Kayaking on the Nature Coast: A Must-Do Experience for Nature Lovers
The Nature Coast of Florida is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a region of the state that boasts a beautiful coastline, an abundance of wildlife, and clear, spring-fed rivers that flow through untouched forests. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Nature Coast is by kayaking. Start your kayaking adventure in Yankeetown.
Kayaking is a popular activity in the area, and for good reason. It offers a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife, flora, and fauna that call the region home. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a novice, the Nature Coast has something to offer everyone.
The region is home to several beautiful waterways that are perfect for kayaking. The black waters of the Withlacoochee are a popular spot for kayaking. The river is home to an abundance of wildlife, including manatees, otters, birds, and turtles. As you paddle along the river, you’ll pass by glades of cypress trees and Spanish moss, giving you a true sense of the region’s natural beauty.
Another popular kayaking spot is the Chassahowitzka River. The river flows through a beautiful cypress swamp, and its waters are home to a variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife. As you paddle along the river, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and towering trees, making you feel like you’re in a hidden oasis.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous kayaking experience, the Gulf of Mexico offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters of the Gulf are home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of fish. Kayaking along the Gulf Coast is a great way to explore the region’s stunning coastline and get a unique view of the shoreline.
Kayaking on the Nature Coast is not just about the waterways, though. The region is also home to several state parks that offer fantastic kayaking opportunities. The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a great place to start. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including manatees, otters, and alligators. Kayaking along the park’s spring-fed river is a great way to see these animals up close and in their natural habitat.
Another popular state park for kayaking is the Crystal River Preserve State Park. The park is home to several waterways, including the Crystal River, which is a popular spot for kayaking. The river flows through a beautiful cypress swamp, and its waters are home to an abundance of marine life, including manatees and dolphins.
Kayaking on the Nature Coast is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle along a serene river or an adventurous expedition along the Gulf of Mexico, the Nature Coast has something to offer everyone. So, grab your kayak, and head out to explore this hidden gem of Florida!
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Where to Kayak on the Nature Coast
Self-guided Yankeetown Padding Trips
Area Overview
No additional Information. See detail maps below.
Bennetts Creek Loop
Description:Launch at Bird Park and head around the ramp, up the Withlacoochee to East Pass, then up Bennetts Creek, which opens back into the Withlacoochee for the pad- dle back. This is a great creek for birding and observing wildlife, so bring your binoculars and camera.
Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate
Distance/Time: 6.4 Miles/3 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park on the right at the end of CR 40
Special Considerations: None
Bird Creek Loop
Description: Launch at Bird Park and paddle a short distance up the Withlacoochee, to the Bird Creek entrance and wind through the small cedar hammocks and under the HWY 40 Bridge. From there it will be a short trip along the coast back to the park.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 3 Miles / 1 1/2 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park on right at end of CR 40
Special Considerations: None
Bird Park/Helverson Creek Loop
Description: L:aunch at Bird Park and paddle up Helverson Creek and loop back along a creek paralleling Helverson Creek out to the Gulf, then head south along the shoreline back to Bird Park.
Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate
Distance/Time: 4.3 Miles/2 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park on the right at the end of CR 40.
Special Considerations: Some open water paddling along the shoreline. Navigation can be tricky. Only paddle on medium to high tide.
Chambers Island Circumnavigation
Description: Tired of long paddles? This one is a short but sweet paddle down East Pass, around Chambers Island and back to Bird Park.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 2.4 Miles /1 1/2 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park on right at the end of CR 40
Special Considerations: The outer coast part of this Paddle can get rough if windy.
Covas to Vassey Creek Paddle
Description: Launch at Allen Park and paddle down Covas Creek far enough to see the open Gulf. Then round Hodges Island and paddle along the marsh up Vassey Creek and under the Allen Park Rd. bridge to the take out on the right. After take out, there is a .3 mile hike back down Allen Park Rd. to get your vehicle.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 3.7 Miles/2 Hours
Launch Site: Allen Park Ramp at end of Allan Park Road which is at the intersection of CR 40A and CR 40.
Special Considerations: Sand and oyster bars on low tide.
East Pass Paddle
Description: Launch from Bird Park and head up river to East Pass. From there continue along the open Gulf to the Spoil Banks of the Barge Canal and around Chambers Island. There’s a nice sandy place to take a break on the west side of Chambers Island.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Distance/Time: 3.3 Miles/1 1/2 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park on the right at the end of CR 40.
Special Considerations: Open water portion can get rough when windy.
Felburn Park to Dam Paddle
Description: Launch from the HWY 19 Barge Canal ramp at Felburn Park and paddle up the Barge Canal to the Withlacoochee River, then another mile and a half up to the Inglis Dam and return.
Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate
Distance/Time: 6.2 Miles/3 Hours
Launch Site: Felburn Park . Ramp is at the southeast corner of HWY 19 and the Barge Canal
Special Considerations: Current in the river section will depend on recent rainfall, and may present a challenge.
Helverson Creek/WGP Paddle
Description: Leave Bird Park and paddle up Helverson Creek to the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve where you can get out and stretch your legs on some trails. Don’t miss the Observation Tower. Then head back down the creek back to Bird Park.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 5.2 Miles/2 1/2 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park at the end of SR 40 on the right.
