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Paddlers on the Withlacoochee River North by Doug Alderson

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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 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.


Northwest Paddling Trails - Story Map

NameGuideStory Map
Perdido RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Coldwater CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
Juniper CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
Blackwater RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Yellow RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Shoal RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Holmes CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
Choctawhatchee River BluewayPaddling GuideSee this trail
Econfina CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
Chipola RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Upper Chipola RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Merritts Mill PondPaddling GuideSee this trail
Apalachicola River BluewayExternal LinkSee this trail
Apalachicola Paddling Trail SystemExternal Link 

Upper Big Bend Paddling Trails - Story Map

NameGuideStory Map
Ochlockonee River - UpperPaddling GuideSee this trail
Ochlockonee River - LowerPaddling GuideSee this trail
Sopchoppy RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Apalachee Bay Maritime System (10 trails)Paddling Guide 
Wakulla RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Lake JacksonPaddling GuideSee this trail
Wacissa RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Aucilla RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail

North-Central Paddling Trails - Story Map

NameGuideStory Map
Big Bend Saltwater Paddling TrailExternal Link 
Steinhatchee RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Withlacoochee River-NorthPaddling GuideSee this trail
Suwannee River Wilderness TrailPaddling GuideSee this trail
Santa Fe RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Ichetucknee RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Potano Paddling TrailExternal Link 
St. Marys RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Lake County BluewaysExternal Link 
Withlacoochee Gulf PreserveExternal Link 
Withlacoochee River-South
Paddling GuideSee this trail

Northeast Paddling Trails - Story Map

NameGuideStory Map
Putnam County BluewaysExternal Link 
Pellicer CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
Bulow CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
Tomoka RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Spruce CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
St. Johns River BluewayPaddling Guide and Data BookSee this trail
Wekiva River/Rock Springs RunPaddling GuideSee this trail
Econlockhatchee RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Shingle CreekExternal Link - Launch/park infoExternal link - paddling guide

Southeast Paddling Trails - Story Map

NameGuideStory Map
Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River South Fork Paddling TrailsExternal Link 
Loxahatchee River
Paddling GuideSee this trail
Jupiter Waterway TrailExternal Link 
Buster Island (Lake Kissimmee State Park) Paddling GuideSee this trail
Kissimmee River BluewaySee this trail
Wilton Manors Middle River Paddling TrailExternal Link 
Whiskey CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail

Southwest Paddling Trails - Story Map

NameGuideStory Map
Charlotte County BluewaysExternal Link 
Peace RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Hickey CreekPaddling GuideSee this trail
Estero Bay and RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Great Calusa BluewayExternal Link 
Blackwater/Royal Palm HammockPaddling GuideSee this trail
Pithlachascotee RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Hillsborough RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Alafia RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Little Manatee RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail
Paddle ManateeExternal Link 
Upper Manatee RiverPaddling GuideSee this trail

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

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Paddlers along the Ichetucknee River by Doug Alderson
Last Modified: Sunday, Nov 03, 2024 - 02:46pm