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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
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.
TONY'S KAYAKS - Owners Tony & Nina Boone, 315 US Hwy 377 So,
830/609-8836, 830/609-8329,
or 325/446-3360. “Leave a message and we
will get back to you!” Kayaks, including shuttle service.
PADDLER'S PORCH - Complete River Outfitter, Rentals Kayaks, Canoes, Tubes, 126 Flatrock Lane, Junction, TX 76849. 713/397-5049. paddlersporch@gmail.com - www.paddlersporch.com
KORNER STORE TUBE RENTALS: 325-446-8823. 2 blocks from Flatrock Crossing. 601 S. Llano St. |
