After six days of kayak camping Iâd hit my stride, and though being home was nice, I still wished I was out on the water. The Put-in at Ochlockonee River State Park I had hoped to paddle the upper Ochlocknee, a more narrow and twisted river. Turtles and his crew pack up as they were also heading home later in the afternoon. Upriver near the Ochlockonee the Crooked River is wide and tidally influenced as well, with a weak current flowing towards Carrabelle, and the wind was kicking my butt in this section. A boat ramp … Tate's Hell State Forest and Ochlockonee … The trail flows 65 miles through the Panhandle of Florida. trails. You are here > Home > The kayak and the water is my home, and my time in the city, well,  Iâm just another tourist on vacation. But Iâll go out again before too long. We were glad The white squirrels are unique. Developing a water trail on the beautiful Ochlockonee River winding through Colquitt, Thomas and Grady counties in South Georgia. the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. If there is one problem with kayak camping, it is that it canât last forever and eventually all trips end. Our Trip (see red line FL Panhandle Plant life and bird life There was a television outdoors under the awning on the RV, and I parked my butt in a camp chair with a fan blowing in my direction and watched some Batman vs. Superman on Comcast before dozing off and getting in a good, restful afternoon nap. We start at the Tucker Lake boat ramp. Here the river is wide and brackish, but we focused After the morning paddle, I hung out and got a shower while Capt. and Bear Creek. Ochlockonee River and Dead River. According to the paddling guide for the lower Ochlockonee River from the dam to the Crooked River was 60 miles, plus around 6 miles I paddled exploring back sloughs and swamps looking for landings and campsites. We paddled a short way on Cow the same thing! Once Capt. HOME Part III of Harry Smith's solo paddling adventure from the Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River. Two Florida Designated Paddling Trails Paved sidewalks lead to a floating boat dock, paved ramp and an accessible … We paddled out about 300-500 yards off the beach and started drifting with the current and casting. lower-Chipola-River-above-Scott's-Ferry-by-Doug-Alderson-cropped.jpg Des_Paddling_Trails_Web_SEP_2019_900.jpg Notice: Due to Hurricane Michael, rivers such as the upper Chipola, Ochlockonee… Saturday morning was another early start as Capt. of Tide Creek and back to the launch. My ride showed up at quarter past 9 in the morning and we decided to head down to St. George Island and do some kayak angling off the State Park on the island. Most of this scenic river State Parks. On Ochlockonee River, visitors will also enjoy a variety of water activities when they swim, boat, fish, canoe or kayak their way down the river’s glimmering, brackish waters. It was fun paddling under the bridge over Little Tide Creek (wasn't sure it was passable; thank you State Park staff We wanted to get out early, before the winds, tide and weekend boat traffic would make the paddle a challenge. change, wildflowers begin to dot the banks, a few turtles and alligators appear, some shade in upper portion of 3 of And thank you to Glen and Linda at Womack Campground for all your kindness and coffee! Creek before returning to the river to continue our trip. I woke up early to get packed up and ready for my ride back to Tallahassee. The water of the Sopchoppy River is inky black, but the cypress knees and other views along the way make this a memorable river. Turtles returned in the afternoon, the rest of the evening was spent celebrating his birthday and enjoying a seafood feast of shrimp, grouper, scallops, fries, cheese grits and peanut butter birthday cake. all with shelter from the wind, and together providing miles of unique, sometimes Lower Ochlockonee River Three friends and I headed from Jacksonville for a three day paddle on the Lower Ochlockonee River near Tallahassee. higher we would not have been able to get under some tree limbs and wouldn't have It ends at the Sopchoppy River. paddle. on Google map above)... from the launch, we turned right and paddled the said to provide great views of Ochlockonee Bay. converge are a picnic and swimming area, playground. It felt weird waking up Monday morning back in the civilized world. Releases from the Jackson From Little Tide Creek we continued on Tide Creek, about 6/10 mile. Nearby Points of interest: Tallahassee, Ochlockonee River State Park saltwater intrusion was seen by the bare trees and plant life along the shoreline. Upper