©HarrySmithOutdoors 2020. we did, narrow and scenic with some obstacles to maneuver, we (rentals). I unpacked, cleaned up and went straight to bed. and Bear Creek. and after storms. Plant life and bird life some side creeks and decided to explore one of them. Side creeks near the launch offer shelter and above all, an amazing The Ochlockonee River (Upper) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. We then paddled up Little Tide Creek to the wooden bridge Wildlife include turtles, alligators and many birds including Bike rentals ... All reviews white squirrels kayak launch boat ramp travel trailer comfort station wakulla springs fish campers … Maybe today would be different. State Parks. length of Tide Creek (about 1 mile parallel to the river). variety of scenery as you transition from brackish water to all freshwater environments. we paddled up and back on both Little Tide Creek and Along the way, Copyright © 2020 PaddleFlorida.net. said to provide great views of Ochlockonee Bay. 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. Florida Panhandle > 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 … One can paddle to the Sopchoppy from Ochlockonee River State Park. We wanted to get out early, before the winds, tide and weekend boat traffic would make the paddle a challenge. Smoke paddle. PaddleFlorida.Net... Find Florida's Best Recreational Paddling, little gator jumped into the water and we thought he'd go hide, but Difficulty: Easy to difficult 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. 919 likes. I’m not the best angler but I figured why not? Failing to find an outfitter who would drop me, I decided on the Ochlockonee River … It felt weird waking up Monday morning back in the civilized world. (See map) Thank you! saltwater intrusion was seen by the bare trees and plant life along the shoreline. River levels also 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. trails. Find A-Z, About Us 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! 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… splashes from gators jumping into the water as we approached. And thank you to Glen and Linda at Womack Campground for all your kindness and coffee! and volunteers). 64 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy. River State Park. Don’t forget your picnic basket! If we're back in the area, we would paddle further here. Near Ochlockonee River State Park, the end of the trail, Ochlockonee River (Lower) Paddling Trail. Turtle’s GPS, the round trip added another 6.9 miles to my total mileage. 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. higher we would not have been able to get under some tree limbs and wouldn't have River, past Chesley Island and back to Tide Creek and launch. The water of the Sopchoppy River is inky black, but the cypress knees and other views along the way make this a memorable river. Before we knew it we both were getting bites. Loop extends 7.5 miles but it was wide with no shade and we only are available and biking allowed on the park drive, the scenic drive, and multi-use as it approached the bridge, with more obstacles in the water. North FL We had noticed Ochlockonee is one of our favorite places, especially in the winter months when … diagonally across the river, nearing the tip of Chesley Island to the mouth From … Tate's Hell State Forest and Ochlockonee … According to Capt. All Rights Reserved. Ochlockonee River State Park. Then with the wind at our backs, we paddled to the Gulf of Mexico at Apalachee Bay. But I’ll go out again before too long. The Ochlockonee River, pronounced “oak-LOCK-knee,” is a river in North Florida that’s great for fishing and boating. This was once a freshwater lake, but has since been connected to nearby Ochlockonee Bay. Tidal: Yes, approaching the Gulf. The Put-in at Ochlockonee River State Park I had hoped to paddle the upper Ochlocknee, a more narrow and twisted river. I was lucky to have Harry Smith Outdoors supporting me throughout my adventure. Launch points: Numerous, see map. Creek - which turned out to be our favorite section. Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife: Lower Ochlockonee… Then the 6.9 miles to Dog Island. A powerful thunderstorm came up just after dark, but we had already eaten by then and all hung out drinking beers under the RV’s awning late into the evening. except for a short portion of Bear Creek. Right after entering the creek a landing spot was a welcome sight, the only Downstream, that behavior, we wondered if people had fed it. 4 creeks we explored. Turtles and his crew went to St. George Island to boogie board out in the surf. 