Wakulla 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 from County Rd 365 to the public boat launch in the community of St. Marks. It was a total of about 7 miles and took about three hours.

The upper portion to Florida Hwy 98 was gorgeous. The river is spring fed from Wakulla Springs and water is crystal clear. We saw manatees, lots of bird species, and lots of aquatic life, including blue crabs.

The section from hwy 98 to St. Marks is less pretty, wide, and if windy, a difficult paddle. (It was that day - suggest taking out at Hwy 98 unless weather is really calm.)

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 County Road 365 and take out in St. Marks. Only one public launch in St. Marks.