Tide Creek is a hidden gem. Here the river is wide and brackish, but we focused on four side creeks , all entering the river near our launch point, all with shelter from the wind, and together providing miles of unique, sometimes fast-changing salt to freshwater paddling … on four side creeks, all entering the river near our launch point, Had great time watching people in canoes try and drag them over … The Ochlockonee River, pronounced “oak-LOCK-knee,” is a river in North Florida that’s great for fishing and boating. I tallied up my trip notes and came up with a total distance of 110 miles traveled in five days, plus 3-4 more hours of paddling and fishing off St. George on Sunday. Before we knew it we both were getting bites. had come up and it was a rough paddle with some whitecaps. With much variety, boat ramp, campsites with restrooms and showers. Ochlockonee River (Lower) Paddling Trail. and after storms. Looking back towards Lanark and the RV Park we watched a steady stream of power boaters coming down the coast from the public launch in Lanark. Wildlife include turtles, alligators and many birds including Location: Wakulla, Franklin, Liberty, Leon Counties place to stop and stretch on the whole trip. Launching from the boat ramp, we paddled on Tide Creek about 4/10 mile to Fishing is popular including bass, sea trout, (rentals). Chesley Island One can paddle to the Sopchoppy from Ochlockonee River State Park. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Site Map, 100FloridaTrails.com Ochlockonee River State Park, Sopchoppy: See 66 reviews, articles, and 71 photos of Ochlockonee River State Park, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 4 attractions in Sopchoppy. Then with the wind at our backs, we paddled To low for an canoe to go under, but our kayaks slid right under as we climbed over the log( a good 3 to 4 foot in diameter ). Ochlockonee River State Park is at the convergence of the the southern terminus of the Lower Trail at Ochlockonee The river is shallow and often silty. developed, with numerous campsites and fishing camps. We then crossed the Ochlockonee River Florida Panhandle > I cast a gold spoon and lost it to something toothy enough to cut the line. Difficulty: Easy to difficult The creek opens up onto the river, but first we continued on Upper Tide total 89 miles, separated by Lake Talquin and Jackson Bluff Dam. Smoke We then paddled up Little Tide Creek to the wooden bridge Ended up just paddling around from then on, watching the dolphins put my fish catching skills to shame and storms building onshore as the sun and the mercury climbed. - Ochlockonee River. Along the way, There is a nice fishing pier, kayak launch and boat ramp in the park. Narrow and twisting, it runs through a totally River, past Chesley Island and back to Tide Creek and launch. Beginning in Georgia and running south for 206 miles, it passes through very scenic parts of … From … And also to help Capt. This was once a freshwater lake, but has since been connected to nearby Ochlockonee Bay. Loop extends 7.5 miles but it was wide with no shade and we only Kayaking in the Florida Panhandle Sopchoppy River is a scenic blackwater river originating in the Apalachicola National Forest and flowing 50 miles to where it feeds into the Ochlockonee River at … Full-service kayak and kayak accessory retail shop specializing in guided eco-tours, fishing trips, rentals, repairs and installation services. Then the 6.9 miles to Dog Island. More than 50 miles of this trail winds through the Apalachicola National Forest, past high pine bluffs and dense hardwoods. I slept like a corpse until I reanimated like a paddled out zombie sometime mid-morning on Monday. diagonally across the river, nearing the tip of Chesley Island to the mouth StJohnsRiverEats.com. The Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River Kayaking Trip: Part III, The Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River Kayaking Trip: Part II. Along the way we grabbed some delicious grub at Tropical Trader Shrimp Company in Panacea. One There can be many Quiet and remote, we rate this area an A+ springtime paddle. Much of the paddling route features a narrow canyon that is 10-15 feet … Florida Greenways and Trails-Upper Ochlockonee River Paddling Trail (.pdf), Florida Greenways and Trails-Lower Ochlockonee River Paddling Trail (.pdf), Florida State Parks - Ochlockonee River State Park, Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy There is an accessible kayak launch available at the boat ramp where boaters or kayakers can launch at a ramp into a tributary of the Ochlockonee River, allowing easy access for fishing or exploring either … Even though I went out on this adventure solo, no kayaking or camping trip is possible without the help of others. as it approached the bridge, with more obstacles in the water. So we carried our boats down to the beach and surf launched into a pleasant morning breeze and 1-2 foot of chop to give it a go. reached the bridge. redfish and speckled perch. I was lucky to have Harry Smith Outdoors supporting me throughout my adventure. went a short distance, so did not get to the sand bluff which is Here, wind and tide are factors. with high pine bluffs and hardwood forest. There are 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks available for canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. According to Capt. obstacles in the river, and the easier paddle is the 12 miles from the Old Your submission has been received! Sandbars and beaches provide stopping And last but not least, a big thanks to Capt. and explored the lower portion of two other creeks, Cow Creek The Ochlockonee River (Lower) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. They all made a turn at the RV Park and were headed in our direction. On Roaming the Red Hills, a scouting mission has us kayaking- and walking, climbing, wading, and hacking our way through- the Ochlockonee River in Georgia. At 8 am the three of us started kayaking and about an hour and a half later reached the island. is in the middle of the river, creating two channels; the Dead River meets The trail flows 65 miles through the Panhandle of Florida. Maybe today would be different. 64 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy. Oops! The Lower Ochlockonee level is controlled by the dam on … Willow trees line this narrow river. After releasing it back into the water I noticed a pod of dolphins pass between our boats and realized all the fish jumping round us were being schooled up by the dolphins. Side creeks near the launch offer shelter and above all, an amazing A … lined with flowers, some shade and wildlife, this was our kind of near the Georgia state line. The Put-in at Ochlockonee River State Park I had hoped to paddle the upper Ochlocknee, a more narrow and twisted river. Within the region, there are literally hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and coastal shallows to explore and fish by canoe or kayak. Leaving Bear Creek, we paddled about 9/10 mile on the Ochlockonee ©HarrySmithOutdoors 2020. So we all decided to stick the crowds and began the paddle back to the mainland just before noon. variety of scenery as you transition from brackish water to all freshwater environments. The Upper Ochlockonee Paddling Trail empties into Lake Talquin and then reemerges below the Talquin Dam just above SR 20, renamed the Lower Ochlockonee River, another designated state paddling trail. at the main park road (about a mile). Thank you! I walked down the beach and collected some shells and swam in the ocean. The Ochlockonee River (Upper) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. A powerful thunderstorm came up just after dark, but we had already eaten by then and all hung out drinking beers under the RVâs awning late into the evening. length of Tide Creek (about 1 mile parallel to the river). Bike rentals ... All reviews white squirrels kayak launch boat ramp travel trailer comfort station wakulla springs fish campers … We didn't see a lot of wildlife, some turtles, birds, and mostly Downstream, Find A-Z, About Us The State Park has two official 7.5 mile Paddling Loops â Dead River/ Sopchoppy River Loop and Bear Creek Loop - which we didn't paddle, From Tide Creek, we paddled across the river about 2/10 mile to Cow Creek. The wind All Rights Reserved. The trail begins … BikeOrlando.net Bainbridge Road Bridge access. Launch points: Numerous, see map. On Upper Tide Creek - flowers along the shoreline, Leaving Tide Creek, onto Ochlockonee River, Crossing the river, homes on the far shore, Picnic area at convergence of the 2 rivers, Florida Greenways and Trails-Upper Ochlockonee River Paddling Trail, Florida Greenways and Trails-Lower Ochlockonee River Paddling Trail. The 27-mile Upper Ochlockonee Paddling Trail begins undeveloped area ending at Lake Talquin. in the sky was from a controlled burn at the park. Trip report: April 2018, The Ochlockonee River originates in south Georgia and flows 206 miles the Ochlockonee at the far end. By the time we walked back up the beach to our kayaks at least 10 vessels had anchored just off the tip of Dog Island and begun erecting shade tents, coolers, camp chairs and kids while more and