Most birders drive the entrance road to a locked gate about one mile from the highway. From there it is 0.25 miles to an open area with portable toilets, large pines, and a view of the lake. The trail continues along the lake another mile or so (actually much farther but diminishing returns).  the lake can be nearly completely covered with lilies but watch for Wood Ducks taking off. The best birding for passerines is along the lake beyond the clearing. In the winter watch for sparrows before reaching the lake and in tall grass at the clearing. When you reach the end of the lake listen for Barred Owls.

The Deadwater Trail is left of the entrance road 0.25 miles from the highway. It is worth walking about 0.25 miles to the water on the left.  Drought can make it a mud puddle but in wet weather, the area has shorebirds, egrets, and ducks. This trail loops around the main lake to return to the entrance road but it’s a very long way.

Spring migrants, winter ducks, Pine Warblers, Red-shouldered Hawks, Wood Ducks, flycatchers, Brown Thrashers, woodpeckers, wrens

Neches River National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect wintering, nesting, and migratory habitat for migratory birds of the central Flyway and to ensure protection of the bottomland hardwoods for their diverse biological value.

The Neches River National Wildlife Refuge is open each day from sunrise to sunset.  It’s a good idea to check the website before going, as the main road to the refuge can flood after heavy rains, resulting in temporary closure. The rules are simple: wear sensible shoes, take along snacks and plenty of water, don’t litter, keep your pets on a leash, and enjoy the wildlife without disturbing it. We encourage you to visit!

From Jacksonville, Texas: Travel 12 miles southwest on US-79, to County Road 3207. The entrance to the refuge and visitor kiosk is on the south side of the road. If you cross over the Neches River, you have gone too far.

From Palestine, Texas: Travel 15 miles northeast on US-79, to County Road 3207. The entrance to the refuge and visitor kiosk is on the south side of the road. The entrance is just after the Neches River.

Neches River National Wildlife Refuge features 7,000 acres and eight trails, ranging from 0.25 miles to 7 miles, and are each marked with a trailhead sign showing length, difficulty, and a map.

Most of the 25 miles of trail feature the exceptional bottom-land hardwood forest habitat the refuge was created to protect. One trail runs along the Neches River. A longer, more challenging trail climbs into the pine uplands. On all the trails you’ll hear birds calling, catch a glimpse of a heron or duck, hear fish splash in a slough or the river, see wildflowers in season, and enjoy the beauty of native hardwood forests. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working on plans to add other activities to the refuge, such as hunting, fishing, and trail biking. 

The Deadwater Trail forms a complete loop around the main lake. 

The River Trail heads from the main trail beyond the clearing toward Neches River, and parallels a series of marshy areas.