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
Richards Island Circumnavigation
Submitted by Steve Cournoyer Region C Co-Director
Richards Island Circumnavigation
Richards Island Circumnavigation
Richards Island Circumnavigation
Richards Island Circumnavigation - Trail Details
Description: This paddle starts out at the Shell Mound ramp at the end of thCR 326. The launch area is a little muddy, but has a hard surface underneath. Follow the shoreline along the eastern side and head south along the coastline, weaving between the oyster bars. The paddle goes up Seabreeze Creek, goes around the backside of Richards Is-land, and out to the Gulf on Sand Creek. The Gulf side of Richards Creek holds what is believed to be a fish weir built and used by native Americans to harvest fish (mostly mul-let) to supply the seasonal visitors for the Summer Solstice ceremonies between 400 and 650 CE. The weir is tidal and can only be accessed at medium to high tide. There are sev-eral places at the mouth of Sand Creek to get out and stretch your legs.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Distance/Approximate Time: 6.2 miles/ 3 hours
Launch Site: Shell Mound
Take Out: Shell Mound (out and back)
Special Considerations: Recommend paddling on medium to high tide only. Navigation around oyster bars on low tides may be a concern.
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/s6ck-day-paddles
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