Turkey Creek in Florida

Trip Overview

I just returned from a short vacation in Florida. I decided to do a little paddling while in the area and found a place called Turkey Creek Sanctuary, it was close and sounded nice.

The launch area is located at Goode park and you paddle up stream to the sanctuary. The ramp is a free public ramp with bathroom facilities. Heading East from the ramp takes you out onto the Indian River, West takes you up river into the park. The main channel is just beyond a stand of reeds as you launch. There is a narrow cross channel 400 yards upstream or you can go just a bit down stream and around the tip.

The first part of the paddle is open river with housing on both sides. The water is slow moving so paddling is easy. The further upstream the narrower the creek and the fewer houses. After passing under a bridge, Turkey Creek really comes into its own. The waters are dark and mirror like, although there is a bit of a current. As you continue up stream into the preserve, the course becomes a winding stream through lush vegetation filled with birds and a few reptiles. There are only a couple of spots where the current can really be felt, one is a narrow passage at an island. Be a little careful here as the sunken logs can spill a canoe. The other is a turn in the creek. You can't see the current but it will grab the boat just a bit.

The creek is a wonderful afternoon paddle with easy access and beautiful scenery. You can get out and rest at a designated canoe landing in the preserve. From there you can wander about upon the boardwalks that help preserve the sand banks and bluffs. Returning to the ramp is a nice drift paddle back down stream. With the narrowness of the creek, winds are not much of a concern. The entire trip is only 8 miles. Take your time, enjoy the view.

Directions:

From US 1, West on Port Malabar Blvd., North on Bianca to Alex Goode Park.