Paddling Florida’s Spring Fed Rivers

Tired of paddling on Sarasota Bay and Pansy Bayou? Bored with those mangrove tunnels at South Lido Key? Seen enough manatees, dolphins and ospreys to last a lifetime? Don’t give up paddling or sell your kayak until you try some of Florida’s beautiful spring fed inland waterways.

There are over 300 springs in Florida, more than any other state or country. Many of these springs feed rivers and streams that are untouched by development and perfect for paddling.

The Ichetucnee River, located about 35-miles northwest of Gainesville off US-27, is entirely within Ichetucnee Springs State Park. Spring fed at a rate of 230 million gallons of crystal-clear water each day, the Ichetuchnee is a constant 72 F. Canoeists and kayakers can choose trips from 3-1/2 to 7-miles in the leisurely river current.

Juniper Creek, another beautiful spring fed river, may be the clearest stream in Florida. Located east of Ocala along FL-40, Juniper Creek winds for 7 miles through the Ocala National Forest and the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.

The Ichetucnee River and Juniper Creek flow through countryside that is completely different than the palm fringed beach scenes of Sarasota. The lands surrounding the two rivers are filled with dense vegetation while cypress trees, live oaks and southern pines tower above. Paddlers are likely to catch climses of alligators, deer, snakes and many species of birds. The gin-clear waters and white sand bottoms of these rivers make it easy to spot all manner of fish and turtles.

Both the Ichetucnee River and Juniper Creek are best paddled during the weekdays from October through April. After Memorial Day, the Ichetucknee becomes a tube floaters paradise and the state park rangers control access. On weekends, inexperienced paddlers can make the sharp turns and cypress knees of Juniper Creek into an aquatic version of a bumper car ride.

If you enjoy paddling and are looking for new adventures, consider the spring fed rivers of Florida. They are unique. You will not be disappointed. ~ By Larry Reinebach

For Information & Paddling Services:

Ichetucknee Family Canoe & Cabins

8587 S.W. Elim Church Road

Fort White, FL 32038

386-497-2150

www.ichetuckneecanoeandcabins.net

Juniper Springs & Canoe Launch

352-625-3147

www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida
http://florida.sierraclub.org/northeast/outings/outings003.html