Blackwater River in Florida

Trip Overview

Due to lack of recent rainfall, the river was very shallow but still navigable. We kayaked from Kennedy Bridge to Cotton Bridge.

The river has a lot of deadfall and the low level made it frustrating. A lot of underlying debris� was almost impossible to miss. We had to drag across very shallow areas at times.

This river is better with higher water levels, even then there are still obstacles to avoid. Over all trip time 3.5 hours non-stop.

Advice if you decide to go: take a tough boat.

Accommodations:

Public parking and open camping available at Kennedy bridge and public parking at Cotton Bridge.

Fees:

none

Directions:

Exit I-10 at Crestview, FL, North on SR-85, West on SR-90, North on SR-4 to Baker, FL turn left to stay on SR-4 (cross over Cotton Bridge take out point) to Beaver Creek Church Road turn right follow north to Kennedy Bridge Road (also entrance to Hurricane Lake state park) to Kennedy Bridge.

Resources:

A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Florida.