Aucilla River in Florida

Trip Overview

Lead a trip with almost 20 members of the Bayou Haystackers and a few close friends to the panhandle area of Florida south of Tallahassee. The idea was to do three rivers in three days. We did the Wakulla River the first day... The next day we did the Wacissa River... The final day we did the Aucilla River from the old railroad bridge put in to a take out near Goose Pasture Road.

There were several small rapids we had to paddle through. Water levels were 46.8 to 47.0 feet on the Aucilla River USGS gauge we used. Any lower and some of the rapids may had to have been portaged over. As it was, we scraped bottoms but everyone got through without incident or getting out of their boats. You did have to pick your route carefully.

The trip was right at 9.7 miles and was a blast. Lots of alligators, birds, some otters, etc. Water was tannic in color. Again we did a reverse shuttle, leaving the vehicles at the take out. Finding a good take out was difficult, but with a little scouting in advance, doable.

Accommodations:

The group camped out at the Newport Park Campground. It was pretty close (within 30 miles) of every paddle put in and much closer to some. Most were in tents and were allowed to put three tents on each campsite, which defrayed the $20 per nite fee quite a bit.

There is a primitive campground at the end of Goose Pasture Road. Porta potties but no electricity.

Outfitting:

Most were in solo canoes, a few tandem canoes and a few kayaks.

Fees:

No launch fees.

Use of the Wilderness Way outfitter to be shuttle bunnies was $15 per person and well worth it. They were very professional and friendly. Worked hard with us to facilitate the paddle

Directions:

put in off a dirt rutted road the leads from County Road 257/hwy 14 to the old railroad bridge. Take out at a small boat launch north of Goose Pasture Road and east of the Aucilla River