The Blackwater Paddler's Guide: Florida Edition

Suwannee River (Florida)

Below Fargo the Suwannee crosses into Florida and starts to show its age. Cypress and tupelo give way to limestone ledges, twenty-foot banks and white sandbars, with little falls coming off the banks. Below the old Turner Bridge pilings the river picks up shoals you hear before you see.

Class

Easy, with limestone shoals

Best season

When there is water to float the shoals. It gets shallow and rocky in a dry spell, and it comes up fast after storms. Check the gauges before you commit three days.

Length

About 34 river miles, Fargo (mile 221) to Cone Bridge Road Ramp (mile 186.5), by the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail mile markers.

Permit and access

Public ramps on this reach: Fargo, Roline Boat Ramp, Turner Bridge Ramp, Cypress Creek South Launch at the FL 6 bridge, and Cone Bridge Road Ramp.

Gauge

USGS 02314500, Suwannee River at US 441 at Fargo. WWALS / Suwannee Riverkeeper put the lowest boatable level at 92.5 ft NAVD88 and the highest safe at 100 ft. Downstream, USGS 02315500 at White Springs. Live level in the CWS app.

Outfitters

We self-shuttled; a buddy ran the truck around to the take-out. Cone Bridge Road Ramp is off US 441 north of Lake City, down NW Cone Bridge Road.

Camping

We camped on sandbars. Pick a high one. The river was up and still rising on this trip, so we passed on the low islands.

Hazards

Shoals below Turner Bridge that come on fast. Deadfall and low limbs that will take a camera, and took one of ours. Big gators: if you paddle with a dog, keep it in the boat. Storms stack up fast in summer and the river rises behind them.

The runs

Fargo Ramp (US 441) to Roline Boat Ramp (19 mi). No road bridge on this stretch.
Roline Boat Ramp to Turner Bridge Ramp (4.3 mi). Limestone outcrops and high banks. The old bridge pilings are at Turner.
Turner Bridge Ramp to Cone Bridge Road Ramp (About 11 mi). Shoals below Turner. Pull over and scout the minute you hear the water change.

3-Day: Fargo to Cone Bridge (about 34 mi)

1. Launch at the Fargo ramp on US 441. Easy current through swamp forest. We camped a couple of bends above the Florida line.
2. Cross into Florida. Limestone outcrops and high banks start here. We camped on a flat sandbar just short of Turner Bridge Ramp.
3. Past the Turner Bridge pilings, then about 11 miles with shoals to Cone Bridge Road Ramp. Scout every one you hear.

What I cooked: red beans and rice with a pork chop sliced in, stir-fry chicken and rice, corned beef hash and eggs for breakfast. Cheap and it eats good. One gallon per person per day. Pack it all; there is no refill on this reach.

Read the full Suwannee River page

Alapaha River (Florida)

The last Georgia miles of the Alapaha and its first in Florida. Limestone shelves under the hull instead of sand, tea-black water, big trees leaning in and little waterfalls coming off the banks. WWALS warns of deadfall to weave through and high banks with few places to get out.

Class

Moving water with shoals

Best season

Only when there is water. This is a rain river. WWALS sets 2.0 ft on the Statenville gauge as the floor and 10.0 ft as the top.

Length

10.36 river miles, Statenville (mile 31.51) to Sasser Landing (mile 21.15), by the WWALS Alapaha River Water Trail.

Permit and access

Statenville is a concrete Georgia DNR ramp; Sasser Landing is a concrete ramp on NW 72 Court. WWALS says this stretch is not for beginners.

Gauge

USGS 02317500, Alapaha River at Statenville. WWALS / Suwannee Riverkeeper range: 2.0 ft (78.1 ft NAVD88) lowest boatable, 10.0 ft (86.1 ft NAVD88) highest safe. Live level in the CWS app.

Outfitters

Self-shuttle.

Camping

We hung hammocks two nights, first across from a little waterfall, then at Jennings Defeat. The banks are high, so start looking for flat ground early.

Hazards

Jennings Defeat, a set of shoals just inside Florida: scout it and carry a tow rope. Strainers and deadfall. Below Sasser the river goes underground at the Alapaha River Sink and the Dead River. A Florida paddling guide calls the Alapaha potentially the most dangerous river in Florida and says of the siphons: do not approach them.

The runs

Statenville Boat Ramp (GA 94) to Sasser Landing (10.36 mi). Across the state line and through the shoals at Jennings Defeat. Carry a tow rope.
Sasser Landing to Turket Creek Waterfall (Short side trip). A tenth of a mile to the Alapahoochee, then a quarter mile up it to the falls (WWALS).

3-Day: Statenville to Sasser Landing (10.36 mi)

1. Launch at Statenville Boat Ramp. Limestone, deadfall and strainers from the start. We hung hammocks across from a little waterfall.
2. Fish the slow water, cross the state line, then scout and run the shoals at Jennings Defeat. We camped right there.
3. The last shoals, a side trip up the Alapahoochee to Turket Creek Waterfall, and out at Sasser Landing.

Cook your catch if the fishing turns on; ours did on day two. Pack a full backup supper either way. One gallon per person per day.

Read the full Alapaha River page

Withlacoochee River (North Florida)

Not the central Florida river of the same name. This Withlacoochee comes out of south Georgia and meets the Suwannee at Suwannee River State Park. In Florida it runs over limestone: walls, shelves, little islands and shoals. At Madison Blue Spring the clear spring water meets the black river and turns it the color of sweet tea.

Class

Easy, with limestone shoals

Best season

After rain. Watch the Pinetta gauge; it comes up fast when Georgia gets rain.

Length

27.79 river miles from State Line Boat Ramp (GA 31) to Suwannee River State Park, by the WWALS Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail.

Permit and access

Public access in Florida: Sullivan Launch at CR 150, Florida Campsites Ramp, Madison Blue Spring State Park, Madison Boat Ramp and Allen Ramp.

Gauge

USGS 02319000, Withlacoochee River near Pinetta. WWALS / Suwannee Riverkeeper range: 6.0 ft lowest boatable, 15.0 ft highest safe. Live level in the CWS app.

Outfitters

Self-shuttle.

Camping

I camped two nights on limestone: a shelf between two trees the first night, a tiny island in the middle of the river the second.

Hazards

Shoals and a drop of two and a half to three feet over limestone. A rock broke my trolling motor clean off five miles in, and I hung up on rocks more than once. A man at a ramp warned me of a bad set of shoals below Madison Blue Spring that you have to portage. No cell service up top.

The runs

State Line Boat Ramp (GA 31) to Sullivan Launch (CR 150) (5.34 mi). Into Florida. Limestone and the first shoals.
Sullivan Launch (CR 150) to Madison Blue Spring State Park (10.48 mi). Limestone shelves and islands. The spring is a swim stop.
Madison Blue Spring State Park to Suwannee River State Park (11.97 mi). Ends at the Suwannee confluence.

3-Day: the run we filmed, to Madison Blue Spring

1. We launched about 26 river miles above Suwannee River State Park. Three sets of shoals and a three-foot drop. Camp on a limestone shelf.
2. Limestone walls and islands. We camped on a tiny island mid-river, about 12 river miles above Madison Blue Spring.
3. Madison Blue Spring by mid-morning. With the motor failing we took out at a ramp about 7 miles above the Suwannee.

Bring a fish fry kit; the channel cats bit the second the bait hit the water. Gumbo and an MRE rounded it out. One gallon per person per day. The spring is a swim stop, not a refill.

Read the full Withlacoochee River page

St. Marys River

Our home river. Tea-colored water, white sugar-sand bars, cypress and hardwood banks, remote through much of its middle course. Georgia on one bank and Florida on the other. Slow current and easy paddling, right for novices, with deadfalls up high and strong tides near the coast.

Class

Easy Flatwater

Best season

Runnable most of the year in the middle course; late winter into early spring and late summer give the most dependable water. May, June and November run lowest, and the upper river drops low in a dry spell.

Length

About 130 miles, the Georgia and Florida line from the Okefenokee to the Atlantic.

