Suwannee River Paddling Festival, April 5-7, 2019

If you’re an avid paddler, you don’t want to miss this event.  There are several 8-12 mile options on both the Suwannee River and the upper Withlacoochee River, all departing from Suwannee River State Park.  In addition to the many paddling opportunities, attendees will experience kayak and canoe demonstrations, a  silent auction, as well as …

Float The Santa Fe River, Then Enjoy Music at Rum 138 Outfitters, March 2, 2019, In Fort White, FL

  Doug Jipson and Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson’s Rum138 Outfitters has become a gathering spot for paddlers and music lovers in southern Columbia County.  Located on CR138 (off US27, west of High Springs) at the corner of Rum Island Road, the building houses a thriving canoe and kayak rental/livery as well as some spectacular art. Out back, …

Free* Kayak Eco Tours at Cedar Key

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Paul King, a Florida Coastal Master Naturalist, Tom Liebert at Kayak Cedar Keys and the folks at the University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station,  visitors can arrange free guided kayak Eco-tours of the area around the Cedar Key archipelago. Paddlers may bring their own boats or rent from …

Paddle Natural North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail With Paddle Florida, October 19-24, 2018

North Florida’s  Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (SRWT) starts at White Springs and follows the river for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This fall’s 65-mile trip will start at Madison Blue Spring State Park and end at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford.  Expect fair fall weather and a downstream paddle, suitable for all levels …

Hart Springs Park, Gilchrist County, Florida–New and Improved For 2018!

Florida’s State Parks are excellent, but often crowded.  However, we have a number of very fine county-operated parks in Natural North Florida that are generally less crowded, with the same spring access as the bigger state parks.  Hart Springs, in rural Gilchrist County, is alongside the famous Suwannee River, and has recently been renovated. The …

Three Natural North Florida Springs–Free For All!

Some of the best things in our Natural North Florida region are free, and that’s especially true when it comes to three of our smaller springs.  While we have the largest concentration of first and second magnitude freshwater springs in the world, these county-maintained “swimming holes” in Jefferson, Columbia and Alachua counties are fun–and FREE! …

Natural North Florida Paddling Guides and Outfitters

Paddling kayaks and canoes on Natural North Florida’s Gulf coast, its rivers and its springs can be the highlight of your visit.  In our 14 county region, we have several rivers, including the mighty Suwannee, as well as the largest concentration of first-magnitude springs in the world.  And if those places don’t get you excited, …

Take a Lazy Paddle on Natural North Florida’s Springs, Lakes, Rivers or Gulf Coast

On our vast network of springs, lakes, rivers and Gulf of Mexico coastline, paddling a kayak or canoe is an excellent way to slowly take in the sights and sounds of Natural North Florida. Whether you intend to putter around the spring run at Blue Springs in Gilchrist County or take 10 days to paddle …

Way Down Upon The Santa Fe River–A Suwannee River Alternative!

Spring has “sprung” and while our Natural North Florida region is largely rural, crowds flock to our rivers to boat, fish, or simply float.  The Suwannee River begins in south Georgia’s Okeefenokee Swamp and meanders downstream to the Gulf of Mexico for over 240 miles.  About 170 of those final miles are in our region …

Fun, Food and Festivities in Wonderful Wakulla County, Florida

North Florida’s Wakulla County offers a variety of events, activities and natural wonders to delight even the most discriminating visitor.  To the west, there’s the mouth of the Ochlockonee River, which winds from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico.  There are coastal villages worth exploring, too.  The settlement at St. Marks and Panacea offers excellent …