This 45-mile reach of the Angelina River flows through Crockett, Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties through heavily forested bottomlands, much of which is owned by large timber companies. It is situated above Sam Rayburn Reservoir and is fed by numerous creeks and streams, all of which provide a near-constant supply of fresh water, though the river may be too low to paddle in extended dry periods. Even at normal flow conditions the current is nearly imperceptable. Brush and log jams may create blockages which can range from inconveniences to mandatory portages. Much of the timber company land is open to the public, but please be sure to show your appreciation by keeping the forest clean and free of trash and debris. River access is good, with locations at 14, 33 and 45 miles below the SH 21 put-in. Approaching US Highway 59, paddlers will encounter the backwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir a very short distance to the southeast. It is possible to paddle below US 59, but that entails paddling onto and taking out on the lake several miles below the US 59 crossing.

Deep East Texas piney woods in Crockett, Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties, just above Sam Rayburn Reservoir, near the Texas-Louisiana border.

Dallas 160 Miles; Austin 190 miles; Houston 150 miles; San Antonio 270 miles; Oklahoma City 370 miles; Little Rock 344 miles; Kansas City 489 miles; Albuquerque 828 miles; Phoenix 1,162 miles; Denver 944 miles; Salt Lake City 1,417 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)

The water is generally clean and brownish colored caused by tannic acid from deacying trees found in most East Texas rivers and streams. The river is deep with little or no perceptible surface current. There is almost always plenty of water for an enjoyable paddle trip without having to walk or portage your boat except during periods of drought or prolonged, dry summer months.

This reach of the Angelina River, generally speaking, can be paddled year aound, assuming you are outfitted for the weather conditions you will encounter. The river offers excellent spring and fall paddling when the colors are changing with the seasons. Tree-lined banks offer protection from winds that can be particularly bothersome in winter and summer, making the river more fun, especially for novice paddlers, many of whom have their first canoeing or kayaking experience on the Angelina.

The Angelina River is generally free of natural hazards, though downed trees, log jams and brush debris piles can be a problem after a flood. There are no rapids or waterfall drops to be encountered. Take care to protect yourself from the Texas summer heat and sunlight.

SH 21, about 6 miles east of Alto, at 0.0 miles; FM 1911 / FM 225 a few miles south of Douglass at about 14.0 miles; SH 7, about 12 miles southwest of Nacogdoches, at about 33.0 miles; and US Highway 59, about 12 miles south of Nacogdoches, at about 45.0 miles.

There are no known public or private campgrounds located along this reach of the Angelina River. Public camping is allowed on timber company lands on either side of the river on a first-come basis along most of this reach. Below Sam Rayburn Reservoir is limited primitive camping at Bevilport on a first come, space available basis; Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (409-384-5231) on Highway 190; B.A. Steinhagen Lake (409-429-3491) has 182 camp sites, 46 screened shelters, hot/cold showers, restrooms,dining hall, dump station and other amenities.

There are no commercial liveries or shuttle services operating along the Angelina River or in the nearby vicinity. Take your own boats and arrange your own shuttles.