Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

Go SOUTH on IH 45 to the SH 14 (N. Austin Av.) exit in Richland;
Go SOUTH on SH 14 through Currie, Wortham and Mexia;
Turn RIGHT off SH 14 into Fort Parker State Park.

From Fort Worth:

Go SOUTH on IH 35W to Loop 340 just north of Bellmead (Waco);
Go EAST on Loop 340 to US 84 (Bellmead Drive);
Turn LEFT off Loop 340 onto US 84, then go NORTHEAST on US 84 / SH 31;
Veer RIGHT on SH 84 where SH 31 splits;
Follow US 84 EAST to FM 2705, then turn RIGHT (SOUTH) onto FM 2705;
When FM 2705 intersects FM 1633 turn LEFT, then RIGHT and continue on FM 2705 to SH 14 just south of Mexia;
Turn SOUTH onto SH 14 and proced to Fort Parker State Park;
Turn RIGHT off SH 14 into Fort Parker State Park.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.