Permit and access

No river permit is published. Primitive camping on high sandbars, and at Traders Hill Recreation Area (Charlton County). Private frontage stays private.

Gauge

USGS 02231000, St. Marys River near Macclenny, Florida, for flow. At Traders Hill the Weather Service forecast point SMTG1 reads the stage. It is a rain river, so read the stage, the trend after rain and the flood forecast together. Live level in the CWS app.

Outfitters

Self-shuttle on the home run. Below Traders Hill, St. Marys River Fish Camp at Scotts Landing runs shuttles (Florida DEP trail guide).

Camping

Elevated sandbars along the middle river; Traders Hill Recreation Area has amenities. Camp above the high-water line.

Hazards

Submerged logs and strainers, shifting sandbars, heat and remoteness. Near St. Marys, tidal current and wind. Carry a whistle and a backup light; cell service is limited.

The runs

St. George Public Boat Ramp to Traders Hill Recreation Area (About 30 mi, 2 days). Our home run. Cypress-lined blackwater; camp on a high sandbar near the halfway point.
Traders Hill to Camp Pinckney Landing (GA 40) (About 8 to 9 mi). Easy, scenic blackwater with good sandbar lunch stops. Watch for submerged logs.
Camp Pinckney to St. Marys Waterfront Park (Multi-day; mileage not published). Turns tidal and salt marsh near St. Marys. Carry a tide chart and time the current.

2-Day Home Run: St. George to Traders Hill (about 30 mi)

1. About 15 miles to a sandbar camp. Launch by 9 AM from the St. George ramp, paddle cypress-lined blackwater, lunch on a sandy bank, and camp on a high sandbar by late afternoon.
2. About 15 miles to Traders Hill. On the water by 9 AM through the wider bends, lunch on a bar, and arrive at Traders Hill Recreation Area mid-afternoon.

Day 1 lunch: turkey wraps, trail mix. Dinner: foil-packet potatoes and sausage. Day 2 breakfast: pancakes and coffee. Lunch: crackers and peanut butter. One gallon per person per day. No treated refill points; bring it all.

Read the full St. Marys River page

Upper Suwannee Wilderness Trail

Narrow, tea colored river under high limestone bluffs, with white sandbars, big pines and cypress. Big Shoals is the largest whitewater in Florida, with Little Shoals below it. Current averages 2 to 3 mph. White Springs is a popular starting point, and the Withlacoochee comes in at Suwannee River State Park.

Class

2 to 3 mph, one Class III

Where

Big Shoals and White Springs down to Suwannee River State Park, north Florida

Best season

Year-round on the upper river, the park says. The Big Shoals and Stephen Foster launches close when the river tops 62 feet, so call ahead.

Length

River mile 177 at Big Shoals down to mile 127.7 at Suwannee River State Park.

Permit and access

No paddling permit. Big Shoals is $4 a vehicle at the honor box, Stephen Foster $5. River camps are free. Reserve a platform at 386-294-3667.

Gauge

Use USGS 02315500 at White Springs. The state trail data book wants it above 52 feet, and above 62 gets dangerous. At Big Shoals the park rates it Class III at 59 to 61 feet, too rocky below 51, flatwater at 70. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail lists American Canoe Adventures in White Springs (386-397-1309), Suwannee Canoe Outpost at Spirit of the Suwannee (386-364-4991) and Suwannee River Canoe Rental near the state park (386-364-4185).

Camping

Woods Ferry River Camp is free, with screened platforms, water and hot showers. Florida State Parks pages conflict on Holton Creek: the camp page lists it open, the trail page still posts a Helene closure. Call 386-294-3667 first. Stephen Foster has 45 sites. Suwannee River State Park's campground is closed for an upgrade (from June 3, 2026); the park is still taking cabin walk-ins.

Hazards

Big Shoals is dangerous in low and high water. Portage on the left bank going downstream, and the park says portage if you can. Below 51 feet the rocks are out. Leave a float plan.

The runs

Big Shoals State Park to the White Springs US 41 ramp (Mile 177 to 171). Florida's biggest rapids are in this park. Portage on the left bank. Launch closes above 62 feet.
White Springs to Woods Ferry River Camp (About 10 to 13 mi). Free river camp on a high bluff, with boardwalks up from the river. About 10 from Stephen Foster, 12 to 13 from the US 41 ramp.
Woods Ferry River Camp to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (10.8 mi). Private park with camping and cabins. Suwannee Canoe Outpost is there.

Put-ins and take-outs

Big Shoals State Park canoe launch (Big Shoals entrance); White Springs US 41 bridge ramp (White Springs Wayside Park) (boat ramp); Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park launch (canoe launch); Woods Ferry River Camp; Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (private park); Holton Creek River Camp; Suwannee River State Park boat ramp

Recommended by

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (Suwannee River Wilderness Trail); Florida State Parks (Big Shoals, Stephen Foster)

Suggested: White Springs to Spirit of the Suwannee, 2 days

1. Launch at White Springs and paddle about 10 miles to Woods Ferry River Camp. Reserve a screened platform at 386-294-3667. Water and hot showers in camp.
2. Woods Ferry River Camp to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 10.8 river miles. Book the shuttle with an outfitter on the state trail list.

Packed lunches and snacks, and a simple camp supper. One gallon per person per day. Woods Ferry has drinking water.

Lower Suwannee River

Near Branford the river widens and the sandy banks run low. Big springs pour in: Lafayette Blue, Troy and Manatee are first magnitude, and Fanning is now second magnitude. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge takes in 20 miles of the river and 30 miles of salt marsh on the Gulf.

Class

Wide, deep river

Where

Suwannee River State Park down past Branford and the big springs to the Gulf at Suwannee

Best season

Paddled year-round, and the river camps are open every day. Check for flooding before you go. Manatees come into the springs in the cooler months.

Length

River mile 127.7 at Suwannee River State Park to mile 3.9 at Anderson's Landing.

Permit and access

No paddling permit. River camps are free, reserve at 386-294-3667. Paddlers may camp on water district land along the river with a free special use authorization from the district, 386-362-1001. Fanning Springs is $2 a person by water.

Gauge

The state trail data book reads USGS 02315500 at White Springs: above 52 feet is good, above 62 is dangerous and some camps close. On this stretch watch 02320500 at Branford and 02323500 near Wilcox. The Wilcox gauge publishes action and flood stages. Read it live in the CWS app, or call the district's 24-hour river level recording at 386-362-6626, before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail lists Camp Suwannee River Outfitters at Dowling Park (386-647-6624), Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo (386-294-2510) and Suwannee Guides & Outfitter in Suwannee (352-542-8331).

Camping

Free river camps at Dowling Park, Peacock Slough and Adams Tract, with screened platforms, water and hot showers. Lafayette Blue and Fanning Springs have paddle-in sites. Suwannee River State Park's campground is closed for an upgrade (from June 3, 2026); the park is still taking cabin walk-ins.

Hazards

Houseboats and motorboats use the lower river. Go idle in Fanning's spring run for manatees. Manatee Springs' run can close in winter, so land on the river and walk the boardwalk. Leave a float plan.

The runs

Suwannee River State Park to Dowling Park River Camp (14.7 mi). Free camp with four of five platforms up in the treetops, across from Dowling Park.
Lafayette Blue Springs to Branford by river camp (7.2, 10.6 and 9.2 mi). Peacock Slough and Adams Tract camps between. Take out at Ivey Memorial Park.
Fanning Springs State Park to Manatee Springs State Park (9.5 mi). Two big springs in one day. Paddle up Manatee's short run to the launch.

Put-ins and take-outs

Suwannee River State Park boat ramp; Dowling Park River Camp; Lafayette Blue Springs State Park boat ramp; Peacock Slough River Camp; Adams Tract River Camp; Ivey Memorial Park, Branford (boat ramp); Fanning Springs State Park canoe launch; Manatee Springs State Park canoe launch

Recommended by

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (Suwannee River Wilderness Trail); Florida State Parks; Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

Suggested: Lafayette Blue Springs to Branford, 3 days

1. Launch at the Lafayette Blue Springs State Park ramp and paddle 7.2 river miles to Peacock Slough River Camp. Reserve at 386-294-3667.
2. Peacock Slough to Adams Tract River Camp, 10.6 miles.
3. Adams Tract to Branford, 9.2 miles. Take out at the Ivey Memorial Park ramp in town.