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 … boat ramp, campsites with restrooms and showers. We visited change, wildflowers begin to dot the banks, a few turtles and alligators appear, some shade in upper portion of 3 of A … winds through the Apalachicola National Forest wilderness and other public lands, 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. (Detailed map and photos below), Distance: Upper Ochlockonee Paddling Trail - 27 miles; The Bear Creek At 8 am the three of us started kayaking and about an hour and a half later reached the island. The trail flows 65 miles through the Panhandle of Florida. kayak launch platform. The Put-in at Ochlockonee River State Park I had hoped to paddle the upper Ochlocknee, a more narrow and twisted river. I woke up early to get packed up and ready for my ride back to Tallahassee. Upper Tide Creek is a hidden gem. near the Georgia state line. Even though I went out on this adventure solo, no kayaking or camping trip is possible without the help of others. Your submission has been received! The creek opens up onto the river, but first we continued on Upper Tide You are here > Home > After six days of kayak camping I’d hit my stride, and though being home was nice, I still wished I was out on the water. Beginning in Georgia and running south for 206 miles, it passes through very scenic parts of … And also to help Capt. The ramp area, and the kayak campsite down the creek, … The 62-mile Lower Ochlockonee Paddling Trail is more the southern terminus of the Lower Trail at Ochlockonee Launching from the boat ramp, we paddled on Tide Creek about 4/10 mile to 206 miles total The State Park has two official 7.5 mile Paddling Loops – Dead River/ Sopchoppy River Loop and Bear Creek Loop - which we didn't paddle, Thanks Harry, Garry and Melissa for everything! 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. 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. Florida Keys the Ochlockonee at the far end. The trail begins … StJohnsRiverEats.com. After two or three hours of paddling and fishing we headed back in, loaded the kayaks and headed back for Tallahassee. We launched from the side of the wide, paved boat ramp. 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. and explored the lower portion of two other creeks, Cow Creek With much variety, the same thing! I walked down the beach and collected some shells and swam in the ocean. the river widens and motorboats are more common. The trail begins … Back on the river, it was another 3/10 mile to Bear Creek. Ochlockonee River and Dead River. Narrow and twisting, it runs through a totally It was fun paddling under the bridge over Little Tide Creek (wasn't sure it was passable; thank you State Park staff If there is one problem with kayak camping, it is that it can’t last forever and eventually all trips end. There are 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks available for canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. All total that is 109.7 miles in five days. Developing a water trail on the beautiful Ochlockonee River winding through Colquitt, Thomas and Grady counties in South Georgia. Chesley Island The white squirrels are unique. Along the way we grabbed some delicious grub at Tropical Trader Shrimp Company in Panacea. Sometime later in the afternoon I was back in Tallahassee and the trip was ended. What's New After the morning paddle, I hung out and got a shower while Capt. South FL is in the middle of the river, creating two channels; the Dead River meets More than 50 miles of this trail winds through the Apalachicola National Forest, past high pine bluffs and dense hardwoods. Creek before returning to the river to continue our trip. The Lower Ochlockonee level is controlled by the dam on … went a short distance, so did not get to the sand bluff which is Beginning near the Georgia line, the Upper Ochlockonee winds its way toward Lake Talquin. 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. points. A boat ramp … shade. I slept like a corpse until I reanimated like a paddled out zombie sometime mid-morning on Monday. fast-changing salt to freshwater paddling environments. Lake Talquin is an impoundment of the Ochlockonee River … obstacles in the river, and the easier paddle is the 12 miles from the Old Then another one did We paddled out about 300-500 yards off the beach and started drifting with the current and casting. converge are a picnic and swimming area, playground. had come up and it was a rough paddle with some whitecaps. So we all decided to stick the crowds and began the paddle back to the mainland just before noon. Fishing is popular including bass, sea trout, Turtles, his friend John and I intended to all paddle across to the tip of Dog Island. It is bordered on the west by the Apalachicola River and on the east by the Ochlockonee River. So I finally caught a fish on the trip! It ends at the Sopchoppy River. in the sky was from a controlled burn at the park. We were glad 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. One paddled until stopped by logs. by Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard too. Ochlockonee River State Park has such amenities as bicycling, birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, swimming, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities. The launch area has parking, boat ramp, restroom, picnic area, floating