FM 2517 Bridge

The FM 2517 Bridge boat ramp provides convenient public access to the Sabine River near Carthage in Panola County. Located on the northeast side of the FM 2517 bridge crossing, the ramp offers year-round access and is easily reached from US Highway 59—approximately 1 mile past Loop 149, then 4.5 miles east on FM 2517. This location serves as a good put-in or take-out point for paddlers and boaters exploring this section of the lower Sabine River.

The Sabine River at this location is a major waterway with substantial flow, averaging over 9,100 cubic feet per second. Boaters should expect a moderate current with an average velocity of about 5.9 feet per second. The river maintains a relatively gentle gradient (0.8 ft/mile), making it suitable for recreational paddling and motorized boating, though water conditions can vary seasonally. With its large drainage area of nearly 9,600 square miles, the river can experience significant water level changes, so paddlers should check current conditions before heading out.