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Florida's Designated Paddling Trails

Paddlers on the Withlacoochee River North by Doug Alderson

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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.

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 doug.alderson@Floridadep.gov


Paddling Skill Levels

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.


Northwest Paddling Trails - Story Map

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  

Upper Big Bend Paddling Trails - Story Map

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

North-Central Paddling Trails

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

Northeast Paddling Trails

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

Southeast Paddling Trails

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
Wilton Manors Middle River Paddling Trail External Link  
Whiskey Creek Paddling Guide See this trail

Southwest Paddling Trails

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 Doug Alderson.

Paddlers along the Ichetucknee River by Doug Alderson

Last Modified:
March 14, 2024 - 11:52am

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