Packed lunches and snacks, and a simple camp supper. One gallon per person per day. The river camps have drinking water.

Santa Fe River

A Suwannee tributary through hardwood hammocks and river swamps, fed by clear springs. At O'Leno the river drops underground and comes back up over 3 miles away at River Rise. The Ichetucknee comes in about 6 miles above US 129.

Class

Beginner, level dependent

Where

O'Leno and High Springs down to US 129 near the Suwannee, north-central Florida

Best season

Crowded with tubers and boaters in summer and on weekends. The state guide says go on weekdays or in the winter to lose the crowds.

Length

26-mile state paddling trail, US 41/441 bridge to the US 129 bridge.

Permit and access

No paddling permit. O'Leno is $5 a vehicle. Poe Springs charges $6 a vehicle May to September. Some private springs charge admission.

Gauge

The state trail guide uses the water district gauge at the US 441 bridge: above 32 feet for enough water from US 441 to US 27. Below 31.5 feet expect shallow spots below US 27. USGS 02321975 also sits at that bridge, and 02322500 is near Fort White. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Rum 138 (386-454-4247) rents and shuttles. Adventure Outpost (386-497-4214) runs guided trips. The old Santa Fe Canoe Outpost at US 441 is now a free City of High Springs launch with no rentals. Alachua County names Anderson's Outdoor Adventures at Poe Springs.

Camping

Free camping on water district land on the west bank from Ginnie Springs to the SR 47 bridge. Call 386-362-1001 first. O'Leno State Park has a full campground.

Hazards

Small shoals show at low water. Motorboat traffic can be heavy from the Ichetucknee down to US 129, mostly weekends and holidays. O'Leno bans paddling downstream toward the sink, so go up and back.

The runs

US 41/441 bridge upstream to River Rise and back (5 mi round trip). Remote and worth the upstream work. River Rise has no launch of its own.
US 41/441 bridge to Rum Island Park (7 mi). Passes the US 27 ramp at mile 3 and Poe Springs Park. Busy with tubers in summer.
Rum Island Park to the CR 47 bridge (Mile 7 to 12). Springs along the way. Gilchrist County launch at CR 47.

Put-ins and take-outs

US 41/441 bridge ramp (trail start) (boat ramp); US 27 bridge ramp (boat ramp); Poe Springs Park boat launch (boat ramp); Rum Island Park (boat ramp); CR 47 bridge launch (boat ramp); US 129 bridge (trail end) (boat ramp); O'Leno State Park canoe launch

Recommended by

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (Santa Fe River Paddling Trail); Florida State Parks (O'Leno); Alachua County (Poe Springs)

Suggested: US 41/441 bridge to Rum Island Park (7 mi)

1. Launch at the ramp by the US 41/441 bridge north of High Springs. Pass the US 27 ramp at mile 3 and Poe Springs, and take out at Rum Island Park, mile 7. Weekdays are quieter.

Packed lunch and snacks. One gallon per person for the day.

Ichetucknee River

Eight major springs and their seeps push over 200 million gallons a day into this river, so clear the eelgrass waves under you. The upper river is a National Natural Landmark. Watch for otter, beaver, gar, softshell turtles and limpkin, and now and then a manatee.

Class

Clear spring run, relaxing day

Where

Ichetucknee Springs State Park near Fort White, down to the Santa Fe River

Best season

Paddle it year-round from either entrance. The upper river is best by canoe or kayak in cooler months. Tubing is from Dampier's Landing only.

Length

6 miles from the springs to the Santa Fe. The park protects 3.5 miles of it.

Permit and access

$6 a vehicle for two to eight people. The park closes to everyone at capacity, reservations too. No food, coolers, disposable bottles or bags, glass, pets or alcohol.

Gauge

USGS 02322700 reads the Ichetucknee at US 27 near Hildreth. No paddling range is published for this river. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Paddling Adventures runs the park's general store at the south entrance: canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and tubes, plus shuttles for paddlers up to the north entrance. Call 386-497-1500.

Camping

The park lists no camping. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown every day. Times may change. Check the official site for current times.

Hazards

North launch closes at 3 p.m., Dampier's Landing at 5, and everyone is off by 6. Midpoint launch is closed for repairs. No swimming in the river and no climbing on trees. Times may change. Check the official site for current times.

The runs

North Boat Launch to the south entrance take-out (About 3.5 mi). From the furthest upstream launch. Launch by 3 p.m. Shuttle from the south entrance general store.
Dampier's Landing tube float (45 min to 1 hour). Tubing year-round. Ride the tram or walk the 0.55-mile trail back to the lot.
Santa Fe confluence upstream into the state park (About 6 mi). The current can be strong against you. Motorboats bunch up at the mouth.

Put-ins and take-outs

North Boat Launch (north entrance) (canoe launch); Midpoint Launch (closed for repairs) (tube launch); Dampier's Landing (south entrance) (tube and paddle launch); Ichetucknee confluence with the Santa Fe

Recommended by

Florida State Parks (Ichetucknee Springs State Park); Florida Office of Greenways and Trails

Wacissa River

One of Florida's wildest rivers, with numerous springs, clear water and wading birds. The first 10 miles to Goose Pasture run wide and marshy, good beginner water. Below that the river braids out, and the Slave Canal, dug by slave labor in the 1850s to float cotton to the Gulf, carries you to the Aucilla. Limpkins still hunt apple snails here.

Class

Easy to moderate

Where

Jefferson County, from the town of Wacissa south to the Aucilla at US 98

Best season

Spring-fed. The upper river gets crowded with boats and airboats on weekends, so go on a weekday or in the winter months.

Length

15-mile state paddling trail, headsprings to Nutall Rise on the Aucilla.

Permit and access

No paddling permit. Camping at Goose Pasture takes a free self-issued permit from the kiosk.

Gauge

For the Slave Canal and lower river, the state trail guide wants USGS 02326550 at Nutall Rise around 7.5 feet, and a high or rising tide makes the canal easier. No range is published for the upper river. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail guide lists Wacissa River Canoe and Kayak Rentals, Jesse's Canoe and Kayak Rental, and Harry Smith Outdoors for boats and shuttles.

Camping

Goose Pasture has free primitive camping, first come, first served, 10-day limit, closed during general gun season. The Suwannee River Water Management District books the group camp.

Hazards

Boats and airboats crowd the upper river on weekends. The Slave Canal means hauling over snags, and the entrance is easy to miss. If you see no limestone piled on the banks within a quarter mile, turn around. Plenty of gators.

The runs

Headsprings to Big Blue Spring and back (About 1 mi each way). Where most folks go. Swim and paddle back to the county park.
Wacissa Springs County Park to Goose Pasture (10 mi). Wide and marshy, good for beginners. Calico and Welaunee landings for rest stops.
Goose Pasture to Nutall Rise by the Slave Canal (About 5 mi). Experienced paddlers only. Snags to haul over and a canal entrance that is easy to miss.

Put-ins and take-outs

Wacissa Springs County Park (Access Point 1) (park launch); Calico Landing; Welaunee Landing; Goose Pasture Recreation Area (Access Point 2, mile 10) (soft launch and campground); Nutall Rise Landing (Access Point 3, mile 15) (boat ramp)

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways and Trails (designated Wacissa River Paddling Trail); Suwannee River Water Management District

Suggested: Wacissa headsprings to Nutall Rise (15 mi, 2 days)

1. Launch at Wacissa Springs County Park and paddle 10 miles of wide, marshy river to Goose Pasture. Calico Landing and Welaunee Landing make rest stops. Camp at Goose Pasture.
2. Experienced paddlers only. About 5 miles through the Slave Canal to Nutall Rise. The entrance is about 1.5 miles below Goose Pasture, with limestone piled on the banks. Go on a high or rising tide.

