Florida Canoeing

Where to Buy or Rent and Use a Canoe

Another great water sport in Florida is canoeing. The Florida Trails Network is made up of some 36 routs along creeks and rivers spanning almost 1,000 miles. The Florida Trails Network website is a compilation of recreational trails data provided by federal, state, local and non-profit organizations throughout Florida. Visitors to the site can use the "View Maps" link view interactive maps of recreation trails in Florida, ue the "Submit Data" link to submit data on Existing Trails or Trailheads and download the latest Existing Trails or Trailheads GIS data layer from the "Download Trails Data" link.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection offers a website called Florida Greenway and Trails Guide. This interactive site allows users to click a region to find canoe trails throughout the state.

One of the most famous canoe parks in Florida is the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway in the Everglades National Park that runs between Flamingo and the Gulf Coast. The entire trip takes about 7 hours with an outboard motor, or 9 days by canoe. Numbered markers guide you through mangrove forests, through Whitewater Bay, and around countless islands. Campsites are available along the route. A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping. Permits may be obtained at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers.

In the north, the Blackwater River in the Blackwater River State Park is considered one of the best for canoeing, and on the Gulf Coast, check out the Hillsborough River. A favorite destination for canoeists and kayakers, this has one of the purest isand-bottom rivers in the nation, making it a popular place for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and camping. There are campsites are just a short walk from the river where visitors can enjoy a picnic at a pavilion overlooking the river. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy strolling along trails through undisturbed natural communities.

Regulations & Safety
Those who use a canoe or kayak should be aware that the minimum safety requirements apply to them just like any other vessel. A wearable life jacket for each person on board and some sort of efficient sound producing device (such as a plastic whistle) are required by both U.S. Coast Guard and state law. In addition, navigation between sunset and sunrise requires that a white light is available, and is to be displayed in sufficient time to avoid a collision. The requirements for vessel registration will apply to any canoe or kayak that is propelled by mechanical means (electric or gas motors).

Best Places to Canoe in Florida
South
Jonathan Dickinson State Park - This lush habitat of swamps and mangroves is named after a man who was shipwrecked near the park in 1696. It includes a stretch of the Loxahatchee River and is a popular spot for canoes and kayaks.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park - Located at the north end of Singer Island near West Palm Beach, here you'll find mangroves and hammocks with winding flats available for kayaking and canoes.

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge - This 221-square mile park contains the most northerly portion of the Everglades and if you bring your own canoe, you can travel the 5.5 mile canoe trail.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Recreation Area - Dania Beach's barrier island includes a scenic mangrove-lined creek that runs through the middle of the park. You can rent canoes to explore this stretch of land that connects on the northern tip to Port Everglades.

Canoe Capsizing
If you capsize, float on the upstream side of the canoe.

• You can be crushed on the downstream side if you run into an obstruction.
• Do not attempt to stand or walk in swift moving water. A food could become entrapped between submerged rocks and the current and pin you under.
• Float on your back with your feet and arms extended. Float with your feet pinned downstream to fend off rocks. Don't fight the current. Use the current to backstroke your way to shore.

Getting In and Out
You can quickly and easily master getting into and out of a canoe without getting wet if you remember the following important points:

• Keep your center of gravity low, and move slowly and deliberately.
• Transfer your weight slowly from shore to the bottom center of the canoe.
• Board your canoe directly into your paddling position whenever possible.
• For maximum control and stability always knell in canoes, even though some canoes have seats.
• To get out of a canoe, simply reverse the steps described above.

Safety Tips
Paddlers need to follow the same safe practices as any other small boat operator. When paddling, you should:

• Know how to paddle or swim in tremendous currents and be an experienced swimmer. Use the proper safety equipment & clothing.
• Never paddle alone. Two canoes with two canoeists each is recommended. Three canoes with two canoeists each is even better.
• Not overload the canoe; tie down gear; and distribute weight evenly.
• Check your canoe for leaks.
• Carry the proper charts & maps. Map a general route and timetable when embarking on a long trip. Arrange for your vehicles to be shuttled to the takeout.
• When approaching rapids or low head dams, go ashore well upstream and check them out before continuing. Be aware of any dangers ahead. Steer clear of drop offs and dams. Carry your craft around low head dams.
• Stay away from strainers. Strainers are river obstructions that allow water to flow through, but which block people and boats and could throw you from the boat, damage it, or trap your craft. Strainers may be found in the form of overhanging branches, log jams or flooded islands.
• If canoeing on a lake, watch the weather and stay close to shore. Head for shore if the waves increase.
• If the water is cold, take all necessary precautions to avoid hypothermia.

More Great Spots to Canoe in Florida
To help find locations, visit our Florida state map

Alafia River, near Tampa in Hillsboro County. This is a 13-mile trip that starts in Alderman Ford County Park on SR 39.

Aucilla River, east of Tallahassee along the Jefferson and Madison County line. 19-mile trip. Start is 1 mile south of Lamont on US 19/27. To drive to the finish, take SR 257 south from Lamont, over the Aucilla river, until the pavement ends. Continue south on graded road 3/4 mile to dead end at another graded road at the fire tower. Turn right and go 3/4 mile, then turn right again on a small dirt road. Follow this road about 3.5 miles to a bridge. Takeout about 300' upstream. This is a challenging river with rapids and man-made dams.

Blackwater River, near Crestview in Okaloosa County. 35-mile trip that starts 6 miles west of Blackman on SR 189 on unpaved westward extension of SR 2. Upper section is swift flowing. Water level fluctuates rapidly after big rains. The small Blackwater River State Park, located at the end of the canoe trail, offers swimming, picnicking areas, and the Chain of Lakes Trail. Phone: 904-983-5363.

Blackwater/Royal Palm Hammock Creek in Collier-Seminole State Park near Marco Island. This 13-mile trip is dangerous during severe weather conditions. Use caution.

Bulow Creek, north of Daytona Beach in Flagler County. 13-mile trip starts at Bulow Ruins State Historic Site. It's a 7-mile upstream loop and return.

Riverbend Park in Jupiter. The Loxahatchee River supports many species of native animals. Among these are the bald eagle, raccoon, otter, deer, and the American Alligator. Traveling the river by canoe affords the best view of these animals, as well as a variety of plant species-even cypress trees hundreds of years old! For reservations or further information, please contact Canoe Outfitters of Florida at 561-746-7053.

Rutherford Park, Boca Raton. Canoes and kayaks can be rented to enjoy a leisurely adventure through a Florida wildlife area and view an excellent example of a mangrove community. Hours are tide dependent and change daily due to weather conditions, etc. For information contact the Park Attendant at (561) 393-7845.

Books on Florida Canoeing