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 inner tubes; 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.

KAYAK/CANOE RENTALS

SOUTH LLANO RIVER CANOES and KAYAKS-(325) 446-2220.  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.

Junction North Llano River RV Park-(325) 446-3138 located at 2145 Main, Junction, TX 76849. Canoe rentals on the North Llano River.

   Fun in the Sun Canoe Rentals - Bob & Jacob Chapman, 1606 College St., Junction, TX 76849, email:   bobmarlea@verizon.net, 1/325-446-2905   cell 1/830/459-7265

TUBING

HILL COUNTRY RENTALS - 325/446-9101  1616 Main St., Junction, Tx