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
Sweetwater Creek Paddling Trail
Submitted by Steve Cournoyer, Region C Co-Director
Sweetwater Creek Paddling Trail
Sweetwater Creek Paddling Trail
Sweetwater Creek Paddling Trail
Sweetwater Creek - Paddling Trail Details
Description: This paddle is along the coast of the Big Bend northward up to the entrance of Sweetwater Creek. The paddle is through the marsh, but towards the end approaches the piney woodline and a few small cedar islands. Once in the creek, the water level be-comes deeper than at the mouth, and only becomes shallow again towards the end. You can continue beyond the turnaround point if you are more adventurous, you’ll be reward-ed with a medium size pond at the end. The bottom is mostly hard sand with an occasion-al small oyster bar.
Skill Level: Intermediate, due to open water paddling
Distance/Approximate Time: 5.2 Miles Total/ 3 Hours
Launch Site: Hodges Park - Take CR 400 (Beach Road) north out of Steinhatchee, go about 18 Miles, after turning north from the river, to Keaton Beach. Turn left and follow the main road south to the County Park at the end of the road. Beach Launch.
Special Considerations: Medium to high tide only. Open water paddling, not recom-mended on a windy day.
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/s6kb-day-paddles-overnight-trips
Read our latest newsletter!
