Upper Chipola River Trail...

Kayaking from Florida Caverns State Park

The Upper Chipola River Designated Paddling Trail runs 4.5 miles from Christoff Landing to Florida Caverns State Park - separated from the 51-mile lower Chipola River Designated Paddling Trail by a section of the river that runs underground. On the Upper River Trail, most people paddle a comfortable distance upstream and back from the State Park launch. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Paddle Florida Panhandle, Chipola River, Kayak, Canoe

Chipola River Paddling Trail Map
(Upper, Lower, & Spring Creek)

View Larger Map

Distance: 4.5 miles
Location: Calhoun, Jackson and Gulf Counties
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Tidal: No
Launch points: Christoff Landing, Florida Caverns State Park (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Florida Caverns State Park, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blue Springs Recreational Area

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Florida Caverns State Park (rentals, at the Gift Shop)

Support and Advocacy:

Friends of Florida Caverns

Page Summary:

Paddling the Upper Chipola River
- Upper Chipola River at Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park
More Information and Resources

Paddling the Upper Chipola River... Comments and Photos

From the Chipola River Sink Boat Ramp (where the river goes underground) at Florida Caverns State Park is an upstream and back paddle only, the Chipola River Sink Boat Ramp is at the natural bridge where the Chipola River goes underground. We paddled at high water, at low water some areas may be impassable due to shoals and blockages in the river.

Upper Chipola River at Florida Caverns State Park

From the Chipola River Sink Boat Ramp we paddled upstream. Scenic, the limestone bluffs and caves are notable. The water was high and we were able to paddle around obstacles that would have blocked us at low water. We visited a side-creek which led to a spring.

Florida Panhandle, Chipola River, Florida Caverns

Launch at Chipola River Sink

River goes underground

On the river

This would be impassable at low water

On the river

Limestone bluffs and caves can be seen

Side creek

Spring bubbling up on side creek

Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park (link below), developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, has a Visitor Center with interpretative exhibits, bicycling, hiking and equestrian trails, camping, picnicking, playground, and a golf course. The most popular feature is the cave tour (the only one in Florida). There are multiple caves in the park but only one is open to the public. Note: No cave tours are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Park admission fee, additional for cave tour. Formations inside the cave include limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies.