Mashes Sands

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Overview:  Begin at the Wakulla County Park’s Mashes Sands Recreational Facility.  Paddle east around the tip of Mash Island, following the shore along the back side.  Stop at the broad white sand beach for a rest or picnic.  Continue west along shoreline to Levy Bay.  End at Levy Bay Boat Ramp.

Considerations:  Best traveled in low winds on an incoming tide.

Focus:  Explore the white sand beaches and oak thickets along the back side of Mash Island.  Fishing near shore for Sea Trout and Red Fish can be excellent.  This is a very scenic route for photography.

Distance:  6.6 miles, 3.5 hours

Put In:  Travel south on US 98 through Panacea to Ochlockonee Bay.  Turn east (left) before the bridge onto Mashes Sands Road and continue to the end of the road at the county recreational facility.  Kayaks are best launched on the sand beach at the entrance to the fishing pier.  Parking, trash cans, and benches are available.  Restrooms and picnic tables are at the boat ramp and beach.

Take Out:  Take US 98 south through Panacea.  Turn right (east) onto Chattahoochee and left on Levy Bay Road.  The boat ramp is at the end of the road, with restroom, trash cans, benches, and parking. Launch on sand next to asphalt ramp.

Expertise:  Intermediate and up.

The following map and trail guide are provided courtesy of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program, the Wakulla County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Click here for trail map and guide.

DISCLAIMER:  The Original Florida Tourism Task Force (dba Visit Natural North Florida) and the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council do not warrant the accuracy or timeliness of this map and paddle guide or the safety of this trail for use by paddlers.   Paddlers should use this trail only if they have the adequate skill level and equipment, and paddlers must make that determination.  Paddlers should also check weather forecasts and water levels in advance to avoid unnecessary danger.  The Original Florida Tourism Task Force, the local governments in which this paddling trail is located and the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council are not responsible for any damages whatsoever from its use.