Rope Swings on the South Concho River in Texas, The South C…

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The South Concho River runs through Christoval, Texas and serves as a water supply to the surrounding area. The South Concho River is one of the few rivers in Texas to run south to north for its entire length. Rising from Anson Springs some four miles south of Christoval, Texas in Tom Green County, it flows north through the town of Christoval, then continues north for 13 miles before it joins the Middle Concho to form Twin Buttes Reservoir[1] in what is now southwest San Angelo. When released, the river flows through Lake Nasworthy, and continues north to join the North Concho River at Bell St. in east San Angelo. The river is known for its cool clear deep water and its pecan-covered banks. Watercress grows in the shallows along the banks. Because it is unique in the southwestern landscape, it was a landmark favored by both Indians and early Anglo travelers. An important stopover on the Commanche War Trail, the South Concho was also a welcome resting place for early Anglos heading west across Texas. Susan Peak, a unique mesa on the Southern Edwards Plateau is located just southeast of Anson Springs, making the springs particularly easy for early travelers to locate. Today, the South Concho River is a popular recreational spot for residents in the area. The public can access the water at Pugh Park or the low water crossing in Christoval, Texas. Public access is also possible at the Mineral Wells crossing, some two miles north of Christoval. These parks are maintained by Tom Green County, and offer free access to the river. Overnight camping is allowed in the parks.It was the location of a resort from the 1930s to the early 1960s, near where U.S. 277 crosses the river. On September 17, 1936, a devastating flood hit the South Concho River. The flood destroyed the Baptist encampment facility, and parts of Christoval. Several people were killed in the flood, as they were swept away by the rapidly rising water. Following the flood, the encampment facilities were never rebuilt, and the property eventually became a public park. Playland Park was a popular local attraction from the 1950s through the 1980s. The park offered public access to the river, as well as boat rentals, a rope bridge, tree swings, and a concession stand. At its peak in the 1970s, the facility had amusement park rides and a small train. The facility was closed in the 1980s due to liability concerns and smaller crowds. Today, Pugh River Park and the historic, low-water river crossing on Loop 110 offer public access to the South Concho River. The South Concho River runs through Christoval, and around 0.75 miles of riverfront are part of a public park. The shoreline in this area is covered by large oak trees, and the trees have rope swings for visitors. This park, known as Pugh River Park, has visitors from across West Texas each weekend. Crowds of over 500 people are not uncommon on the weekends in the summer. Public access to the South Concho River is also available at the Mineral Wells crossing, about a mile north of Christoval. Each Memorial Day weekend, the community of Christoval holds Old Toenail Trail days, which attracts visitors from around the region. Festivities include live music, parades, and food and craft vendors. Adams Arena is located off U.S. 277 just south of Loop 110. Guests can enjoy horseback riding along the river, practice barrel and pole racing, or rent stalls for their horses. The Christoval community, which has also been known as South Concho, Texas and Delong, Texas. You would never know it today but tiny Christoval once hosted an annual Baptist encampment (into the 1930s) that attracted 10,000 people. Mineral waters helped keep attendance up and most of them arrived on the Panhandle and Santa Fe Railroad. In 1987 highway 277 was rerouted, bypassing Christoval and it was thought by some that the community was finished. But both business and population has increased and its unusual terrain and abundance of trees has attracted people looking for a tranquil life. Christoval was recommended for inclusion in Texas Escapes and Texas Escape