Kayak or Canoe Way Down upon the Suwannee River, Georgia and Florida
Highlights
- Swim in clear springs bursting from the aquifer
- View natural limestone rapids in Florida
- Camp on white sand beaches
Includes
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Canoes or kayaks
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Basic paddling instruction
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All meals served by the river
Overview
The Trip
Created in 1937, Okefenokee Refuge covers more than 600 square miles and contains nearly 354,000 acres of designated wilderness. A number of freshwater springs feed the refuge, which in turn gives birth to two well-known rivers, the Suwannee and the St. Marys. Though pure and clean, the refuge's waters are dark due to the tannic acid in decaying vegetation. Species abundance is breathtaking: black bears, otters, sand hill cranes, ospreys, alligators, bald eagles, yellow-fringed orchids, and pitcher plants all find homes in the Okefenokee. The Suwannee runs unbridled from Fargo to the Gulf of Mexico for more than 200 miles. With the state's highest protection, it is one of the cleanest waterways in the U.S. It’s no wonder many have returned here again and again to paddle this dark mysterious water.
Itinerary
Day 1: We meet at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park (near Live Oak, Florida) at 9 a.m. Participants can make arrangements at the Canoe Outpost to ride the shuttle to the put-in in Fargo, Georgia. It is a good idea to stay the night before the trip at the Spirt of the Suwannee Music Park. The Canoe Outpost is at the back of the Music Park next to the river. There is a fee for the shuttle (usually around $25), which is not included in the trip price. The Canoe Outpost is the best place to leave your vehicle as this is where the trip ends. Directions and a list of suggested items (gear list) will be sent to all participants. Plan to be at the Canoe Outpost before 9 a.m. The trip officially begins at 12 noon. It is about 65 miles, starting from the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp at Fargo Georgia, crossing into Florida, and ending at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
Day 1: We meet at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park (near Live Oak, Florida) at 9 a.m. Participants can make arrangements at the Canoe Outpost to ride the shuttle to the put-in in Fargo, Georgia. It is a good idea to stay the night before the trip at the Spirt of the Suwannee Music Park. The Canoe Outpost is at the back of the Music Park next to the river. There is a fee for the shuttle (usually around $25), which is not included in the trip price. The Canoe Outpost is the best place to leave your vehicle as this is where the trip ends. Directions and a list of suggested items (gear list) will be sent to all participants. Plan to be at the Canoe Outpost before 9 a.m. The trip officially begins at 12 noon. It is about 65 miles, starting from the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp at Fargo Georgia, crossing into Florida, and ending at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.
On this first day, as we launch our boats, the leaders will talk about what you can expect from the river and help you get comfortable with your boat. The trip on the first day offers us a fantastic backdrop of twisted tupelo, ancient cypress, live oak, and perhaps a few swamp inhabitants. After paddling a few hours, we will take a break for a stretch and a swim. With our tents set up, our first night on the river will be spent staring at the stars by the campfire. Each night you can expect a new and beautiful primitive campsite next to the playful river.
Day 2: After a spectacular sunrise, we break camp. The Suwannee is flat and smooth on the section we are paddling. Depending on the water level it may bounce a bit. As we drift downriver, subtle changes occur. The riverbanks become steeper and white sand beaches seem to appear around each bend. Each day we stop to eat lunch, swim, and take time to explore.
Day 3: Today is our first sign of civilization as we float under the Highway 6 bridge. This quickly fades as we paddle downriver. Soon a seemingly magical limestone wall appears on river left. Little waterfalls and crystalline droplets seep from the stone and drop to the black water below.
Day 4: Whitewater! Yes, believe it or not there is whitewater in Florida. A long morning paddle through deeper water with steeper banks drops us at the most extraordinary location on the river. Big Shoals is a place where the reef that created Florida protrudes to the surface. Here the river is turned into a bouncy class III rapid. Our camp is on the portage on river left. Yes, we will be portaging the rapid. This is a magical place. Time to swim, play, and hike. A secret spring nearby creates a waterfall and a great place to get a shower. It is easy to drift off to sleep with the visions from the day and the sound of Big Shoals in the distance.
Day 5: After we paddle away from our camp, we have few small shoals (bouncy water) to ride as we make our way into the historic town of White Springs. We'll drift a short distance to the Stephen Foster Cultural Center. This State Park was donated by a group of Steven Foster music enthusiasts. It is unique in many ways, from a carillon tower to a gift shop filled with locally made folk art and food.
Day 6: Today is a fun, easy day with lots of drifting, dreaming, and picture-taking. We'll notice higher banks that begin to form -- remnants of the ancient coral reef that once stood here. Fossilized sea fans, brain coral, and sea biscuits can be found at every turn.
Day 7: Today we stop by Suwannee Springs for a dip. This spring, advertised as "good for what ails ya," will still leave you with a tingle if you are bold enough to jump in! We usually arrive at the Canoe Outpost by noon.
The leaders will make every reasonable effort to meet the goals outlined in the itinerary. Please keep in mind that weather or other conditions beyond our control may cause us to modify the itinerary in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the group.
Logistics
Getting There
The closest airport is Jacksonville. It would be best to carpool with other participants. Rental cars and public transportation are available from the airport. If you are coming into Orlando, it is about a 3.5-hour drive to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
The leaders will prepare all meals, but everyone is expected to help clean up. Meals included in the trip fee begin with lunch on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day. Meals served on the trip will reflect local cuisine. Count on something chocolate for dessert. Our backcountry accommodations will be primitive
Getting There
The closest airport is Jacksonville. It would be best to carpool with other participants. Rental cars and public transportation are available from the airport. If you are coming into Orlando, it is about a 3.5-hour drive to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
The leaders will prepare all meals, but everyone is expected to help clean up. Meals included in the trip fee begin with lunch on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day. Meals served on the trip will reflect local cuisine. Count on something chocolate for dessert. Our backcountry accommodations will be primitive.
Trip Difficulty
Some canoeing or kayaking experience would make your trip more fun. If you have not canoed recently, take some time to get some practice and review in. The leader is an experienced canoe and kayak instructor. Help and instruction along the way is always included. As with any outdoor activity, you will enjoy it more if you are healthy and fit. You do not need a great deal of experience for this trip -- just be familiar with a canoe and know how to paddle. A willingness to learn and a positive attitude will get you there.
Cool, clear nights at this time of year eliminate virtually all of the annoying insects. We will be stopping every few hours to swim and stretch. There are many places for quick pit stops along the way.
Equipment and Clothing
A detailed equipment list will be provided to registered participants.
References
Books:
- Carr, Archie, A Naturalist in Florida.
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Knox, Rose and Graham Schorb, Canoeing and Camping on the Historic Suwannee River.
- Larson, Gary, There Is a Hair in My Dirt.
Conservation
As the Southeast grows, water usage grows. Who owns the water and how will it be best allocated? We are entering a new decade of demand on our ever-shrinking water supply. Use less, enjoy more.
Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.
Staff
Important Notes
- Carbon Offsets
- Carpooling
- Electronic Billing and Forms
- Electronic Devices
- Equipment
- Essential Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply for a Trip
- Leader Gratuities
- Medical Issues
- Non-discrimination Statement
- Participant Agreement
- Seller of Travel Disclosure
- Single Supplements
- Terms and Conditions
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Feedback
- Trip Price
- Wilderness Manners