubes; however, there is no shuttle available for tubing the river.
Things to know before you go -
• Respect the environment. Take a plastic garbage bag with you and use
it for litter. Then dispose of the garbage properly.
• Respect private property. Approach the river only through public
access points.
• Take plenty of drinking water and sun screen.
• Get current weather conditions before getting in the water. Website
tx.usgs.gov will have the latest information on water levels.
CANOE RENTALS
FOX HOLLOW -
325/446-4267. Old Town
canoe rentals. Shuttle available. Options of 2 1/2, 3, 4,
or 7 hour trips. Owners Traci & Wayne Walker
SOUTH LLANO RIVER CANOES-(325) 446-2220 or write Curtis Thomas P.O. Box 372, Junction,
TX. 76849.
Located 6 miles south of Junction off Highway 377 on the South Llano River. Day trips or weekly rates. Drop off and pick up. Call for further information.
SONNY'S CANOES-(325) 446-2112 or 214 Patricia, Junction, TX. 76849. Canoe rentals. Will pick up
and deliver. Shuttle Service Available. reservations should be made for period July through Labor Day to guarantee availability of canoes.
KOA
CAMPGROUNDS-(325) 446-3138 located
at 2145 Main, Junction, TX 76849. Canoe rentals on the North Llano River.
PEACEMAKER RIVER
EXPEDITIONS - "Kayaking the Rivers of Texas". You are yet to
believe the fun, the challenge, the beauty, and the peace you are going
to find on the Texas Rivers.
Kayaks for Rent. Owner: Jay Murr. 126 Flatrock Lane,
Junction Texas, 76849. 325/446-2363, 325/446-3695, 325/446-6272
TUBING
South
Llano Farms Pecan & River Company --
(325)446-8271
Located at 103 Park Road 73, at the entrance to South Llano River State
Park. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm 7 Days a Week. Tubes available
for rent to float the river. $5.00 per tube for a 24 hour rental.
We have a “3 hour Tube Float with
shuttle
service
$10.00 (renting our tube)
$15.00 (if you bring your own
tube)
JUNCTION
RIVER RENTALS
- JOE & LISA JASSO - 702 N 11th St. (on the corner of chestnut),
TX 76849 -
Open 24 Hours a day - reservations preferred and discounts available
for church and school groups. Shuttle Service Available
(325)446-9359 |
