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Latest update: January 2019

South Creek...

Kayaking at Oscar Scherer State Park

South Creek at Oscar Scherer State Park is a blackwater stream that flows through the Park into Blackburn Bay. While only about 2 miles (one-way), this is an out and back paddle that takes you through both freshwater and saltwater environments, providing the type of diversity we especially enjoy. Ideal for kayak or canoe, we found a good selection of rentals available within the State Park. (See map and photos below.)

South Creek & Launches...
Oscar Scherer State Park, FL

Distance: 2 miles (one way)
Location: Sarasota County (Osprey, FL, between Sarasota and Venice)
Difficulty: Easy
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: South Creek Picnic Area, hand launch by entrance station (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Venice, Sarasota, Ringling Museums

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Oscar Scherer State Park

Support and Advocacy:

Friends of Oscar Scherer Park

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling on South Creek
   - On the Creek
   - Blockage at Nature Center
2. Park Launches
   - Launch at the Entrance Station
   - Launch at South Creek Picnic Area
3. Oscar Scherer State Park
4. More Information and Resources

Paddling on South Creek... Comments and Photos

While relatively short in distance, there are many positives. Motorized boats are not allowed within the park boundaries! The stream is well sheltered from the wind, until reaching the more open waters of Blackburn Bay. As mentioned, we especially enjoy the diverse environment as the creek transitions from freshwater to saltwater. Guided ranger paddling tours are conducted weekly; contact State Park for information. Campsites are also available along the creek.

On the Creek

Pleasant, easy paddle within the State Park. Wildlife along the creek include deer, otter, raccoon, bobcat, alligator, bald eagle, and wading birds (the Park also has a good-sized population of the endangered Florida scrub-jay). The diverse habitat includes mangrove, leather ferns, and cabbage palm.

Blockage at Nature Center

Heading upstream, the creek gradually becomes smaller. At a footbridge over the creek (connecting campground and nature center), rocks obstruct the creek. While it is possible to pull-over, we saw numerous other blockages upstream, making further upstream paddling impractical.

Park Launches

Launch at the Entrance Station

A sandy hand launch is located next to the entrance station, down about a 150 foot path.

Launch at South Creek Picnic Area

Rentals are located by the launch at the South Creek picnic area - restroom, pavilion and ADA compliant kayak/canoe launch. If you bring your own kayak, it's a longer carry here, about 350 feet from parking to the launch.

Oscar Scherer State Park

The 1,400-acre Oscar Scherer State Park has parking, restrooms, camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, playground and kayaking/canoeing on South Creek or Lake Osprey, the main recreational area. There are about 15 miles of marked hiking and biking trails. The Nature Center at Lake Osprey has interpretative exhibits about the Park.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Myakka River
See FL West-Central Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Legacy Trail
Venetian Waterway Park

Related Resources:

Florida State Parks - Oscar Scherer State Park