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Trip report: May 2016

Perdido River Paddling Trail...

on the Florida/Alabama Border

Close to Pensacola in the western Panhandle, we visited launches and outfitter along the upper Trail section (swifter, more narrow, more beaches) of the Perdido River Paddling Trail for a possible future kayaking trip. (Detailed map and photos below)

Paddling Map
Perdido River

Distance: 15 mile Designated Paddling Trail (total 65 miles in Alabama and Florida)
Location: Escambia County (closest city: Pensacola)
Difficulty: Easy
Tidal: No
Launch points: Fillingim Landing, Pipes Landing, Outfitter (Adventures Perdido), Sand Landing, Launch at US 90 (See map) Note: Otto Hill is private, campers only.
Nearby points of interest: Pensacola

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Adventures Perdido  (rentals, drop-off)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling on Perdido River
   - Fillingim Landing
   - Pipes Landing
   - Outfitter
2. About the Perdido River
3. More Information and Resources

Paddling on Perdido River... Comments and Photos

The Perdido River originates in Alabama and forms part of the boundary between Alabama and Florida. The Perdido River Designated Paddling Trail runs about 15 miles through Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties, with four public launches. Here we focus on the upper paddling trail (above Rt. 184 bridge), which is slightly swifter and more narrow, making it especially appealing to kayakers. The lower section is wider, great for canoe float trips.

Along the upper Perdido River Paddling Trail, we visited 2 public landings and a private outfitter:

Fillingim Landing (mile 0)

Picnic tables and portable toilets. About a 100' carry, to wide steps onto a floating launch platform. No beach area.

Pipes Landing (mile 4.3)

Picnic tables and portable toilets. A few feet to narrow steps onto a small beach landing. A dirt slide on both sides of steps. The drop is not as steep as at Fillingim.

Private Outfitter (about mile 6.3)

"Adventures Perdido" in Muscogee, FL, is located directly on the river, above the Rt. 184 bridge. Rentals and seasonal shuttle services for a variety of river trips. Hand launch (small fee) along a wide beach area. Tubing is big in the summer.

About the Perdido River

The river water is tannin stained, neither as clear nor as swift as some rivers and creeks to the east (Blackwater and Boiling Creek for example). The bottom is sandy, but not the pure, white crystalline sand found in places to the east. However, the water on the Perdido is noticeably warmer, making it an area favorite for tubing. Wildlife include birds, turtles, deer and otter.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

See FL Panhandle Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (Alabama)

Related Resources:

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails - Perdido River Paddling Guide (.pdf)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission - Perdido River Wildlife Management Area