Cat Island

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Paddle along residential canals, thru salt marsh to gulf island.

Length: 5.9 miles from Anderson Landing boat ramp, along residential canal thru culverts under streets into salt marsh to open water around Cat Island, then return via passage thru Goodson and Odulund Islands back to Anderson Landing boat ramp.  If winds are strong from south or west, paddle is easier when route direction is reversed.

Time: 3 hours plus time exploring Cat Island and stop at historic Odulund Island.

Skill Level:  Safe for all levels if calm conditions exist, otherwise be accompanied by expert level paddler.  Wind conditions between 10-15 mph will create light to heavy chop on open water not suitable for beginner paddlers.  Basic navigational skills required to find Cat Island and return via creek between Goodson and Odulund Islands.

CAUTIONS:  Cat Island is not publicly owned and all private property rights should be respected.  Beginner paddlers should not take this paddle if winds are above 10 mph, and paddle is unsafe if wind conditions are stronger than 15 mph.  Very low tides render certain sections of the creek impassable.  Paddlers must also exercise caution paddling around sand and oyster bars during very low tide conditions.

The following map and trail guide are provided courtesy of Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuges.

Click here for trail map and guide. 

DISCLAIMER:  The Original Florida Tourism Task Force (dba Visit Natural North Florida) and the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council do not warrant the accuracy or timeliness of this map and paddle guide or the safety of this trail for use by paddlers.   Paddlers should use this trail only if they have the adequate skill level and equipment, and paddlers must make that determination.  Paddlers should also check weather forecasts and water levels in advance to avoid unnecessary danger.  The Original Florida Tourism Task Force, the local governments in which this paddling trail is located and the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council are not responsible for any damages whatsoever from its use.