Special Considerations: Best paddled on medium to high tide.
Johns Creek Paddle
Description: Launch at the beach at Bird Park and paddle a little ways up the Withla- coochee River where we will head south down East Pass to the pristine Johns Creek. On our way back, if the tides are high enough, take a southern connector creek from Johns Creek to Trout Creek and return down Trout Creek.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Distance/Time: 7.5 Miles/3 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park on right at the end of CR 40.
Special Considerations: Paddle on a medium to high tide. Navigation can be difficult if taking the connector creek to Trout Creek. See separate Connector map.
Johns Creek/Trout Creek Connector
No additional Information.
Lake Rousseau Paddle
Description: Launch at Dessie Smith Park and paddle the western end of scenic Lake Rousseau which was formed in 1909 when Florida Power built a hydroelectric dam on the Withlacoochee River. There are usually plenty of birds on this body of water, so bring your binoculars and camera.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 7.6 Miles/3 Hours
Launch Site: Go south on HWY 19 from Inglis , over the Barge Canal Bridge, continue down to West Riverwood Drive on your left. Turn there and continue straight. Road even- tually turns to the right, and the Park and ramp are on your left just after the curve.
Special Considerations: Watch out for the tree stumps! Spray skirt recommended if windy.
Lower Withlacoochee River Paddle
Description: Drop a vehicle off at Bird Park and proceed up to Winding Rivers Park in Yankeetown. From there, begin your paddle down the Withlacoochee. After paddling a short distance past Yankeetown, the river turns into the wilder and more saltwater influ- enced portion of the tannic river. Return to Bird Park.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 4.7 Miles/2 1/2 Hours
Launch Site: Winding River Gardens Park. However, you will need to leave a vehicle at Bird Park.
Special Considerations: This paddle requires shuttling. Minimal parking.
Spoil Islands Primitive Camp Trip
Description: Experience camping overnight on the Florida’a Saltwater Circumnavigational Paddling Trail by paddling a 2.5 mile open water crossing from the Bird Park to a Barge Canal spoil island Pitch your tent beneath the scrub which frames a stunning open vista of the Gulf. Fishing is excellent in this area Remember your fishing gear, binoculars, and a camera. Prepare for bugs if the wind drops. All campers must be gear/food/water inde- pendent. Please note this is primitive camping. There are no grills, picnic tables , water, or bathroom facilities available. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping. Cars can be left overnight at Bird Park or the boat ramp parking area at the end of the road.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Distance/Time: 2.5 Miles each way /1 1/2 Hours Each Way
Launch Site: Bird park on right at the end of CR 40.
Special Considerations: Open water. Sprayskirt recommended.
Spoil Islands Circumnavigation
Description: Launch from the beach at Bird Park and head to the Barge Canal Spoil Banks, then follow the spoil islands out to the tip and back. Return to Bird Park. If you have time, stop for a break on a spoil island CT campsite. Another nice stop is the little beach area on Chambers Island on your return.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Distance/Time: 9.2 Miles4 Hours
Launch Site: Bird Park on right at the end of CR 40
Special Considerations: The islands can be paddled on either side in case it is windy. Landings are mostly on the south side. Avoid areas posted for nesting birds. Open Water. Sprayskirt recommended.
Upper Withlacoochee River Paddle
Description: Leave a vehicle at Winding River Gardens and proceed east on CR40 past HWY 19 to Buddy Risher Park on your right. Launch area is straight into the park and turn right at the canal and go all the way to the end. From there, paddle the down the tannic waters of the Withlacoochee from the Inglis Lock of the now defunct Cross Florida Barge Canal, to Winding River Gardens passing by the towns of Inglis and most of Yankeetown along the river’s north bank.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 5.2 Miles/2 1/2 Hours
Launch Site: Buddy Risher Park off CR 40 East
Special Considerations: This paddle requires shuttling. Difficult launching area.
Withlacoochee River Paddle
Description: Leave a vehicle at Bird Park at the end of CR40 on the right, and proceed east on CR40, past HWY 19 to Buddy Risher Park on your right. Launch area is straight into the park to the canal, and turn right, go all the way to the end. From there, paddle down the tannic waters of the Withlacoochee from the Inglis Lock of the now defunct Cross Florida Barge Canal, to the mouth of the river, passing by the towns of Inglis and Yankeetown along the river’s north bank. You can take a break at the halfway mark at Winding River Gardens.
Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate
Distance/Time: 9.7 Miles/4 Hours
Launch Site: Buddy Risher Park off CR 40 East
Special Considerations: Difficult launch area. This paddle requires shuttling.
Withlacoochee Sunset Paddle
Description: Depart from Bird Park for a short paddle out to watch the gorgeous sun set, and return to Bird Park. If you’re lucky, you may catch a shrimp boat or two heading out for a night of trawling.
Skill Level: Novice
Distance/Time: 1- 2 Miles/1 Hour
Launch Site: At Bird Park on right at end of CR 40.
Special Considerations: Open water.
Rental & Guided Padding Trips on the Nature Coast
Chassahowitzka River
Crystal River
Crystal River Kayak Company & Dive Center