Three Natural North Florida Springs–Free For All!

Some of the best things in our Natural North Florida region are free, and that’s especially true when it comes to three of our smaller springs.  While we have the largest concentration of first and second magnitude freshwater springs in the world, these county-maintained “swimming holes” in Jefferson, Columbia and Alachua counties are fun–and FREE! …

Natural North Florida Paddling Guides and Outfitters

Paddling kayaks and canoes on Natural North Florida’s Gulf coast, its rivers and its springs can be the highlight of your visit.  In our 14 county region, we have several rivers, including the mighty Suwannee, as well as the largest concentration of first-magnitude springs in the world.  And if those places don’t get you excited, …

Take a Lazy Paddle on Natural North Florida’s Springs, Lakes, Rivers or Gulf Coast

On our vast network of springs, lakes, rivers and Gulf of Mexico coastline, paddling a kayak or canoe is an excellent way to slowly take in the sights and sounds of Natural North Florida. Whether you intend to putter around the spring run at Blue Springs in Gilchrist County or take 10 days to paddle …

Way Down Upon The Santa Fe River–A Suwannee River Alternative!

Spring has “sprung” and while our Natural North Florida region is largely rural, crowds flock to our rivers to boat, fish, or simply float.  The Suwannee River begins in south Georgia’s Okeefenokee Swamp and meanders downstream to the Gulf of Mexico for over 240 miles.  About 170 of those final miles are in our region …

Fun, Food and Festivities in Wonderful Wakulla County, Florida

North Florida’s Wakulla County offers a variety of events, activities and natural wonders to delight even the most discriminating visitor.  To the west, there’s the mouth of the Ochlockonee River, which winds from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico.  There are coastal villages worth exploring, too.  The settlement at St. Marks and Panacea offers excellent …

Your Guide to 55 Miles of Fun Along Natural North Florida’s Gilchrist Blueway

For a Natural North Florida county that has no Gulf of Mexico coastline, Gilchrist County sure has lots of waterfront!  In fact, few of our area’s coastal counties have shoreline to match Gilchrist’s 55 miles along the Suwannee, Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers.  The Suwannee River begins several hundred miles from the Gulf in Georgia’s …

Fishing Feature: Kayaking in Fishbone Creek

If you’re camping at Shired Island, staying at Horseshoe Beach or Cross City, or just making a day trip with your kayak to the Dixie County coast, don’t miss launching at the headwaters of Fishbone Creek and heading out to the bars in Horseshoe Cove.   On higher tides, these backwaters flood well into the …

Fishing Feature: Paddle Boat Outfitters Guide

Natural North Florida’s coastline, often referred to as the “Big Bend”, is perfect for paddlers.  Whether cruising, birding, scalloping or fishing, there are a number of outfitters in our area willing to point you to the nearest launch spot.  Some of our best paddling is along the coast, but several of our rivers are worth …

Mark Your Calendars–2016 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure, Suwannee Florida, 9/29-10/2

Now’s the time to mark your calendar for the 2016 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure.  This year’s event will be at Suwannee, Florida on the Suwannee River, and promises to be more fun than ever before.  And, with the event falling on the last week of September, the air should be cooler–but not so cool to …

Cedar Key’s Shell Mound, a “Sea Kayaker’s Playground”

While the town of Cedar Key is 24-miles off the beaten path, at the western (Gulf) end of SR24, Shell Mound is a bit farther! “The Shell Mound Unit of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is adjacent to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. This unique feature was created by archaic period Eastern Woodland Indian cultures …