Packed lunch and snacks each day. One gallon per person per day.

Wakulla River

Clear, spring-fed water under moss-draped cypress, running out of Wakulla Springs State Park. The state trail runs between two bridges below the park, and the current is gentle enough to paddle back upstream as far as you like. Manatees, once summer visitors only, now show up year-round.

Class

Easy, beginner

Where

Wakulla County, below Wakulla Springs State Park down to St. Marks

Best season

Spring-fed and always navigable. Weekends and summer bring powerboats and tubers, so go on a weekday or in winter. Manatees now show up year-round.

Length

About 3.25 miles of state paddling trail between two bridges.

Permit and access

Wakulla County sells a launch permit for its ramps, including both Wakulla River bridges: $5 a day or $40 a year. The trail guide notes a fee to launch at US 98.

Gauge

The state minimum flows chart calls the Wakulla spring-fed and always navigable, so no paddling range is published. USGS 02327022, Wakulla River near Crawfordville, is the live gauge at the upper bridge. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail guide lists Ray's Kayaks and Excursions, St. Marks Outfitters, TNT Hideaway and Harry Smith Outdoors. Outfitters sit at the US 98 bridge launch.

Camping

The trail guide points to the Wakulla Springs Lodge in the state park as a base. Its map shows Newport Park Campground on the St. Marks River at US 98.

Hazards

Powerboats and tubers on weekends and in summer. Give manatees room. Crowd one and it can flip your boat, and bothering them can get you a citation. A park boundary fence crosses the river above the trail.

The runs

CR 365 (Upper Bridge) to US 98 Bridge (About 3.25 mi). The state trail. Current is gentle, so you can paddle it round trip from either bridge.
US 98 Bridge to St. Marks City Park (2.6 mi). Keep going past the trail's end to the town of St. Marks.
US 98 Bridge to San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park (3.2 mi). Ends at the old fort site.

Put-ins and take-outs

CR 365 bridge launch (Wakulla River Upper Bridge Boat Ramp) (unimproved launch); US 98 bridge launch (Wakulla River Lower Bridge Boat Ramp); St. Marks City Park (park launch); San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park (park landing); Newport Park Campground (US 98 bridge, St. Marks River) (campground and launch)

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways and Trails (designated Wakulla River Paddling Trail); Wakulla County ramps

Suggested: Upper Bridge to US 98 Bridge (3.25 mi)

1. Put in at the CR 365 bridge and float about 3.25 miles to the US 98 bridge. The current is gentle, so you can paddle back up instead of running a shuttle. Look for manatees at the island before the power lines and at US 98.

Packed lunch and snacks. One gallon per person for the day.

Apalachicola River

Florida's biggest river by flow. From the Jim Woodruff Dam it runs undammed and mostly wild past high bluffs, public land and big sandbars. Near the bay, FWC's trail system winds nearly 100 miles through tupelo and cypress swamp creeks and open bays, short day trips and overnight runs both.

Class

Moderate, strong current

Where

Chattahoochee near the Georgia line down to the town of Apalachicola, Panhandle

Best season

Sandbars are best at low to moderate water. High water, usually late winter, early spring and after storms, puts most of them under.

Length

Mile markers run 106 to 0, dam to Apalachicola, plus nearly 100 miles of creek trails.

Permit and access

No paddling permit listed. Van Horn and Bloody Bluff landings take a free camping permit, and some FWC trail campsites need a free reservation permit.

Gauge

Apalachicola Riverkeeper says paddling and sandbar camping are best with USGS 02358000 at Chattahoochee below 44 feet, or 02359170 near Sumatra below 5.5 feet. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

None of the Blueway or FWC trail guides name an outfitter. Plan your own shuttle. FWC suggests a bike shuttle on its Trips 1, 2, 3 and 7.

Camping

Most sandbars are public and good for camping at low to moderate water. At high water, camp at landings like Ocheesee, Redd's, Estiffanulga or Bloody Bluff. Hickory Landing on Owl Creek is a Forest Service campground.

Hazards

The current can be the fastest in Florida, so this is not beginner water. Stay off in flood stage. No landing at Alum Bluff or on Torreya State Park and Nature Conservancy land. Wind and tide on the open bays.

The runs

Clyde Hopkins Park, Chattahoochee, to Bristol Landing (25 mi (mi 105 to 80)). Upper Blueway past Torreya State Park and Alum Bluff, with sandbar camps.
Graham Creek to Butcher Pen Landing (FWC Trip 3) (16 to 17 mi). Swamp creeks off the lower river. A long day or an easy overnight.
Graham Creek to Gardner Landing (FWC Trip 1) (8 to 10 mi). Blackwater creek under tupelo and cypress, then the East River.

Put-ins and take-outs

Clyde Hopkins Park, Chattahoochee (mile 105) (put-in); Bristol Landing (mile 80) (put-in); Estiffanulga County Park (mile 63) (put-in and campsite); Gaskin Park, Wewahitchka (mile 42) (put-in); Hickory Landing Campground (Owl Creek, off mile 22) (USFS ramp and campground); Graham Creek boat ramp (SR 65); Butcher Pen Landing (boat dock); Battery Park, Apalachicola (mile 0) (put-in)

Recommended by

Apalachicola Riverkeeper (Apalachicola River Blueway); FWC (Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System); Florida DEP Office of Greenways and Trails

Suggested: Graham Creek to Butcher Pen Landing (16 to 17 mi)

1. 8 to 9 miles: Leave the Graham Creek ramp at SR 65 for the East River, up to the Apalachicola where current can be strong, then Humphrey Slough and the St. Marks River to the East River Cutoff. Outside the designated campgrounds you can camp anywhere except Tate's Hell State Forest and areas posted No Camping.
2. 8 to 9 miles: Side trip into Fanny Lake, then the East River Cutoff to the East River. Paddle up Thank You Ma'am Creek until it pinches out, come back, and finish at the Butcher Pen Landing dock.

Packed lunch and snacks each day, plus supper and breakfast for camp. One gallon per person per day.

Chipola River

A spring-fed river under high limestone bluffs, through river swamp and hardwood bottoms with few signs of people. The water runs clear gold to opal blue, with caves in the banks. The water management district counts over 60 springs, the most of any river in Northwest Florida.

Class

Easy to moderate

Where

Marianna south to Scotts Ferry, Jackson and Calhoun counties

Best season

No season is published. The state chart says usually navigable. Tubers crowd Spring Creek in summer and Johnny Boy to Lamb Eddy on weekends.

Length

51-mile trail from Yancey Bridge to Scotts Ferry, plus the 4.5-mile Upper Chipola.

Permit and access

The trail guides list no paddling permit. Florida Caverns State Park charges $5 per vehicle. The Scotts Ferry ramp is private and charges a fee.

Gauge

The state paddling chart uses USGS 02358789 at Marianna. Above 12 feet it is not recommended for beginners. USGS 02359000 near Altha, at the CR 274 bridge, is a second live gauge. The Upper Chipola has no gauge. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail guide names Bear Paw Adventures near Magnolia Bridge and Chipola River Outfitters, which launches at Johnny Boy Landing. Scotts Ferry campground rents canoes and kayaks.

Camping

Primitive camping at Lamb Eddy County Park, no restrooms. Christoff Landing has three district campsites, reservation only. Florida Caverns State Park has 38 sites. Palm Island is closed since Hurricane Michael.

Hazards

Scout Look and Tremble, a Class I shoal below the 274 bridge. Run it left or portage. Shoals show in low water. On the Upper Chipola, stop at the park ramp: past the bridge the river goes underground. Remote landings are poor overnight.

The runs

Yancey Bridge to Magnolia Bridge (10 mi). Past Marianna and Hinson park. Spring Creek joins below Hinson, busy with tubers in summer.
Johnny Boy Landing to Lamb Eddy County Park (4.5 mi). Look and Tremble shoal. Scout it and run the left side. Tubers on weekends.
Upper Chipola: Christoff Landing to Florida Caverns SP (4.5 mi). Shady and spring-fed. Beginner to intermediate, depending on level and downed trees.

