From spring-fed rivers to county blueway systems to the 1515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida is endowed with exceptional paddling trails, rich in wildlife and scenic beauty.
The first Florida paddling trails were designated in the early 1970s, and trails have been added to the list ever since. Total mileage for the 60-plus state-designated trails is more than 4,100 miles. The Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) coordinates the designated trails and works with or seeks to identify local and regional managers. For a water body to be included as a state-designated paddling trail, a government body or non-profit entity must agree to manage the trail and apply for designation through an established process through the Office of Greenways and Trails.
Regarding federal designations, the Loxahatchee and Wekiva Rivers are Florida’s national wildlife and scenic rivers, the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a recognized national water trail, and there are a dozen Florida paddling trails that have been designated national recreation trails. The Myakka is the only state designated wild and scenic river, established by the Florida Legislature in 1985. The Kissimmee and Little Manatee Rivers are currently under study for federal wild and scenic river status.
We want to keep our trail maps and guides current, so if you have noticed changes in access or other features while on a trail, please contact OfficeofGreenwaysandTrails@FloridaDEP.gov.
Beginner: Paddle 1-5 miles on protected waters.
Intermediate: Knowledge of basic strokes and rescue techniques. Good steering ability. Paddle 5-10 miles.
Advanced: Experienced paddlers, more than 10 miles a day. Competent in a variety of conditions.
| Name | Guide | Story Map |
|---|---|---|
| Perdido River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Coldwater Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Juniper Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Blackwater River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Yellow River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Shoal River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Holmes Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Choctawhatchee River Blueway | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Econfina Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Chipola River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Upper Chipola River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Merritts Mill Pond | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Apalachicola River Blueway | External Link | See this trail |
| Apalachicola Paddling Trail System | External Link |
| Name | Guide | Story Map |
|---|---|---|
| Ochlockonee River - Upper | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Ochlockonee River - Lower | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Sopchoppy River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Apalachee Bay Maritime System (10 trails) | Paddling Guide | |
| Wakulla River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Lake Jackson | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Wacissa River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Aucilla River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Name | Guide | Story Map |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail | External Link | |
| Steinhatchee River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Withlacoochee River-North | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Suwannee River Wilderness Trail | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Santa Fe River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Ichetucknee River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Potano Paddling Trail | External Link | |
| St. Marys River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Lake County Blueways | External Link | |
| Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve | External Link | |
|
Withlacoochee River-South
|
Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Name | Guide | Story Map |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam County Blueways | External Link | |
| Pellicer Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Bulow Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Tomoka River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Spruce Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| St. Johns River Blueway | Paddling Guide and Data Book | See this trail |
| Wekiva River/Rock Springs Run | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Econlockhatchee River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Shingle Creek | External Link - Launch/park info | External link - paddling guide |
| Name | Guide | Story Map |
|---|---|---|
| Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River South Fork Paddling Trails | External Link | |
|
Loxahatchee River
|
Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Jupiter Waterway Trail | External Link | |
| Buster Island (Lake Kissimmee State Park) | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Kissimmee River Blueway | See this trail | |
| Wilton Manors Middle River Paddling Trail | External Link | |
| Whiskey Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Name | Guide | Story Map |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte County Blueways | External Link | |
| Peace River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Hickey Creek | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Estero Bay and River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Great Calusa Blueway | External Link | |
| Blackwater/Royal Palm Hammock | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Pithlachascotee River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Hillsborough River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Alafia River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Little Manatee River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
| Paddle Manatee | External Link | |
| Upper Manatee River | Paddling Guide | See this trail |
For recommended changes to paddling guides and maps, contact The Office of Greenways and Trails.
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