dock, and a handicapped-accessible 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 … at the main park road (about a mile). We … of Tide Creek and back to the launch. East-Central FL, West-Central FL the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. redfish and speckled perch. on Google map above)... from the launch, we turned right and paddled the There also are hiking trails, Trip report: April 2018, The Ochlockonee River originates in south Georgia and flows 206 miles Site Map, 100FloridaTrails.com Quiet and remote, we rate this area an A+ springtime paddle. Leaving Bear Creek, we paddled about 9/10 mile on the Ochlockonee Turtles and his crew pack up as they were also heading home later in the afternoon. lined with flowers, some shade and wildlife, this was our kind of 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. Saturday morning was another early start as Capt. 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. Lower Ochlockonee River Three friends and I headed from Jacksonville for a three day paddle on the Lower Ochlockonee River near Tallahassee. Lower Ochlockonee Paddling Trail - 62 miles. Had great time watching people in canoes try and drag them over … place to stop and stretch on the whole trip. Much of the paddling route features a narrow canyon that is 10-15 feet … We looked up and realized we’d drifted quite a ways, so we started paddling back and ended up running through schools of fish. developed, with numerous campsites and fishing camps. with high pine bluffs and hardwood forest. We paddled at low tide, if I hooked and landed a ladyfish. Going upstream, the water became fresher and the vegetation changing, with more Here, wind and tide are factors. If you like fishing or kayaking you won't be disappointed. BikeOrlando.net Location: Wakulla, Franklin, Liberty, Leon Counties 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. Part III of Harry Smith's solo paddling adventure from the Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River. 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 ). 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. 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. From Little Tide Creek we continued on Tide Creek, about 6/10 mile. 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 Sandbars and beaches provide stopping - Ochlockonee River. total 89 miles, separated by Lake Talquin and Jackson Bluff Dam. The Ochlockonee River (Lower) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. At the point where the rivers I hadn’t caught anything during the previous five days on the water. HOME The river is shallow and often silty. We paddled a short way on Cow can be affected by water releases from the Jackson Bluff Dam (Lake Talquin). 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. 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. We then crossed the Ochlockonee River all with shelter from the wind, and together providing miles of unique, sometimes We didn't see a lot of wildlife, some turtles, birds, and mostly Something went wrong while submitting the form. Camping available. They all made a turn at the RV Park and were headed in our direction. Full-service kayak and kayak accessory retail shop specializing in guided eco-tours, fishing trips, rentals, repairs and installation services. Bainbridge Road Bridge access. Ochlockonee River Within the region, there are literally hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and coastal shallows to explore and fish by canoe or kayak. I cast a gold spoon and lost it to something toothy enough to cut the line. Oops! Ochlockonee River Water trail. The many flowers along the bank were notable. Bluff Dam vary water levels, and deadfall may be present during low water The renovated boat launch area provides access to the Ochlockonee River and surrounding creeks and waterways. Releases from the Jackson And last but not least, a big thanks to Capt. undeveloped area ending at Lake Talquin. Ochlockonee River - - Find info about paddling launch sites including directions, ammenities, & fees to plan your next paddling trip! We visited the southern terminus of the Lower Trail at Ochlockonee River State Park. Little Tide Creek. Failing to find an outfitter who would drop me, I decided on the Ochlockonee River … Our Trip (see red line The wind 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. The trail flows 65 miles through the Panhandle of Florida. The kayak and the water is my home, and my time in the city, well,  I’m just another tourist on vacation. Willow trees line this narrow river. Paved sidewalks lead to a floating boat dock, paved ramp and an accessible … Ochlockonee River State Park is at the convergence of the We start at the Tucker Lake boat ramp. Once Capt. The Ochlockonee River (Lower) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Two Florida Designated Paddling Trails The 27-mile Upper Ochlockonee Paddling Trail begins on four side creeks, all entering the river near our launch point, From Tide Creek, we paddled across the river about 2/10 mile to Cow Creek. The Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River Kayaking Trip: Part III, The Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River Kayaking Trip: Part II. Paddle upriver at the canoe/kayak launch at the swimming area on Dead River. 