A visit to Florida's Emerald Coast almost always consists of a trip to the area's world class beaches, but once that's been accomplished, what better way to take in the true beauty of the area than with a canoe or kayak trip on its inland waters? Here, paddlers can explore a pristine paradise that gives them an example of how early Florida must have once looked before man put his stamp on it.
The Florida panhandle from Pensacola to Port St. Joe has no shortage of places for paddlers to explore. Several of these are easily accessible and can be done through a canoe outfitter, or if you prefer to bring your own kayak you can purchase a recreation pass through Eglin AFB Natural Resource Division and gain access to the cream of the crop in unspoiled paddling. The only potential downside to this is there are no outfitters for Eglin and you would need to shuttle vehicles.
Top Five Float Trips
Paddlers can paddle the bays and coastal waterways to take advantage of fishing or up close encounters with dolphins, but if you're looking for the best places to paddle and you're limited on time, here's a short list of the places that you won't want to miss.
Blackwater River is in the northwestern panhandle just east of Pensacola near Milton, Fla. This sand-bottom river is a favorite in the area and it and its two neighboring creeks, Juniper and Coldwater, are serviced by local canoe outfitters. This is a great place for a half or full day float trip with no worries. Overnight camping trips are also an option along this river.
At the eastern end of the panhandle just north of Panama City is Econfina Creek, serviced by Econfina Canoe Livery. This creek's draw is the numerous springs along its length which have many people swimming and snorkeling in. The most scenic portion of Econfina Creek is from the put-in at Walsingham Bridge to the take-out on Hwy 20 across from Pitt Spring. Nearby Holmes Creek also has notable springs to explore.
Shoal River near Crestview is great for those just wanting an uncomplicated, lazy float. The 10-mile stretch just east of Crestview on Hwy 90 to the take-out at Hwy 85 south of Crestview is free of portages and shows minimal human encroachment.
The next two destinations require an Eglin range pass, but are well worth the investment as they take paddlers into completely unspoiled areas. Turkey Creek near Niceville is a local favorite with multiple put-in and take-out points. This creek is clear, cold and has a few tight, technical turns along the way. The highlight of the trip is a pair of tubes beneath an old railway where paddlers can “chute the tubes.” The trip takes about 5 hours from the Hippie Hole put-in
Boiling Creek has to be the pick of the litter. Its waters are so clear and beautiful that paddlers have compared it to paddling on an aquarium. This is a short trip, about three hours in length, half of which is on Boiling Creek and the last half on the lower Yellow River. The trip can be made longer by exploring the numerous side creeks and mini-marshes.
On Boiling Creek paddlers will be treated to the sight of white-top pitcher plants, water lilies and spatterdock among other aquatic plants. Wildlife enthusiasts can often see osprey and their nests here, and quiet observers may even spot the area's secretive river otters.
No matter which trip you choose, plan your next paddling trip in the Florida panhandle and experience the Emerald Coast as it should be.
Additional Resources:
Eglin AFB Natural Resources Office, (850) 882-4164
Beverly Hill - Beverly is an outdoor adventure writer who owns and maintains Northwest Florida Outdoor Adventure.
Join the Conversation