C: Big Bend / The Nature Coast

The most remote coastal region north of the Everglades, paddlers will enjoy unmarred vistas of salt marsh, tree islands and winding tidal creeks. Small coastal trail towns with rich histories add a cultural flavor. In winter, manatees abound in King's Bay. River trails in the region include the Steinhatchee, Withlacoochee South, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and Weeki Wachee.

6: Big Bend

6: Big Bend

With the exception of the Ten Thousand Islands / Everglades segment, this is the remotest part of the circumnavigational trail, and certainly the longest, featuring 153.5 miles of unspoiled shoreline, marsh and sea islands.

The first 95-mile stretch of the trail, including six primitive campsites, is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Free permits must be obtained before using any of the campsites and you must paddle from top to bottom. For more information about FWC permits and how to purchase the trail guide, MyFWC site.

Near the Suwannee River, you'll pass through lands managed by the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Camping is not allowed in either refuge.

The coastal part of the segment ends at the Cross Florida Greenway Spoil Island near Yankeetown. Be sure to stop in Yankeetown for that well deserved shower and piping hot meal!

Five rivers also lure paddlers: The Econfina, Steinhatchee, Suwannee, Waccasassa and the Withlacoochee (South). All are basically swamp-fed and tannin colored with a few springs feeding in along the way. The Econfina and Waccasassa are more wilderness rivers with abundant wildlife and some snags to negotiate. The Steinhatchee is passable below Highway 98 where it emerges from underground and includes a shoals area known as Steinhatchee Falls. The shores become more developed with fish camps and seafood restaurants near the town of Steinhatchee. The Suwannee is a story unto itself, and the Withlacoochee is one of the few northward flowing rivers in the State. For more detailed information on these rivers, it is recommended that paddlers obtain a copy of "A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Florida."

Florida Cities / Towns: Perry, Spring Warrior, Steinhatchee, Suwannee, Cedar Key and Yankeetown

Contact: Contact our Region C Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.

Launch Sites

Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps

Areas

Multiday Trail Maps

Big Bend Saltwater PaddlingTrail
Lower Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (74 Miles)(also see Region M for Upper Suwannee River Wilderness Trail)
Circumnavigational Trail

Emergency Contacts

Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Wakulla County Sheriff: 850-926-0800
Jefferson County Sheriff: 850-997-2523
Taylor County Sheriff: 850-584-4225
Dixie County Sheriff: 352-498-1220
Levy County Sheriff: 352-486-5111
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

External Site Links

7: The Nature Coast

If manatees, pelicans, wading birds, gators, dolphins and bobcats excite you, this segment may be perfect for your next extended paddling trip. Starting with unmarred beaches, miles of sawgrass and small fishing communities in the north and ending near the metropolitan Tampa Bay area, you'll get the opportunity to experience some of the best coastal paddling in Florida.

To begin the coastal part of this segment, launch at the mouth of the Withlacoochee River or from the Cross Florida Greenway. Paddle toward the Crystal River coal and nuclear power plants. Pods of manatee can be seen on the north side of the jetty where warm water is released from the power plants. After crossing the jetty, aim for the mouth of Crystal River.

Between Crystal River and the Chassahowitzka River Campground you'll need a GPS. There are numerous twisty paths in the salt marsh so it's important to watch the GPS carefully.

From Chasahowitzka the next stop is the Weeki Wachee River, some 21 miles away. It's then back into the saltwater past Hudson and Port Richey to your destination at Anclote Key.

For day trips, the springfed Rainbow, Crystal River, Chassahowitzka, Homosassa and Weeki Wachee rivers are ideal, although weekdays are recommended if you want more peace and quiet. The Pithlachascotee near New Port Richey is also an ideal river for day trips, representing the best of more "urbanized" water trails. For an extended river trip, try the Withlacoochee River South. Once the refuge for Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War, the river emerges from the Green Swamp and flows through scenic sandhills before entering a swampy terrain of cypress, gum and maple.

Florida Cities: Yankeetown, Dunnellon, Crystal River, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, Brooksville, Inverness