You are here > Home > West-Central Florida > Peace River > Middle Peace River
Trip report: February 2013

Peace River Paddling Trail...

Middle Section - Bowling Green to Zolfo Springs, Florida

We paddled a portion of the middle paddling trail, launching from Pioneer Park at Zolfo Springs. Here the river was more similar to the lower river, wider with more straight-aways than the upper river. We continued to see many birds. Limestone formed much of the river bottom; water levels were low and we ran into several mini-rapids. Panning for shark teeth is also popular in this section. The shoreline is frequently lined with cypress, pine, oak and willow, with few spots for stopping to stretch and picnic.

Paddling Map
Peace River

Location - Middle: Bowling Green to Zolfo Springs
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tidal: No
Launch points - Middle: SR 664 bridge (Bowling Green), Lower SR 664A bridge (Wauchula), Crews Park boat ramp, CR652 bridge, Pioneer Park boat ramp (See map)

Continue to Middle Peace River below, or go to Overview page for more Peace River

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Canoe Outpost - Peace River  (rentals)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling on Middle Peace River
   - Zolfo Springs, Pioneer Park
2. More Information and Resources

Paddling on Middle Peace River... Comments and Photos

Pioneer Park Boat Ramp

From Pioneer Park at Zolfo Springs, we paddled upstream about 3 miles. Water levels were low in a few spots creating a swift current which was difficult to maneuver through the rapids upstream. Along with riverbank were a few houses and since we visited during the "snowbird" season also several busy motor home parks.

Along the River

Boat ramp at Pioneer Park

Ramp at Pioneer Park

Upstream from launch

US 17 bridge

Panning for shark teeth

Home along the river

Upstream

Swift water at rapids

Upstream

Swift water at another rapids

Wildlife

Ibis

Heron

Birds in a tree

Ibis

Turtle

Pioneer Park

The park has a campground, parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, play area and walking trails. The Cracker Trail Museum and Pioneer Village have historical artifacts and Pioneer Park Days are held in late February/early March - an annual event for over 40 years.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Peace River Overview
- Upper Peace River
- Middle Peace River
- Lower Peace River
See FL West-Central Region for more paddling

Related Resources:

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails - Peace River Paddling Trail (.pdf)