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Paddling in the Florida Panhandle...

Kayak, Canoe, 17 Top Destinations... Detailed Maps, Photos

By kayak or canoe, the Florida Panhandle has some of the best freshwater paddling in Florida, and some of the most remote and natural. Sheltered saltwater bays provide excellent kayaking options. Find launches, rentals, and tours. Select a destination below for all details. Note: the FL Panhandle can be cold in the winter. Insects (especially yellow flies) are notorious during the warmer months. For the most pleasant paddling, we recommend trips in the spring or fall.

Regional Map, FL Panhandle
(see individual maps via links below)

FL Panhandle Region... 17 Paddling Destination Reports

Apalachicola Bay at St. George Island... Best paddling area on bay. Shallow, clear. Popular with kayakers, fishermen, and nature lovers. Rentals on-site (view details...)

Apalachicola River WEA, Graham Creek... Remote, wild, over 100 miles of mapped trails, 6 launches. A local favorite is Graham Creek and East River trail (view details...)

Blackwater River... Remote and pristine in Blackwater River State Forest. 31-mile State Designated Paddling Trail. White sand beaches. Rentals, shuttles (view details...)

Boiling Creek... Remote, wild, preserved by its location within Eglin Air Force Base. Base entry permit required. Clear, swift current, flows into Yellow River (view details...)

Chipola River Overview... 51 mile (lower) and 4.5 mile (upper) Designated Paddling Trails. River goes underground at FL Caverns State Park. Rentals, shuttles (view details...)

Chipola River - Upper (at Florida Caverns)... Paddling here is typically upstream (up to 4.5 miles) and back. The lower Chipola begins outside Park. Rentals (view details...)

Chipola River - Lower... Hardwood forest, limestone features. Muddy after rains. Spring Creek a clear water option to Chipola. Many launches. Rentals, tours (view details...)

Coldwater Creek... 19-mile Designated Paddling Trail. The upper portion is clear, very shallow, and swift. Popular with tubers. Widens and deepens downstream. Rentals, shuttle (view details...)

Grayton Beach State Park... Paddling on Western Lake, a rare Coastal Dune Lake. The towering dunes along the "outfall" to the Gulf are notable. Rentals (view details...)

Holmes Creek... Feed by numerous springs. Drains a farming region, so gets murky after rains. When water is clear, a true paddling gem. Rentals, shuttle (view details...)

Juniper Creek... Popular with locals, canoe or kayak. Narrower, more ecologically diverse, with more wildlife than other nearby destinations. Must bring own craft. (view details...)

Merritt's Mill Pond... Crystal clear, spring-fed pond. Cypress trees front much of the shoreline. For canoe or kayak, popular with snorkelers and divers. Unique (view details...)

Ochlockonee River... Paddling at Ochlockonee River State Park, along the river, with best paddling is on scenic, salt to fresh side creeks. Rentals on-site. (view details...)

Perdido River... Paddling on the Alabama/ Florida border. Rentals on-site. Seasonal shuttle service. Tubing is popular, seasonal weekends especially (view details...)

Shoal River... 9.5 mile designated paddling trail near Crestview FL (view details...)

Sopchoppy River... 15 mile designated paddling trail, slow-moving, wide and shallow. (view details...)

Wakulla River... 4 mile designated out-and-back paddling trail. Take a tour at Wakulla Springs State Park. Rentals available. (view details...)

Yellow River... 54 mile designated paddling trail, 118 total miles in Alabama and Florida. Popular for group canoe trips (view details...)