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Trip report: October 2016

Fort DeSoto Park...

Kayaking near St. Petersburg, Florida

Fort DeSoto Park is a Pinellas County park, covering over 1,100 acres on 5 keys south of St. Petersburg between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Excellent paddling is available at this popular park. Canoe and kayak rentals are available within the Park. Detailed map and photos below.

Padfdling Map - Ft Desoto Park

Distance: 2.25 mile paddling trail, 10 miles around Mullet Key
Location: Pinellas County (St. Petersburg)
Difficulty: Easy on the paddling trail; more challenging if you venture onto Mullet Key Bayou, Tampa Bay, or the Gulf
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: At Fort DeSoto Park; also, several launch points off the park road (See map)
Nearby points of interest: St. Petersburg, Dali Museum, Egmont Key

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Fort DeSoto Park concession at the park (rentals)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling at Fort DeSoto Park
   - Fort DeSoto Park Paddling Trail
2. Fort DeSoto Park
   - History of the Fort
3. More Information and Resources

Paddling at Fort DeSoto Park... Comments and Photos

Launch from the outfitter or from several access points along the road, the 2.25 mile marked trail (round trip) is an easy paddle. More experienced paddlers can venture out onto the Bay or Gulf, paddle to Egmont Key, or even paddle the full 10 miles around Mullet Key. However, beyond the shelter of the trail, wind and tide can be challenging. No shade, so plan accordingly. Wildlife include fish, many species of birds, sea turtles, manatees and dolphin.

Fort DeSoto Park Paddling Trail

We launched our kayaks from the access next to the outfitter and paddled around the marked trail to Mullet Key Bayou. The trail starts in a protected inlet (Soldier Hole) - an easy paddle - and follows a mangrove-lined creek for about a mile, where it rounds an island fronting the 4 sq. mile open lagoon (Mullet Key Bayou) and returns. Unlike the rest of the lagoon, this area typically offers good shelter from the wind.

Fort DeSoto Park

Fort DeSoto Park features include a 7-mile bike trail, nature trails, 7 miles of waterfront, with beaches ranked among the best in the country, campgrounds, playgrounds, snack bars and gift shops, a museum, picnicking, fishing piers, and a dog park. Restrooms and ample parking are available, plus a boat ramp, kayak, canoe and bike rentals, and the historic fort. A ferry runs to Egmont Key, a Florida State Park. Day fee applies.

History of the Fort

Historic Fort DeSoto dates from 1898, built to defend Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War but never saw battle and was abandoned in 1923. The land was obtained by Pinellas County in 1948 and the park developed. Visitors at the fort can see the remaining battery and mortars.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

See FL West-Central Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Fort DeSoto Park

Related Resources:

Pinellas County - Fort DeSoto Park