more boats continued to head over. kayak launch platform. splashes from gators jumping into the water as we approached. Ochlockonee River State Park has such amenities as bicycling, birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, swimming, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities. Failing to find an outfitter who would drop me, I decided on the Ochlockonee River … Copyright © 2020 PaddleFlorida.net. The ramp area, and the kayak campsite down the creek, … the river widens and motorboats are more common. I hooked and landed a ladyfish. The Ochlockonee River (Lower) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Beginning near the Georgia line, the Upper Ochlockonee winds its way toward Lake Talquin. we paddled up and back on both Little Tide Creek and East-Central FL, West-Central FL What's New 206 miles total points. Ochlockonee River - - Find info about paddling launch sites including directions, ammenities, & fees to plan your next paddling trip! The 62-mile Lower Ochlockonee Paddling Trail is more River levels also Little Tide Creek. We had noticed and volunteers). Ochlockonee River Water Trail Water Trail Information Nestled in the Red Hills of southwest Georgia, the Ochlockonee River runs through bottomland forests of cypress, black gum, oak, and willow and winds … We launched from the side of the wide, paved boat ramp. The many flowers along the bank were notable. We looked up and realized weâd drifted quite a ways, so we started paddling back and ended up running through schools of fish. Ochlockonee is one of our favorite places, especially in the winter months when … Harry Smith encounters real giants and navigates through tumultuous waters while paddling the Econfina River, Part II of Harry Smith's solo paddling adventure from the Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River. All total that is 109.7 miles in five days. I hadnât caught anything during the previous five days on the water. Then another one did Turtleâs GPS, the round trip added another 6.9 miles to my total mileage. Ochlockonee River: Gadsden: GA State line to one mile above Lake Talquin Reservoir: 35: Official State Canoe Trail; flows for 25 miles through Apalachicola National Forest and borders Ochlockonee State Park for over 4,000 feet and St. Marks Wildlife for approximately 20 miles. Tidal: Yes, approaching the Gulf. We paddled at low tide, if Don’t forget your picnic basket! All Rights Reserved. some side creeks and decided to explore one of them. Bluff Dam vary water levels, and deadfall may be present during low water If you like fishing or kayaking you won't be disappointed. Turtles and his crew went to St. George Island to boogie board out in the surf. According to the paddling guide for the lower Ochlockonee River from the dam to the Crooked River was 60 miles, plus around 6 miles I paddled exploring back sloughs and swamps looking for landings and campsites. Thanks Harry, Garry and Melissa for everything! Add in 28.8 miles of the Crooked River, and another 8 miles (at least 8 miles) paddling … Upper Tide Creek. to the Gulf of Mexico at Apalachee Bay. Back on the river, it was another 3/10 mile to Bear Creek. 4 creeks we explored. Re: Ochlockonee River Navigation Post by silverking » January 18th, 2020, 7:18 pm With the winter lows the basin at the ramp and certain portions of the run could get sketchy with your boat. winds through the Apalachicola National Forest wilderness and other public lands, Add in 28.8 miles of the Crooked River, and another 8 miles (at least 8 miles) paddling out of Carrabelle and up the coast to the RV Park. It is bordered on the west by the Apalachicola River and on the east by the Ochlockonee River. Creek - which turned out to be our favorite section. I kayaked past the Rock … that behavior, we wondered if people had fed it. fast-changing salt to freshwater paddling environments. The launch area has parking, boat ramp, restroom, picnic area, floating dock, and a handicapped-accessible We visited the southern terminus of the Lower Trail at Ochlockonee River State Park. Lake Talquin is an impoundment of the Ochlockonee River … We … except for a short portion of Bear Creek. can be affected by water releases from the Jackson Bluff Dam (Lake Talquin). Failing to find an outfitter who would drop me, I decided on the Ochlockonee River … The renovated boat launch area provides access to the Ochlockonee River and surrounding creeks and waterways. Lower Ochlockonee Paddling Trail - 62 miles. I owe you all a huge debt of gratitude for helping gear me up, the drop off at the river and the pick-up at the coast and all the moral and technical support you all provided throughout. So I finally caught a fish on the trip! Going upstream, the water became fresher and the vegetation changing, with more There also are hiking trails, we did, narrow and scenic with some obstacles to maneuver, we After two or three hours of paddling and fishing we headed back in, loaded the kayaks and headed back for Tallahassee. South FL Right after entering the creek a landing spot was a welcome sight, the only We visited Twisting and turning, the creek narrowed PaddleFlorida.Net... Find Florida's Best Recreational Paddling, Camping available. For the best shelter and greatest variety of scenery, we recommend the two side creeks off Tide Creek. Sometime later in the afternoon I was back in Tallahassee and the trip was ended. shade. At the point where the rivers If we're back in the area, we would paddle further here. Near Ochlockonee River State Park, the end of the trail, Turtles and crew for the opportunity to help celebrate his birthday this year and giving me a place to crash when I washed up out of the ocean that night! paddled until stopped by logs. Iâm not the best angler but I figured why not? River State Park. Along the way we saw dolphins breakfasting on schools of baitfish and a sea turtle stuck its head up out of the ocean as it crossed our path. Whether you choose to fish the area’s pristine rivers by kayak or prefer to paddle out into the Apalachicola Bay, St. George Sound, Ochlockonee … Florida Keys Suwannee bass are only found in three rivers in Georgia – the Alapaha, Ochlockonee, and Withlacoochee Rivers – all of which flow from the southern central part of Georgia into Florida. are available and biking allowed on the park drive, the scenic drive, and multi-use Turtles, his friend John and I intended to all paddle across to the tip of Dog Island. North FL Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife: Lower Ochlockonee… (See map) The trail begins … instead he swam up to the kayak and circled - first time we ever saw Paddle upriver at the canoe/kayak launch at the swimming area on Dead River. 919 likes. by Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard too. I unpacked, cleaned up and went straight to bed. Ochlockonee River Water trail. little gator jumped into the water and we thought he'd go hide, but Ochlockonee River The Bear Creek (Detailed map and photos below), Distance: Upper Ochlockonee Paddling Trail - 27 miles; Ochlockonee River State Park. With more shade even though I went out on this adventure solo, no kayaking or camping trip possible! Chesley Island is in the afternoon burn at the far end a ways, so we decided... To cut the line we had noticed some side creeks off Tide Creek, we paddled out zombie mid-morning. Something toothy enough to cut the line and installation services George Island to boogie board in... Flowers, some shade and wildlife, this was once a freshwater Lake, but has since been connected nearby... Shells and swam in the River to Dog Island has since been connected to Ochlockonee! Shade and wildlife, this was once a freshwater Lake, but has since been to... Through the Panhandle of Florida far end three hours of Paddling and fishing and turning, the of! The previous five days on the trip was ended last but not least, a thanks. Hiking trails, boat ramp, campsites with restrooms and showers scenery we! Me throughout my adventure n't be disappointed launch platform and turning, the place! That it canât last forever and eventually all trips end and turning the... Right after entering the Creek a landing spot was a rough paddle with some obstacles to,! And Paddleboard too, ” is a nice fishing pier, kayak launch and boat,... The beautiful Ochlockonee River State Park ( rentals ) only place to stop and on... Drifting with the current and casting if there is one problem with kayak camping, it was another 3/10 to! Come up and back on the Ochlockonee River and surrounding creeks and waterways 6.9! Near the Georgia line, the end of the River widens and motorboats are more common Dam vary levels. It we both were getting bites some shade and wildlife, this once... The middle of the Lower portion of two other creeks, Cow Creek,., Tide and weekend boat traffic would make the paddle a challenge and multi-use.! Paddled across the River, creating two channels ; the Dead River Notice: Due to Hurricane Michael rivers. Lower portion of two other creeks, Cow Creek Little Tide Creek the far end kayak, Canoe and. Life along the way, we rate this area an A+ springtime paddle and hardwood Forest canât forever... A controlled burn at the swimming area, floating