Connecting Paddlers to Florida's Water Trails
Welcome to the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA). We are the steward of Florida's paddling trails. FPTA's mission is to develop and maintain water trails, protect the environment along those trails, serve as a resource and voice for paddlers, and promote paddling safety." Read more
Our website has information on most water trails in the state including the longest paddling trail in the continental United States, the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). You can find details on day paddles, campsites, launches, sights to see, and facilities along the trails by clicking on the Paddling Trails link on the top menu bar, under Paddling.
Trail of the Month
Gander Spring Run Paddling Trail
Submitted by Steve Cournoyer, Region C Co-Director
Gander Spring Run Paddling Trail
Gander Spring Run Paddling Trail
Gander Spring Run Paddling Trail
Gander Spring Run Paddling Trail Paddling Trail Details
Description: From Wakulla Beach, paddle west along the shore in Goose Creek Bay for about ¼ mile. Turn right (north) into the West Goose Creek estuary. A t the large T-junction in the estuary, stay to the right channel. Continue in this winding channel all the way to when cypress trees begin to grow along the channel. You may see signs to keep out due to Eagles nesting. Dates are posted during nesting season. The water at the end is crystal clear. .
Skill Level: Intermediate
Distance/Approximate Time: 7 Miles/Approximately 5 hours
Launch Site: Wakulla Beach
Special Considerations: It is best to time entry to the West Goose Creek Estuary in the last 90 minutes before high tide so that one can ride the tide in and then out on the way back to counter the tidal flow. Some snags and deadfall near the end may require a portage. There is some open water paddling from the beach to the creek. NOT recommended on low tide.
Trip planning: In addition to weather, planning for your trip should include tide and wind forecasts. When Trip planning, please see our Paddling Resources > Planning Tools page - https://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/planning-tools
For more information: go to: https://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/s5psm-day-paddles-overnight-primitive-camp-trips
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