Ocklawaha River in Florida

Trip Overview

Trip started at the Ocklwaha Canoe Outpost in Eureka, FL. Took the van shuttle to Gore's Landing on the Ocklawaha River. Three tandem Oldtown Kayak. The river has recently been cleared of large strainers so the trip should be easy to navigate. Seven of us on the trip, 4 adults 3 children, 2 age 6, 1 age 20 months.

After leaving the put-in point we headed with the current to the north. Several monkeys were found to be playing on the bank about 1.5 miles into the trip. These monkeys came from a river boat captain in the 30's and have been reproducing since. They seem to be afraid of loud sounds and fled as we came into view. We found a pair of river otters catching the days food along a log at the side of the river. They watched us as we floated past then slipped out of sight. Several small gators were to be seen on logs and paid us no mind in the beautiful sunshine.

Easing along we found several great places to pull in to the bank and take quick breaks, I found it easy to stay along the edge to keep the bright sun making our trip too hot. The temp was in the upper 80's by about noon.

We stopped at a beach area called Piney Landing to find a rope swing that we all just had to try. Water temp in the 70's made the dip a very refreshing time for all. We continued to the end of the trip back at the Outpost's private boat ramp and strolled to the Outpost office to finish the trip.

Total Time on the water 6 hours, including 90 mins. at the rope swing.

No problem with strainers; just a couple that we did have to navigate though this done with no problem. We did not see any other people beside our group the entire trip.

This is a great trip for any one that just wants to see the old Florida water ways that have no development. None along this river.

Accommodations:

The Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost has canoes, tandem and solo sit in kayaks. They also have Cabins for rent RV sites full hook-up plus primitive tent camping.

Directions:

From Ocala, FL: Hwy 40 east to yellow blinking light; Hwy 315 north to Fort McCoy to 4 way stop; right on 316 4.5 miles to 151 st(last left before tall bridge) follow to the Outpost office with the Red Kayaks standing in front.