Put-ins and take-outs

Christoff Landing (boat ramp); Florida Caverns State Park take-out (Blue Hole Drive) (park access); Yancey Bridge (SR 166) (boat ramp); Hinson Conservation & Recreation Area (park access); Magnolia Bridge (Magnolia Rd) (boat ramp); Johnny Boy Landing (boat ramp); Lamb Eddy County Park (boat ramp); Scotts Ferry (SR 71 bridge) (private ramp)

Recommended by

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (two designated paddling trails); Florida State Parks; Northwest Florida Water Management District

Suggested: Christoff Landing to Florida Caverns State Park (4.5 mi)

1. Launch at Christoff Landing and float 4.5 miles down the Upper Chipola to the park ramp on Blue Hole Drive. Stop at Baltzell Springs, about 1.2 miles above the ramp on the east bank. Do not go past the bridge.

Packed lunch and snacks. One gallon per person for the day.

Blackwater River (Florida)

A winding, sand-bottomed river under a shady canopy, with high bluffs of pine and cedar. Tannins stain it coffee dark, but it shows gold over the white sandbars. The Forest Service calls it one of the few shifting-sand streams still natural nearly its whole length.

Class

Easy, good for beginners

Where

Blackwater River State Forest, north of Milton, in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties

Best season

Year-round. Summer weekends and holidays pack the lower river with tubers near the state park. Go on a weekday or in winter to miss the crowd.

Length

31-mile designated trail from Kennedy Bridge to Deaton Bridge.

Permit and access

Blackwater River State Park charges $4 per vehicle at the honor box, correct change only. The Florida Forest Service lists a $2 state forest day pass. No glass on the river.

Gauge

The state paddling chart uses USGS 02370000 near Baker, at Cotton Bridge. It is consistently navigable below 6 feet. Above that it may be in flood, so call the park or an outfitter. USGS 02370140 sits at Deaton Bridge. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail guide names Adventures Unlimited and Blackwater Canoe Rental for rentals and shuttles. The state park sends paddlers and tubers to Blackwater Canoe Rental.

Camping

White sandbars along the river make good camp and lunch spots. Blackwater River State Park has a 30-site campground near the take-out.

Hazards

The river can rise very fast. Take out at Deaton Bridge; the river is blocked below it. Fallen trees can block Kennedy to Bryant Bridge. Peadon Bridge is not a recommended launch. Remote lots are unsafe for overnight parking.

The runs

Kennedy Bridge to Cotton Bridge (SR 4) (11 mi). Upper trail. Fallen trees may need a portage. Skip Peadon Bridge as a launch.
Cotton Bridge to Bryant Bridge (11.5 mi). Middle trail. Cotton Bridge park gates lock an hour before sunset.
Bryant Bridge to Deaton Bridge, Blackwater River SP (8.5 mi). Busiest stretch, tubers and swimmers in summer. Take out at Deaton Bridge.

Put-ins and take-outs

Kennedy Bridge (canoe launch); Cotton Bridge (SR 4) (boat ramp); Bryant Bridge (canoe launch); Johnson's Float (drop-off launch); Deaton Bridge, Blackwater River State Park (park take-out)

Recommended by

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (designated paddling trail); Florida State Parks; Florida Forest Service

Ocklawaha and Silver Rivers

Two rivers. The Silver runs 5 miles inside the state park, over dozens of springs, with glass bottom boats for company. Below Kirkpatrick Dam the Ocklawaha winds through hammocks and sugar sand banks, national forest on one side and wildlife land on the other, with no homes or marinas.

Class

Flatwater, steady current

Where

Silver Springs east of Ocala, down the Ocklawaha to the St. Johns at Welaka

Best season

Year-round. Silver Springs opens at 8 a.m.; the park's current notice says the launch closes 90 minutes before sunset. Times may change. Check the official site for current times.

Length

Silver River 5 miles. Lower Ocklawaha trail 8.9 miles, Kirkpatrick Dam to the St. Johns.

Permit and access

Silver Springs: $8 per vehicle plus $4 per private canoe or kayak. Float plan required at the campground launch. Ray Wayside and Gores Landing charge $7 per vehicle.

Gauge

USGS 02239501 on the Silver River near Ocala. On the Ocklawaha, 02240500 at Eureka and 02243960 at Rodman Dam. No paddling range is published for either river. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Paddling Adventures, the Silver Springs State Park concession, rents canoes and kayaks and runs a Silver River trip to Ray Wayside with a return shuttle.

Camping

Gores Landing has 12 primitive sites, first come, $10 a night plus the $7 vehicle fee. Davenport Landing has a national forest campground. Silver Springs State Park has a 59-site campground.

Hazards

On the Silver there is one place to get out between the ends, no anchoring or tying off, and glass bottom boats have the right of way. The lower Ocklawaha has gators, snakes and hornets. Cross the St. Johns with care.

The runs

Silver River: headsprings launch to Ray Wayside Park (5 mi). Park livery and shuttle. Only exit between is the campground launch at mile 2.
Fort King paddling trail loop, Silver Springs (1.1 mi round trip). Around Ross Allen Island and upstream over the springs. One to two hours.
Lower Ocklawaha: Kirkpatrick Dam to the St. Johns at Welaka (8.9 mi). Johnson Field ramp at the US 19 bridge is about half way. Campground at Davenport Landing.

Put-ins and take-outs

Silver Springs State Park main entrance canoe and kayak launch (canoe/kayak launch); Silver Springs State Park camping and museum entrance launch (canoe/kayak launch); Ray Wayside Park (Ocala Boat Basin) (boat ramp); Gores Landing (boat ramp and camp); Eureka East & West boat ramps; Rodman Recreation Area canoe/kayak launch (west side of Kirkpatrick Dam); Johnson Field boat ramp (US 19 bridge); Welaka Landing (boat ramp)

Recommended by

Florida State Parks (Silver Springs, Cross Florida Greenway); Putnam County Blueway, a state designated paddling trail; Marion County Parks

Suggested: Silver River to Ray Wayside Park (5 mi)

1. Launch at the Silver Springs main entrance and paddle 5 miles down the Silver River to the Ray Wayside Park ramp. Set your own shuttle or use the park livery. Give the glass bottom boats room.

Packed lunch and snacks. One gallon per person for the day.

Juniper Run

A tight, twisting spring run under old-growth canopy, straight through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. There are few spots solid enough to step out. Near the end it opens into wetlands full of wading birds. The swimming area and campground were built by the CCC in the 1930s.

Class

Narrow, winding spring run

Where

Juniper Springs on SR 40 to SR 19, Ocala National Forest

Best season

Year-round. Cool in winter. Expect afternoon thunderstorms in summer.

Length

Seven miles from the springs to the take-out off SR 19.

Permit and access

Fee site run by Naventure. Bring your own boat and launch before 1 p.m. Canoes and kayaks only. No inflatables, pets or throwaway containers.

Gauge

No USGS gauge sits on Juniper Run, and the Forest Service publishes no paddling range. It is a spring run. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Naventure runs Juniper Springs for the Forest Service, with kayak rentals and a shuttle, first come, first served.

Camping

Juniper Springs has 79 tent and RV sites, reserved on Recreation.gov. No potable water at the run.

Hazards

Low limbs over the water in the first several miles. Depth and width change a lot, and pull-offs are few. Stage your shuttle before you launch. No wading or fishing in the springs or the run.

The runs

Juniper Springs to the take-out off SR 19 (7 mi). Through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Launch your own boat before 1 p.m.

Put-ins and take-outs

Juniper Springs Recreation Area (launch below the springs) (canoe/kayak launch); SR 19 take-out

Recommended by

US Forest Service, National Forests in Florida (Juniper Run)

Suggested: Juniper Springs to SR 19 (7 mi)

1. Stage a vehicle at the SR 19 take-out or book the Naventure shuttle. Launch below the springs before 1 p.m. and run 7 miles through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.

Packed lunch in reusable containers. One gallon per person for the day.

Rainbow River

A first-magnitude spring with the fourth highest flow in Florida boils up at Rainbow Springs and runs 5.7 miles of clear water to the Withlacoochee at Dunnellon. The water holds near 72 degrees all year. The whole river is an aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Water, and it is idle speed, no wake end to end.

Class

Spring-run stream

Where

Rainbow Springs to the Withlacoochee at Dunnellon, Marion County

Best season

Paddle it year-round. The headsprings opens 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Tubing runs weekends from the first Saturday in April, every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, then weekends to the end of September. It is closed October to March. Times may change. Check the official site for current times.

Length

5.7 miles from the headspring to the Withlacoochee River.

Permit and access

No alcohol or disposables on the river ($50 county fine for disposables). State park fees vary. KP Hole charges $7 entry and $10 per paddler, plus tax.

Gauge

No paddling range is published for this river. USGS 02313098 near Dunnellon and 02313100 at Dunnellon read the Rainbow. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Guest Services Inc. rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboards at the headsprings and runs the park tubing. Marion County rents boats at KP Hole with a downriver shuttle.

Camping

Rainbow Springs State Park has a campground on the river a few miles from the headsprings. Registered campers only, and the gate code is given on your arrival day. Rent canoes at the camp store.

Hazards

Dunnellon treats leaving the river anywhere but Blue Run as trespassing. Motorboats share the river at idle speed. Snorkelers must fly a dive flag. The headsprings has no lifeguard.

The runs

Headsprings launch to the Withlacoochee at Dunnellon (5.7 mi, whole river). Carry your boat 1,800 feet from the parking lot to the launch. No cars at the river.
KP Hole Park to Blue Run of Dunnellon Park (Miles not published). County ramp with rentals and a shuttle back. Blue Run is off Pennsylvania Avenue.
State park tubing float from the tube entrance (2 mi). Shuttle 2 miles upstream, then float back to your car. About two hours. April to September.

Put-ins and take-outs

Rainbow Springs State Park headsprings launch (canoe/kayak launch); Rainbow Springs State Park tubing entrance (tube launch and take-out); Rainbow Springs State Park campground (campground river access); KP Hole Park (boat ramp and paddle launch); Blue Run of Dunnellon Park (kayak access and tuber exit); Centennial Park and City of Dunnellon Boat Ramp

Recommended by

Florida State Parks (Rainbow Springs); Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve; Marion County Parks (KP Hole); City of Dunnellon

Withlacoochee River (Central Florida)

This is the central Florida Withlacoochee, not the one that feeds the Suwannee. It rises in the Green Swamp and runs north to the Gulf near Yankeetown, one of the few Florida rivers that flow north. Cypress swamp lines most of it. High banks up top, wide swamp and lakes in the middle with few places to stop, sandbars at the lower end.

Class

Beginner, level dependent

Where

Lacoochee to Dunnellon, west central Florida

Best season

Year-round. In dry spells expect logs and hyacinth jams, worst on the upper section.

Length

76-mile designated paddling trail on a river SWFWMD puts at 160 miles.

Permit and access

No paddling permit. State forest day pass is $2. Private ramps at CR 575 and SR 48 charge a launch fee. Centennial Park in Dunnellon has a boat ramp.

Gauge

The state trail guide calls 38 feet on USGS 02312558 at Nobleton ideal from Lacoochee to Silver Lake. Use 02313000 near Holder for the lower river. No range is published below Silver Lake. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail guide lists Withlacoochee River RV Park and Canoe Rental at CR 575, Nobleton Outpost, and Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak and Rainbow River Kayak Adventures in Dunnellon.

Camping

Silver Lake, Cypress Glen and Crooked River campgrounds in the state forest take reservations. Primitive sites at High Bluff, Shell Island and Potts Preserve, plus lower river sandbars when the water allows.

Hazards

Wysong Dam at Carlson Landing must be portaged or locked through. Low water means logs, hyacinth jams and pullovers up top. Overnight parking at Lacoochee Park may not be secure. River Junction ramp is closed for repairs as of June 2026.

The runs

Upper Section: Lacoochee Park to Silver Lake (19 mi). Narrow, high banks, good birding. Pullovers in low water. The guide favors launching at CR 575.
Middle Section: Silver Lake to Spruce Park (44 mi). Cypress swamp and open lakes, few rest stops. Portage or lock through Wysong Dam at mile 45.
Lower Section: Spruce Park to Centennial Park, Dunnellon (12.5 mi). Defined banks and sandbars. The Rainbow River comes in a half mile above the end.

Put-ins and take-outs

CR 575 Bridge / Withlacoochee River RV Park & Canoe Rental; Silver Lake Recreation Area (boat ramp); Hog Island Recreation Area (canoe/boat launch); Rutland Park (SR 44) (canoe/kayak launch); Turner Camp (boat ramp); Spruce Park (SR 200) (canoe/kayak launch); Centennial Park, Dunnellon (US 41) (boat ramp)

Recommended by

FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails (designated paddling trail); Florida Forest Service (Withlacoochee State Forest); SWFWMD

Suggested: Spruce Park to Centennial Park (12.5 mi)

1. Launch at Spruce Park off SR 200 and paddle the Lower Section about 12.5 miles to Centennial Park at the US 41 bridge in Dunnellon. The Rainbow River comes in a half mile above the take-out. Check the Holder gauge first.

Packed lunch and snacks. One gallon per person for the day.

Peace River

Limestone pushes out of the banks and bottom here, making shoals and gentle rapids at some levels. The river winds through cypress swamp, hammocks and hardwood forest, and folks flock to it to hunt fossils. No fossil collecting on state land from Bartow to Wauchula. Above Fort Meade it runs too shallow; below Arcadia it carries on to Charlotte Harbor.

Class

Beginner, small shoals

Where

Bartow and Fort Meade south to Arcadia, southwest Florida

Best season

Year-round. In low water expect to drag boats, north end first. It floods late in the rainy season, June through September.

Length

67-mile designated paddling trail, Fort Meade to SR 70 west of Arcadia.

Permit and access

No paddling permit. Shark teeth, plant and shell fossils are free to keep. Other vertebrate fossils on state land need a $5 yearly Florida Museum permit.

Gauge

The state trail guide wants at least 30 cfs on USGS 02294650 at Bartow for the top stretch, and 72 feet on 02294898 at Fort Meade down to Fort Meade. Below Homeland Heritage Landing you can day paddle even low. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

The state trail guide lists Canoe Outpost-Peace River on CR 661 west of Arcadia for rentals and shuttles. Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area rents boats to military only. Paynes Creek has no rentals.

Camping

Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs has 90 county campsites. Brownville Park near Arcadia has electric and non-electric sites with showers. Paynes Creek has a primitive youth group camp by reservation.

Hazards

Hurricane Ian may have left blockages above Paynes Creek. Some bridge accesses have no parking, so use them for drop-off only and do not leave a car overnight at remote spots. In high water the Paynes Creek launch may close.

The runs

Paynes Creek Historic State Park to Crews Park, Wauchula (6.5 mi). Easy, three to four hours. Hand launch; get the gate code at the ranger station.
Pioneer Park, Zolfo Springs, to Gardner Boat Ramp (19.5 mi). The guide's popular overnighter. Gardner is remote; park at Canoe Outpost for a fee.
Brownville Park, upstream and back (Your choice). Paddle north up the river, then turn around and float back. $2 day fee for non-campers.

Put-ins and take-outs

SR 60 Bridge, Bartow (launch); Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area (US 98) (launch); Paynes Creek Historic State Park canoe-kayak launch (hand launch); Crews Park (Peace River Park / Wauchula Riverside Park) (launch); Pioneer Park, Zolfo Springs (boat ramp); Gardner Boat Ramp; Brownville Park (boat ramp); DeSoto Veterans Memorial Park (SR 70) (launch)

Recommended by

FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails (designated paddling trail); Florida State Parks (Paynes Creek); SWFWMD; Hardee and DeSoto counties

Suggested: Paynes Creek to Crews Park, Wauchula (6.5 mi)

1. Launch at the Paynes Creek canoe-kayak launch, getting the gate code from the ranger station, and paddle about 6.5 miles to Crews Park on Main Street in Wauchula. Easy water, three to four hours. Stage a second car at Crews Park.

Packed lunch and snacks. One gallon per person for the day.

Myakka River

Florida's first state Wild and Scenic River. A tea-colored stream runs under palms and live oaks through prairie, marsh and hammock, and fills Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes inside one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. Gators sun on the logs. Limpkins and osprey work the water.

Class

Flatwater river and lakes

Where

Myakka River State Park and Snook Haven, Sarasota County

Best season

Open year-round, 8 a.m. to sunset in the park. Dry season can mean portaging. Wet season brings strong current and a river that floods the woods. Times may change. Check the official site for current times.

Length

66 miles to Charlotte Harbor. 34 miles in Sarasota County are state Wild and Scenic.

Permit and access

Park entry is $6 per vehicle. Motorboats pay $4 to launch. Paddling south of SR 72 in the park takes a wilderness preserve permit, issued daily at the ranger station.

Gauge

USGS 02298830 reads the river near SR 72 inside the state park. Lower down, 02298880 sits at the control near Laurel. The park says to watch water levels and publishes no paddling range. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Myakka Outpost in the state park rents canoes and single kayaks, $20 for the first hour and $5 each hour after. The park runs no shuttle, so plan to paddle back to where you put in.

Camping

The park has three campgrounds with 90 sites, CCC log cabins, and six primitive camps on the hiking trail at $5 a person a night. Park drinking water has been off since Oct. 2025, so bring your own.

Hazards

Low water means portaging. High water brings strong current and a river that is hard to follow where it floods the hammocks. Check the weather and wind before you go. Do not feed or bother the gators. In very dry times the ramp may close.

The runs

State park bridge launch, 1 mile in from SR 72, onto the river (12 to 14 mi in the park (state pages differ)). River runs north to south, strong when high. No park shuttle, so plan to paddle back.
Upper Myakka Lake from the launch near the concession area (Lake, open water). Rentals at Myakka Outpost. Portaging may be needed in dry seasons.
Snook Haven Park county ramp, East Venice Avenue, Venice (Not published). Sarasota County boat ramp and canoe and kayak launch. Ramp open 6 a.m. to sunset.

Put-ins and take-outs

Myakka River State Park bridge canoe/kayak launch; Upper Myakka Lake launch and boat ramp (concession area); Snook Haven Park boat ramp and canoe/kayak launch; Venice Myakka River Park canoe/kayak launch

Recommended by

Florida State Parks (Myakka River State Park); Florida DEP (state Wild and Scenic River, 1985); Sarasota County

Loxahatchee River

Florida's first federal Wild and Scenic River, 1985. The Northwest Fork runs narrow and crooked under old cypress, and it will test your boat handling. Lower down it opens into a mangrove estuary full of birds. Trapper Nelson, the Wildman of the Loxahatchee, homesteaded upriver in the 1930s.

Class

Flatwater, narrow and twisty

Where

Riverbend Park, Jupiter, to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound

Best season

Open year-round. Riverbend Park is open sunrise to sunset. Jonathan Dickinson is open 8 a.m. to sundown every day. Times may change. Check the official site for current times.

Length

7.6 miles are National Wild and Scenic, Riverbend Park down to Jonathan Dickinson.

Permit and access

No paddling permit. Jonathan Dickinson entry is $6 per vehicle, and the boat ramp is $4 plus tax on top of that. Idle speed on the river inside the park.

Gauge

USGS 02277602 reads the Loxahatchee below Lainhart Dam near Jupiter. 265906080093500 sits at river mile 9.1 in the state park. No paddling range is published. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Palm Beach County names Jupiter Outdoor Center as the rental concession at Riverbend Park. Rentals at Jonathan Dickinson are currently unavailable, so bring your own boat there.

Camping

Jonathan Dickinson has Pine Grove Campground with 90 sites and River Campground with 52 sites near the river. The park cabins close for renovation starting Oct. 18, 2026.

Hazards

Tight bends in a narrow channel under the cypress. Lainhart and Masten dams have canoe and kayak portages beside the weirs. Motorboats run the lower river from the park ramp. Gators are common.

The runs

Riverbend Park to Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site (About 5 river mi). River miles 15.5 to 10.5 in the Wild and Scenic plan. Narrow cypress run. Trapper's is not a take-out.
Riverbend Park canoe and kayak trails (5 mi of trails). County park on the Wild and Scenic river. Jupiter Outdoor Center rents boats.
Jonathan Dickinson boat ramp upriver to Trapper Nelson's (Not published). Trapper's is open to private boats Wednesday to Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.

Put-ins and take-outs

Riverbend Park (canoe/kayak access); Jonathan Dickinson State Park boat ramp; Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site

Recommended by

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (1985); Florida State Parks (Jonathan Dickinson); Palm Beach County Parks (Riverbend Park)

Everglades Wilderness Waterway

A route through the Ten Thousand Islands and the mangrove rivers and bays of the largest wilderness east of the Rockies. You sleep on chickees, platforms on stilts, or on ground sites and Gulf beaches. Charts and a compass find the way here, not a phone. The Park Service says experienced paddlers only.

Class

Tidal bays, experts only

Where

Everglades City to Flamingo, Everglades National Park, southwest Florida

Best season

Winter, December to April, is the better time. Summer, June to October, brings heat, hard storms and bad mosquitoes. Hurricanes run June to November.

Length

99 miles between Everglades City and Flamingo. Most paddlers allow at least eight days.

Permit and access

Park entry is $35 a vehicle or $20 a paddler without one, good 7 days. Camping in the backcountry needs a Recreation.gov wilderness permit, $21 plus $2 a person a night.

Gauge

This is tide water, not a river gauge trip. Tides can top four feet in places, so get the tide tables before you go. USGS runs a gauge on the Turner River, 02290930. Read it live in the CWS app before you launch.

Outfitters

Flamingo Adventures rents canoes and kayaks at the Flamingo marina. At the Everglades City end, rentals come from private businesses in town. The Park Service keeps a list of permitted guides.

Camping

Chickees, ground sites and beach sites, most reached only by water. There is no fresh water along the coast, so carry a gallon a person a day in hard jugs. Fires only on beach sites. Clear your site by noon.

Hazards

Wind has swamped plenty of boats in rough seas, and tides run swift. Broad Creek and the Nightmare pass only at high tide. Powerboats share the route. Do not count on a cell signal. Park dispatch is 305-242-7740.

The runs

Wilderness Waterway, Everglades City to Flamingo (99 mi). Allow at least eight days. Line up your shuttle ahead. Permit and nautical charts needed.
Turner River, US 41 canoe launch to Chokoloskee (8.5 mi). Can be impassable when water is too high or too low. Ask the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center first.
Nine Mile Pond loop, off the main park road to Flamingo (5 mi loop). Marked with numbered white poles. 3.5 mile shortcut. Can go dry late in the dry season.

Put-ins and take-outs

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center (Gulf Coast) kayak launch (canoe/kayak launch); Flamingo marina launch (canoe/kayak launch); Turner River canoe launch (US 41, Big Cypress National Preserve) (canoe/kayak launch); Nine Mile Pond trailhead (canoe/kayak launch); Hell's Bay canoe trail trailhead (canoe/kayak launch)

Recommended by

National Park Service (Everglades National Park, 99-mile Wilderness Waterway and designated paddling trails)

Suggested: Sandfly Island Loop from Everglades City (6.5 mi)

1. Launch at the public kayak launch at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center and run the 6.5 mile Sandfly Island Loop. Check the tide chart and the wind first. To walk the 1 mile island trail, land on the beach by the dock.

Packed lunch and snacks. One gallon per person for the day.

Black Creek

A tannin-dark creek in Clay County that the county calls one of the cleanest in the state. Five mapped kayak legs run from Jennings State Forest down to the St. Johns. The top legs are narrow and twisting, the lower ones wider with homes.

Best run

Ellis Ford to Knights Landing (3 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02246000

Hazards

Snags and deadfalls up top, strong current after heavy rain. Boat traffic on the lower legs, most on weekends.

Recommended by

Clay County Tourism; Florida Paddling Trails Association

Wekiva River

Rock Springs Run meets the Wekiwa Springs run to make the Wekiva, which winds to the St. Johns through scrub, hammock and swamp. Otters, gators and now and then a black bear. National Wild and Scenic since 2000.

Best run

Rock Springs Run: King's Landing to Wekiva Island (8 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02235000

Hazards

Paddling back upstream is hard work. Motorboat wakes near High Banks. Black bears live here, so be bear aware.

Recommended by

FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails; National Park Service; Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System; Florida State Parks

Pellicer Creek

A calm tidal creek between Faver-Dykes State Park and Princess Place Preserve, with salt marsh, fresh and salt water fish and good birding. Paddle east to the Matanzas River or west till it narrows to jungle.

Best run

Faver-Dykes State Park west to the creek's end and back (6.5 mi round trip)

Gauge

USGS 02247222, no data since November 2025. FDEP calls the creek always navigable.

Hazards

Tidal water, 2 to 6 feet deep on average. Plan an out and back to the same launch.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails; Florida State Parks

Aucilla River

High limestone banks under live oak and cypress on the FDEP trail. Not for beginners, with tight turns, rocky shoals and a short run of rapids. Below the trail the river drops underground. FDEP calls 48 to 50 feet on the Lamont gauge ideal.

Best run

Herndon Landing to the take-out above Goose Pasture Road (15 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02326500

Hazards

A big tree jam near mile 3 (reported June 2024; check before you go). Scout the Aucilla Rapids. Take out at trail's end, the river sinks just below.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails; Suwannee River Water Management District

Econfina River

A blackwater river in the Florida Big Bend that winds through shady woods to open salt marsh and meets the Gulf 2.2 miles below the state park ramp. Econfina River State Park has two small ramps, and the $2 per vehicle entry covers your launch.

Gauge

USGS 02326000

Hazards

Limestone rock outcroppings make the river tricky to run, per the park. Watch the bottom.

Recommended by

Florida State Parks; Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails

Big Bend Saltwater Trail

FWC's 105-mile saltwater trail along the Big Bend coast, from the Aucilla River down to the Suwannee. Marsh and sea grass meadows, with primitive campsites on islands and coastal hammocks. Camping is by free FWC permit, Sept 1 to June 30.

Gauge

None published. Look at the water before you launch.

Hazards

Creek mouths are hard to spot from a kayak, so carry a GPS. Pack water between refill points. No camping permits for canoes or solo kayaks.

Recommended by

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails

Steinhatchee River

A blackwater river on the Dixie and Taylor line that starts below the limestone ledge at Steinhatchee Falls and widens toward the Gulf. FDEP says it suits beginners and canoes.

Best run

Steinhatchee Falls to Steinhatchee Boat Landing (6 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02324000, no data since December 2025. Check the river before you go.

Hazards

Wind and tide near the Gulf. An outgoing tide speeds you up, an incoming one slows you down. Stay off it in flood.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails

St. Marks River

At Natural Bridge the river drops into a sinkhole and runs underground a quarter mile. Below the town of St. Marks, a state trail runs 6 miles past limestone rock islands and marsh along the refuge to the St. Marks Lighthouse.

Best run

St. Marks Riverfront Park to St. Marks Lighthouse (6 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02326900

Hazards

Tidal water. Run the lighthouse trip on an outgoing tide. The bay is shallow but gets choppy in wind.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails; Florida State Parks

Sopchoppy River

Tea-colored water between high, narrow limestone banks, with cypress and white sandbars, through the Apalachicola National Forest. The state trail runs 15 miles from Oak Park Bridge to US 319. It is not a beginner river.

Best run

Oak Park Cemetery Bridge to Myron B. Hodge City Park (10 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02327100

Hazards

Sharp turns, log jams and steep banks at the launches. It rises fast after a storm and drops fast in a dry spell.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails

Ochlockonee River

Two FDEP trails. The Upper is 27 miles above Lake Talquin, and FDEP steers you to the 12 miles below Old Bainbridge Road. The Lower runs about 62 miles through the Apalachicola National Forest to Ochlockonee River State Park. Not for beginners.

Best run

Old Bainbridge Road Bridge to US 90 (12 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02329000, USGS 02330000

Hazards

Log jams and downed trees, worst up top. Dam releases change the level. No access for 12 miles below Bradwell.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails

Econfina Creek

The water management district calls it the steepest-gradient canoe trail in the state: rapids, springs and rock outcrops, cold and clear. The livery to CR 388 stretch is the popular spring-fed run for beginners.

Best run

Econfina Canoe Livery to CR 388 bridge (7.5 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02359500

Hazards

Scott Road to Walsingham is skilled paddlers only. Stay off after heavy rain. Remote lots are not safe overnight.

Recommended by

FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails; Northwest Florida Water Management District

Holmes Creek

A clear, spring-fed Panhandle creek on a 34-mile FDEP trail through Vernon, past high sandy banks and old cypress. Fine for beginners to intermediates and levels hold steady. Camping at Cotton, Spurling and Boynton Landings requires a reservation.

Gauge

USGS 02366000

Hazards

Low limbs and tight bends. Summer crowds at the springs. Stay off private land at Cypress Springs.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails; Northwest Florida Water Management District

Coldwater Creek

Some of the swiftest water in Florida, per FDEP, running 19 miles through Blackwater River State Forest. Spring-fed, shallow and cool over a sandy bottom with broad sandbars. Easy enough for beginners, but narrow in spots and steep.

Gauge

USGS 02370500

Hazards

Cypress knees, logs and gravel bars. The SR 4 put-in is remote, so don't leave a car overnight.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails

Perdido River

An easy FDEP trail on the Alabama line. Tea-colored water and white sandbars, narrow and quick up top, wider and slower toward the bay. FDEP says it runs best at 2 to 6 feet on the Barrineau Park gauge.

Best run

Fillingim Landing to The Pipes Landing (4 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02376500

Hazards

Log jams that move with floods. Above 7 feet some dirt access roads close and the river turns dangerous.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails

Alexander Springs Creek

It starts at Alexander Springs, one of Florida's 27 first-magnitude springs, and runs broad and swift through the Alexander Springs Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest, with lots of small islands.

Best run

Alexander Springs Recreation Area to the north shore take-out (About 6 mi)

Gauge

None published. Look at the water before you launch.

Hazards

Little dry land to pull out on for the first several miles. Weekends fill up and the site can close when full.

Recommended by

US Forest Service, Ocala National Forest

Hillsborough River

The state trail runs 30 miles from Hillsborough River State Park to Rowlett Park in Tampa, narrow and winding up top and a tidal estuary at the end. The park has Class II rapids, rare in Florida and closed to boats.

Best run

Hillsborough River State Park to Dead River Park (3 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02303000, USGS 02303330

Hazards

Seventeen Runs, Dead River Park to Sargeant Park, is extremely hard even for experienced paddlers. Rescues happen every year.

Recommended by

Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails; Florida State Parks

Fisheating Creek

A clear, tea-colored creek that winds 40 miles through cypress and oak toward Lake Okeechobee. Follow the blue blazes. The upper launches cross private land, so you get there on the Fisheating Creek Outpost shuttle.

Best run

Burnt Bridge to Fisheating Creek Campground (8 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02256500

Hazards

Alligators, lots of them. The upper creek goes too shallow to pass at low water. Private land on the banks.

Recommended by

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Great Calusa Blueway

Nearly 200 miles of paddling trail in the coastal water and tributaries around Fort Myers, built by Lee County Parks & Recreation. It comes in three parts: Estero Bay, Pine Island and Matlacha Pass, and the Caloosahatchee River.

Best run

Koreshan State Park to Lovers Key State Park (9 mi)

Gauge

USGS 02291580

Hazards

Open bay water. Expect wind, waves, tide and heavy motorboat traffic across the channels.

Recommended by

Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau; Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails