Kayaking Florida Magical Rivers and Springs

The Trip

A paddle trip on the Silver River near Ocala features some of Florida's most beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. This short river with translucent blue springs has been described as magnificent and magical, but in 1873 Harriett Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin said it best with, "There is nothing on earth comparable to it."  

The Silver River is often called the gateway to the Ocala National Forest, the second largest, most southern National Forest east of the Mississippi. Silver Springs State Park, which contains the headspring of the Silver River, combines the charm of a historic Florida attraction with the crystal clear waters of one of the last uninhabited spring runs in the state. The spring feeds into the Silver River, a stream that flows east from the springs to the Ocklawaha River. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1971, Silver Springs State Park and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of cultural and historical significance. Dating back to the 1500s, Indian settlers resided around Silver Springs. Years later, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto moved to the area, his visit is thought to be the first European to experience the park. Today, the park celebrates its history with a Pioneer village exhibit and a museum featuring historical exhibits.

Rainbow Springs State Park includes Florida’s fourth largest spring and offers the chance to paddle right up to and explore the headsprings area. As we’ll find out throughout the week, headsprings make primo swimming holes!

Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs, both located within Ocala National Forest, are considered by many to be two of the best kayak runs in the state of Florida. The Ocala National Forest, established in 1908, is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S., encompassing approximately 383,000 acres. The Ocala National Forest is known for having over 600 natural lakes and ponds and lies between the Ocklawaha and St John’s Rivers. The forest is riddled with slow moving rivers and wet prairies: blackwater rivers that support bald cypress floodplain forests, and spring-fed rivers and springs that support hammocks of evergreen and hardwood trees. The forest supports a variety of wildlife, including American alligators, Florida black bear, white-tailed deer, wild boar, bats, gray and red fox, bobcat, North American river otter, gopher tortoise, nine-banded armadillo, and much more. Many hiking trails, including part of the Florida Trail, run through the forest, and water plays an important role in a variety of recreational activities. The twisting, cool, clear, spring-fed springs of the forest are the perfect place for a group of kayakers to spend the day paddling, swimming, and exploring.

Each spring run that we’ll explore offers its own uniqueness, scenery, and character. While each run can justifiably be called someone’s favorite spring run, we see no reason why they can’t all be favorites-just one of Florida’s many magical rivers and springs!

Day 1: We wil provide airport pickup at 3 p.m. at Tampa Airport (TPA). Driving directions will be provided to confirmed participants. We will enjoy a huge welcome dinner and go over the itinerary for the week.

Days 2-6: The trip leaders will give paddling and safety instructions and get everyone geared up for an incredible week of kayaking. Rather than have a set itinerary, we will wake up to a new adventure each day, depending on weather, tides, and other factors. We will kayak and explore as many of these places as possible:

• Ocala National Forest
• Alexander Springs
• Juniper Springs
• Salt Springs Run
• Lake George
• Oklawaha River
• Withlacoochee River
• Rainbow River, Rainbow River State Park
• Silver River, Silver River State Park
• De Leon Springs State Park

Day 7: After having breakfast and bidding farewell to new friends, this Florida vacation will be officially over by mid-morning. We will have participants shuttled back to Tampa Airport by noon.

Getting There

We will provide airport pickup at Tampa Airport (TPA) at 3 p.m. on day one of the outing. We will also provide airport dropoff at TPA on day seven by noon. We will provide van transportation to and from our daily destinations. A participant roster and driving directions will be sent to all confirmed participants prior to the outing. Please do not make travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member.

Accommodations and Food

We will spend six nights in cabins in historic Silver Springs State Park, Florida. Participants coming alone will share rooms and couples will room together. Participants will take turns helping the leaders prepare meals and clean up. The first meal will be dinner on day one of the outing, and the last meal will be breakfast on day seven of the outing. We will go out to dinner one time during the week; this dinner is not included in the trip price.

Trip Difficulty

Our kayak adventures will feature intermediate routes, averaging 5-10 miles in distance and 3-5 hours on the water each day on this Florida vacation. Walking will be short distances on fairly flat terrain. We will stop to take periodic breaks and lunch each day. You need not be an expert kayaker, but it is expected that you have some previous kayaking experience and that you are able to keep up with the group at a reasonable pace. Basic paddling and safety instruction will be given on the first day of the outing. Each participant should understand that this is a group outing and that you will be required to stay with the group while on the water and follow all instructions given by your guides. You should be flexible as plans and itineraries often change due to weather, group ability, tides, water levels, or other unforeseen reasons.

Note: Please be aware that alligators, snakes, dolphins, manatees, and even sharks are a regular highlight on kayak adventures in Florida waters. They are not interested in kayaks or kayakers, but you should be comfortable paddling among this and other wildlife.

Equipment and Clothing

We will provide rental kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. You are also welcome to bring your own favorite paddle or life jacket. We will provide daily shuttle transportation on the actual outing, but NO airport pick-up or drop-off will be provided. A full gear list will be sent to all confirmed participants prior to the outing.

References

• Molloy, Johnny, Canoeing and Kayaking Florida, Menasha Ridge Press, 2007.
• Ohr, Tim, Florida’s Fabulous Canoe and Kayak Trail Guide, World PUBNS, 2006.
• Stratton, Michael, Florida State Parks, Mountaineers Books, 2000.
• Watson, Melissa, Touring the Springs of Florida, Falcon Guides, 2015.

Conservation

Is there such a thing as environmentally friendly tourism or are some places being “loved to death?” Florida’s Nature Coast receive millions of visitors annually. Whether visiting for a few days, a week, or several months, these visitors greatly impact the areas that they travel to. Some regulations and safeguards have been put in place: banning food or drink in its original disposable containers on certain waterways; limiting motorboat horsepower; no-wake zones; limiting or banning parking near headsprings and having buffer zones along waterways; and placing specialized containers near docks, boat ramps, and waterways to provide a place to discard and recycle used fishing lines. These programs have definitely had an impact. Something as simple as banning original food and drink containers on some waterways has been very effective and has cut down on the amount of trash in these waterways by a huge amount. New environmental programs and technologies must continue to be put in place to help further protect these areas. Something as simple as the types of sunscreen and insect repellant used by millions of visitors impacts the environment and water quality of the areas that we paddle and visit. We’ll talk about what’s being done and see if we can come up with any new ideas.