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Latest update: October 2020

Big Bend Paddling Trail...

105 Miles of Saltwater Paddling on Florida's Gulf Coast

Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail (and part of the 1,550 mile "Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Trail"), runs 105 miles on the Gulf of Mexico between the Aucilla and Suwannee Rivers along one of the longest and wildest publicly-owned coastal wetlands in the United States. Kayakers will pass wildlife and aquatic preserves, with many small tidal creeks and seven rivers to explore. Watch wind and tides. Overnight trips are for experienced and properly equipped paddlers only. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Big Bend Saltwater Trail Map

Distance: 105 miles
Location: Wakulla, Taylor, Dixie Counties
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: Econfina River State Park, Hagens Cove, Dallus Creek, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee (See map)
Nearby points of interest: St. Mark's Lighthouse, Suwannee River

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:
River Haven Marina  (Steinhatchee, FL - rentals, shuttle)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling along the Big Bend Paddling Trail
   - Kayaking at Hagens Cove
   - Hagen's Cove Park
2. Other Launches
   - Keaton Beach, Dark Island, Dallus Creek, Steinhatchee, Rocky Creek, Horseshoe Beach, Shired Island, Suwannee
3. More About the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail
4. More Information and Resources

Paddling along the Big Bend Paddling Trail... Comments and Photos

We kayaked the area off Hagen's Cove, and visited other tiny beach towns along the Paddling Trail to scope out launches. This is a particularly shallow section of the Gulf - tides, wind and weather can be treacherous, so watch for advisories. In warmer weather especially, the insects (yellow flies, black flies, and "no-see-ums") can be brutal. Sunshine is your friend. When you see local fishermen getting off the water as sunset approaches, you should do the same. On the other hand, this area of Florida is sparely populated, retaining its natural beauty and remote feel. Wildlife include a wide array of bird and marine life.

Kayaking at Hagens Cove

Hagen's Cove is located between Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, along the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area (Tide Swamp Unit). The beach near the picnic pavilions is a good launch spot. There's also a boat ramp in an adjoining area with trailer parking. This is shallow and tidal, we waited for the tide to come in to avoid a very long pull through mud flats to deeper water.

Hagen's Cove Park

Hagens Cove Park is located about 1.5 miles off CR361 (5 miles south of Keaton Beach). The park has restrooms, boat ramp, beach and picnic facilities plus an observation tower.

Other Launches along the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail

Listed from north to south (see Map )

Keaton Beach

Boat ramp, parking. Canal leads to Gulf. Convenience store, food, RV campground.

Boat ramp

Canal to Gulf

Beach at nearby Hodges Park

Restrooms, picnic tables and additional parking at Keaton Beach Coastal Park across the road.

Dark Island

Boat ramp, parking. Canal leads to the Gulf. No amenities, the nearest town is Keaton Beach.

Boat ramp

Canal to Gulf

Parking

Gulf view

Dallus Creek

Campsite located along the Gulf. Boat ramp, parking, picnic about a mile up the creek.

Dallus Creek boat ramp

Dallus Creek

Parking, picnic

Steinhatchee

2 boat ramps (Steinhatchee and Jena), other landings north along the river. Restaurants, accommodations, re-stock supplies at shops.

Steinhatchee Boat Ramp

Jena Boat Ramp

River from SR51 bridge

Rocky Creek

Remote, unimproved boat ramp. Short paddle to the Gulf, then about a mile to Sink Creek Campsite.

Rocky Creek launch area

 

Rocky Creek

Horseshoe Beach

Boat ramp, restroom, picnic, campground at Horseshoe Beach Park. Food, re-stock supplies at shops in town.

Boat ramp

Restroom, picnic, parking

Campsite on canal

Pavilion on Gulf

Commercial fishing boat

Shired Island

Boat ramp, campground, restroom, fishing pier. Part of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.

Shired Island

Boat ramp on Shired Creek

To Gulf

Pier

Parking, restrooms

Suwannee

Paddle up canals from the river to boat ramps in town. Restaurant, camping/motel, convenience store.

Anderson Boat Ramp

Damory Creek

Another creek to Gulf

More About the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail

The paddling trail includes six primitive campsites at Rock Island, Spring Warrior Creek, Sponge Point, Dallus Creek, Sink Creek, and Butler Island; free permits must be obtained in advance (an online calendar is available to check availability and make reservations, see link below). Camping is also available at Econfina State Park and other accommodations in Steinhatchee.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Lower Suwannee River
Steinhatchee River
See FL North Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Keaton Beach Path
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge (eco-biking)
Nature Coast State Trail

Related Resources:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission - Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail