Canoeing, Kayaking and Tubing on the Llano River

The South Llano River flows northward to Junction where it meets the North Llano River at the Junction City Park. This "junction" of the two rivers is downstream from the dam, which creates the Main Llano River area and then travels across miles of the Hill Country terrain and empties into the Colorado River. These beautiful areas of water make canoeing, kayaking and tubing the most popular activities for the Junction and Kimble County areas.

The Main Llano canoe trip launches below the dam at the City/County Park. Drive across the South Llano River bridge and turn left, then access the County Park 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. Plan on an 6-7 hour canoe trip back to Junction if you launch at this first crossing. Yates Crossing is the second place to launch which 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 canoer'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. 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 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 services can accommodate canoe excursions on the South Llano and Main Llano Rivers. Many of the local convenience stores and service stations rent tubes, however, there is no shuttle available for tubing the river at this point in time.

Things to know before you go:
• Respect the environment. Take plastic garbage bags with you and use them as you should. Then    dispose of them properly.
• Respect private property. Approach the river only through public access points and do not leave your vehicles parked on private property without permission from the property owner.

• Take plenty of drinking water and sun screen, and secure your keys in a water-tight bag.
• Get current weather conditions before getting in the water. Check out the website tx.usgs.gov. They will have the latest information on water levels.

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 & KAYAKS: (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 more information.

SONNY'S CANOES: (325)446-2112, 214 Patricia, Junction, TX. 76849. Canoe rentals. Will pick up and deliver. Shuttle Service Available. To guarantee availability of canoes, you need to make reservations for rentals from July through Labor Day.

PEACEMAKERS RIVER EXPEDITIONS: (325)446-2363, 365 River Road, Junction TX

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Have fun!

 Get more information on S. Llano River State Park or view a map provided by Texas Parks & Wildlife.

 Watch video of South Llano River State Park Provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife.