Florida's Designated Paddling Trails

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From spring-fed rivers to county blueway systems to the 1515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida is endowed with exceptional paddling trails, rich in wildlife and scenic beauty.

The first Florida paddling trails were designated in the early 1970s, and trails have been added to the list ever since. Total mileage for the 60-plus state-designated trails is more than 4,100 miles. The Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) coordinates the designated trails and works with or seeks to identify local and regional managers. For a water body to be included as a state-designated paddling trail, a government body or non-profit entity must agree to manage the trail and apply for designation through an established process through the Office of Greenways and Trails.

Regarding federal designations, the Loxahatchee and Wekiva Rivers are Florida’s national wildlife and scenic rivers, the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a recognized national water trail, and there are a dozen Florida paddling trails that have been designated national recreation trails. The Myakka is the only state designated wild and scenic river, established by the Florida Legislature in 1985. The Kissimmee and Little Manatee Rivers are currently under study for federal wild and scenic river status.

We want to keep our trail maps and guides current, so if you have noticed changes in access or other features while on a trail, please contact OfficeofGreenwaysandTrails@FloridaDEP.gov. 

• Paddling Trails Overview
• Florida Paddling Trails PowerPoint
• Setting GPS Location Format
• Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT)
• Saltwater Paddling in Florida State Parks
• Minimum Flows for Paddling Trails
• Keys to Establishing and Promoting a Paddling Trail or Blueways System
• Florida Paddlesports Program
• Day Trip Paddling Tips and Safety Recommendations
• Long Distance Paddling Recommendations
• Recommended Gear and Safety Equipment for Extended Trips
• Paddling and Lightning
• Florida Trail Adventure Combos
• Paddling Videos
• Paddlesports Grant Opportunities

Paddling Skill Levels

Beginner: Paddle 1-5 miles on protected waters.

Intermediate: Knowledge of basic strokes and rescue techniques. Good steering ability. Paddle 5-10 miles.

Advanced: Experienced paddlers, more than 10 miles a day. Competent in a variety of conditions.

• American Canoe Association (ACA) skills assessments

Northwest Paddling Trails - Story Map

Upper Big Bend Paddling Trails - Story Map

North-Central Paddling Trails - Story Map

Northeast Paddling Trails - Story Map

Southeast Paddling Trails - Story Map

Southwest Paddling Trails - Story Map

For recommended changes to paddling guides and maps, contact The Office of Greenways and Trails.

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