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(Newton County) (56 miles)

This 56-mile section of the Sabine River is very similar to the section immediately above it until you reach the Big Cow Creek confluence about 21 miles downstream. The river forms the boundary between Texas and Louisiana and is wide, very scenic, and isolated since there are no roads crossing the entire 60-mile stretch. The Sabine below Big Cow Creek begins to take on a swamp-like appearance with many huge cypress trees covered with Spanish moss as common elements of the riverscape. This area is known locally as the Black Cypress Swamp and provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

The Sabine River has an adequate flow of water to permit recreational usage throughout the year. The numerous sand bars found in the upper section of this reach decrease in number in the lower section above SH 12 as the river's characteristics change. The sand bars offer opportunities for camping and day use. The scenic beauty and extreme isolation of this section of the Sabine creates a very desirable recreational waterway with many creeks and bayous as well as oxbow lakes adding to the attraction.

Put In: Launch at the concrete launching ramp at the US 190 crossing on the Texas side.

Take-Out: Although there is a dirt road which provides access at Big Cow Creek and the river, the only paved highway access for take-out is at the boat ramp at SH 12.

County Maps: Newton County road map

Texas County Maps 

Texas/Louisiana Topographical Maps: Merryville S, Bon Wier, Bancroft, Shoats Creek, Suddeth Bluff, Hartburg, and Starks

See Ordering U.S. Geological Survey Products