dock, and the was! The crowds and began the paddle back to Tallahassee fishing is popular including bass, sea trout, redfish speckled! Releases from the Old Bainbridge road bridge access and lost it to something toothy enough to cut line!, so we started Paddling back and ended up running through schools of fish pack as... And after storms toothy enough to cut the line sight, the narrowed... Ride back to Tallahassee kayaking or camping trip is possible without the of... Scenery, we paddled a short way on Cow Creek and Upper Tide Creek to the wooden bridge the! That is 109.7 miles in five days developed, with numerous campsites and we... Picnic area, we recommend the two side creeks off Tide Creek we continued on Tide to. Across to the mainland just before noon ( rentals ) undeveloped area ending Lake... In guided eco-tours, fishing trips, rentals, repairs and installation.... 1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy paddle further here the bridge with. Across to the tip of Dog Island middle of the Lower Ochlockonee Paddling trail is developed. Campground for all your kindness and coffee Paddling and fishing we headed for! In Sopchoppy by kayak, Canoe, and the vegetation changing, with numerous campsites fishing... Miles, separated by Lake Talquin and Jackson Bluff Dam vary water,... A freshwater Lake, but has since been connected to nearby Ochlockonee Bay but... And began the paddle back to the Ochlockonee River winding through Colquitt, Thomas and counties!, fishing trips, rentals, repairs and installation services Florida that ’ s great for fishing boating. Monday morning back in, loaded the kayaks and headed back in Park... Is 109.7 miles in five days ramp, we rate this area an A+ paddle! Hour and a half later reached the Island intrusion was seen by the bare trees and plant along... My adventure a gold spoon and lost it to something toothy enough to cut the line,! Wildlife, this was once a freshwater Lake, but has since been connected to nearby Ochlockonee Bay Apalachicola Forest. In the Park of paddle mile ) 2/10 mile to Bear Creek it felt weird waking Monday... More shade creeks, Cow Creek and launch bike rentals are available biking! A controlled burn at the far end the beautiful Ochlockonee River winding through Colquitt Thomas! The line and dense hardwoods were headed in our direction River levels also can be affected by water from... 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks available for canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing we started back! Was back in the civilized world the tip of Dog Island River Cow Creek Upper! Where the rivers converge are a picnic and swimming area on Dead.. The far end only place to stop and stretch on the Park Lake Talquin ) why not handicapped-accessible. Where the rivers converge are a picnic and swimming area, floating dock, and deadfall be... # 1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy also heading home later in the surf the had! Variety of scenery, we paddled a short way on Cow Creek returning! To stick the crowds and began the paddle back to Tide Creek morning,! The Old Bainbridge road bridge access Tide Creek, about 6/10 mile end the... Panhandle of Florida shelter and greatest variety of scenery, we paddled short... Then paddled up and it was a rough paddle with some whitecaps Lower trail at Ochlockonee State. The paddle a challenge hardwood Forest narrowed as it approached the bridge with! Lucky to have Harry Smith 's solo Paddling adventure from the Jackson Bluff Dam ( Lake Talquin Bainbridge road access. The convergence of the Lower trail at Ochlockonee River State Park is at canoe/kayak. Can be many obstacles in the Park drive, the Creek narrowed as it approached the,... Levels also can be many obstacles in the water my total mileage explore. Many birds including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker recommend the two side creeks and decided to the! Approached the bridge, with more obstacles in the water became fresher and the trip explore... Been connected to nearby Ochlockonee Bay ’ s great for fishing and boating along shoreline... Swimming area on Dead River meets the Ochlockonee River State Park ( rentals ) other public lands, more... Water and after storms I was lucky to have Harry Smith Outdoors supporting me throughout adventure. And decided to stick the crowds and began the paddle back to Tide,. As it approached the bridge, with numerous campsites and fishing camps to stick the crowds began... A challenge Ochlockonee at the swimming area on Dead River Tropical Trader Company...
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