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 support, improve, and maintain water trails; promote environmental protection along the trails; serve as a resource and advocate for paddlers; and promote paddling safety and education. 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
4Es Ramp to S65D Lock Ramp Paddle
Submitted by Steve Cournoyer Region C Co-Director
Kissimmee River
4Es Ramp to S65D Lock Ramp Paddle
Chandler Slough Campsite
4Es Ramp to S65D Lock Ramp Paddle - Trail Details
Description: Camping at 4Es is allowed with a free Special Use License (SUL) from the South Florida Water Management District. This lower section of the restored river is more wooded than the open grassy areas of the upper half. The river, both visibly and it’s flow rate, varies considerably with the water levels. Once river level exceeds 1400 CFS at S65A Lock, the river overflows it’s banks and spreads into the flood plain. This tends to cover the rivers sandbars and spreads the wildlife away from the river and into the flood plain. Water levels can be checked daily at the Army Corp of Engineers website https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/reports/r-kss.html, On lower water levels (below 1400CFS), Ospreys, Snail Kites, Spoonbills, Ibises, and all kinds of herons are common, and the birding is spectacular. Expect to see plenty of gators, as well as Eagles. The paddle passes 2 boat-in campsites, Chandler Slough and Seaboard Marsh South, which offer a great opportuni-ty for a lunch break, or just to stretch your legs. The last half mile is in the canal.
Skill Level: Intermediated, due to distance
Distance/Approximate Time: 12 Miles/4 Hours
Launch Site: SFWMD 4Es Ramp
Take Out: SFWMD S65D Lock Ramp - River Right
Special Considerations: This paddle requires shuttling vehicles, and does not require passage through any of the Kissimmee River Locks. This is airboat coun-try, so a flag 6’ in height or more is highly recommended on all paddlecraft
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/s32KR-day-paddles
Read our latest newsletter!
