Manatee Springs
We finally had an opportunity to get back on the river for a paddle! The Suwannee River and Manatee Springs provided a short 5 mile …
The Ocklawaha River
A Brief Overview The Ocklawaha River is the principal tributary of the St. Johns River, and its main source is Lake Griffin, which is …
Homosassa River
The Homosassa River is a 7.7-mile-long river in Citrus County, Florida. Its headwaters are the Homosassa Springs, and from there it flows 8 miles west …
Ocklawaha River – Moss Bluff to Ray Wayside
This was a first-time paddle for Florida Paddle Notes…a portion of the Upper Ocklawaha River. This section took us through the Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area. …
Ichetucknee River – Fall Colors
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Fall Paddle on the Ichetucknee River[/caption]
Fall Paddle on the Ichetucknee River[/caption]
The Ichetucknee River is always a pleasant and scenic paddle. I made a point this year to make sure to paddle this river in December to view the Fall colors. I was not disappointed!…James
Santa Fe River – River Rise
The River Rise has an abundance of wildlife to include several species of Turtles, Otters, Deer, Snakes, Herons, Egrets, Limpkins, Owls, and Ospreys among others. The shoreline, adorned with numerous Cypress Knees, is an assortment of hardwood trees and Saw Palmetto…James
Okefenokee Swamp – Minnie’s Lake
Ever since my first trip into the Okefenokee Swamp, I was destined to return. Back in March of 2019, it was sunny, breezy, and in the upper 70s, and today’s paddle in mid-November offered the same weather. This is such an awesome paddle into the ‘wilds’ of the swamp and offers quite a glimpse of numerous gators. The last trip I paddled to Billy’s Island and today’s paddle, to Minnie’s Lake, will be a first…James
Withlacoochee River (S) Hwy 200 to Hwy 41
We could not pass up the predicted excellent weather and so ventured out on a 12-mile section of the Withlacoochee River (S), launching just north of Hwy 40 at Spruce Public Boat Launch and paddling to Dunnellon to enjoy our reward at The Blue Gator Tiki Bar and Restaurant. Along this Florida Paddle Trail, we enjoyed temperatures in the 70s, sunny skies, an awesome breeze at our back, and a swift current! Couldn’t have been better…James
Durbin Creek – Bartram Canoe Trail
Another first for Florida Paddle Notes, Durbin Creek. In an effort to fill in some paddling voids in this northeast section of Florida, and with some suggestions from fellow paddlers, we headed up on this perfect Fall morning and were not disappointed! Due to time restraints, as well as having only one vehicle, we chose to paddle downstream three and a half miles and return for a 7-mile paddle. Going further leads to the numerous houses, a much wider and open creek as well as boat traffic. This was perfect! …James
The Ocklawaha River – Ray Wayside to Gore’s Landing 2020
The Ocklawaha River is the principal tributary of the St. Johns River. Its main source is Lake Griffin, part of the Harris chain of lakes in Lake County, Florida. The Ocklawaha River watershed includes parts of the Green Swamp, most of Lake County, and portions of Marion, Alachua, and Putnam counties. The key tributary to the Ocklawaha is the Silver River, which originates in Silver Springs, Fl…James