kayaking
“Mainline”: The Back Roads of Dixie County, Florida
Originally cleared years ago as logging roads in rural Dixie County, the Dixie Mainline and the Bowlegs Mainline are still a functional, albeit sometimes rough, set of roads. Now they shortcut the long travel between Steinhatchee and Horseshoe Beach and Horseshoe Beach and Suwannee. And they cross some beautiful backwaters and forests. For many years, …
A Few Changes at Florida’s Ichetucknee State Park in Columbia County
Florida’s Ichetucknee State Park is a favorite of locals, as well as visitors to the State. The head spring feeds the river with clean, clear water and pushes rafters, tubers and paddlers downstream for an unequaled view of one of Florida’s most pristine natural areas. For the 2016 “season”, beginning in late May, there have …
Head to Natural North Florida For Great Paddling Adventures!
Here’s a quick look at some of the great paddling in Natural North Florida!
Put on a Sweater–and Paddle the Big Bend Saltwater Trail!
The weather’s cooling down, so it’s time to head to the coast and do some paddling. Sea kayakers have long known of the multi-day expedition possibilities along Florida’s Big Bend Gulf Coast. The area boasts one of the longest and wildest publicly-owned coastal wetlands in the United States, and a striking array of bird …
Steinhatchee River Designated Florida’s 50th State Paddling Trail
With the addition of the Steinhatchee River, Florida now has 50 state paddling trails. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways & Trails designated the Steinhatchee River during the Taylor County Commission meeting on Sept. 16. The Florida Paddling Trails Association also presented signs designating the communities of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee as …
Paddle Natural North Florida’s Springs and Spring-Fed Rivers
With our abundant springs, spring runs and spring-fed rivers, the Natural North Florida region is the perfect place to spend a lazy day paddling. In the southern regions, there are several springs that feed the mighty Suwannee River. County parks at Otter Springs and Hart Springs attract paddlers to their quiet waters. The State Parks …
Try Kayak Fishing in the Wakulla Backwaters
Last weekend I left my flats skiff behind in Steinhatchee and joined a couple of other outdoor writers in Wakulla County for a kayak-fishing adventure. Of course, over the years, I’ve made numerous trips out of St. Marks, Panacea and Spring Creek, but never had much chance to fish the shallow, close-in flats and inshore …
The Wacissa River–An Unspoiled Stretch of Fishy Water in Florida’s Jefferson County
The Wacissa River begins (where else?) but near the village of Wacissa, in southern Jefferson County. As the crow flies, the headwaters are but 20 or so miles from urban Tallahassee, but in terms of time, it may represent centuries. The headwaters are fed by numerous springs, including several with first magnitude flows. Depending on …
Florida’s Apalachee Bay Maritime Heritage Paddling Trail System
Trail Overview Be transported to a different time and place as you paddle Apalachee Bay’s Ten Maritime Heritage Trails. Designed for enthusiasts of all levels, enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography as you explore one of Florida’s last great bays, its inlets, rivers, and springs. Apalachee is one of the healthiest and most productive bays …
Head Down Dixie County’s ‘Road to Nowhere’ For Some Excellent Paddling
Dixie County’s ‘Road to Nowhere’ is the southern extension of CR361 that runs from Casey’s Corner in Jena (just across the river from Steinhatchee) and dead ends about 12 miles south, inshore of the Pepperfish Keys. If you’re traveling from the south, come to Jena via CR358 from US19/98 and bear left onto CR361 when …