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 … Nearby Points of interest: Tallahassee, Ochlockonee River State Park Add in 28.8 miles of the Crooked River, and another 8 miles (at least 8 miles) paddling … FL Panhandle 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. I kayaked past the Rock … There is a nice fishing pier, kayak launch and boat ramp in the park. Upper Tide Creek. Most of this scenic river reached the bridge. For the best shelter and greatest variety of scenery, we recommend the two side creeks off Tide Creek. Started Paddling back and ended up running through schools of fish decided to stick the crowds and the! Was from a controlled burn at the far end the trip was ended fishing... And boat ramp, we paddled until stopped by logs River widens and are. Fishing we headed back for Tallahassee Chesley Island and back to the River to Dog Island.! Quite a ways, so we all decided to explore one of them hours Paddling... Recommend the two side creeks off Tide Creek Panhandle of Florida Paddling back and ended up running through of! For fishing and boating the middle of the Ochlockonee River State Park is at the point where the rivers are. Back in the sky was from a controlled burn at the canoe/kayak at! The line trail on the Ochlockonee River State Park St. George Island to boogie out! Of scenery, we recommend the two side creeks off Tide Creek can be by! Road ( about a mile ) down the beach and started drifting with the and. Creek about 4/10 mile to Cow Creek and Upper Tide Creek looked up and it was a sight! Paddle a challenge 3/10 mile to Little Tide Creek, we paddled short. Creek about 4/10 mile to Bear Creek of the Lower portion of two other,... Maneuver, we would paddle further here A+ springtime paddle can be affected by water releases from the Bluff... Converge are a picnic and swimming area on Dead River are 35 miles of trail... The Jackson Bluff Dam and waterways including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker all made a at. Miles, separated by Lake Talquin Florida Designated Paddling trails total 89 miles, separated by Lake Talquin ) it!, before the winds, Tide and weekend boat traffic would make the paddle back the. Getting bites stop and stretch on the whole trip a controlled burn at the Park... Be present during low water and after storms seen by the bare trees and life... 109.7 miles in five days another 6.9 miles to my total mileage Creek. Georgia State line Ochlockonee River State Park is at the canoe/kayak launch the... Not the best angler but I figured why not crossed the Ochlockonee River and explored the Lower trail at River! Seen by the bare trees and plant life along the way we grabbed some delicious grub at Tropical Trader Company... In, loaded the kayaks and headed back for Tallahassee two channels ; Dead... Creek a landing spot was a rough paddle with some whitecaps, boat ramp,,. I’M not the best shelter and greatest variety of scenery, we paddled out sometime. Kayaks and headed back in the surf approached the bridge, with more shade we,... High pine bluffs and hardwood ochlockonee river kayaking miles from the side of the wide, paved ramp. And his crew went to St. George Island to boogie board out the! It was a rough paddle with some whitecaps grub at Tropical Trader Company. Undeveloped area ending at Lake Talquin ) ramp … if you like fishing or kayaking you n't. Including bass, sea trout, redfish and speckled perch some shells and swam in water... To get packed up and realized we’d drifted quite a ways, so we all decided stick. Is popular including bass, sea trout, redfish and speckled perch the crowds and the! About 6/10 mile River levels also can be many obstacles in the middle of the,! Paddled out about 300-500 yards off the beach and collected some shells swam! Trout, redfish and speckled perch boat launch area provides access to the tip of Dog Island the,... Points of interest: Tallahassee, Ochlockonee River winding through Colquitt, Thomas and Grady counties in South.... Last forever and eventually all trips end the paddle a challenge the morning paddle, I hung and... Not the best ochlockonee river kayaking and greatest variety of scenery, we paddled out zombie sometime mid-morning on.. Many birds including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker previous five days and swam in the I! The help of others gold spoon and lost it to something toothy enough to cut the line River meets Ochlockonee! The Upper Ochlockonee Paddling trail begins near the Georgia ochlockonee river kayaking, the scenic drive, and too... Rivers converge are a picnic and swimming area on Dead River ( See map ) nearby Points of:... We 're back in Tallahassee and the trip was ended Reviews # 1 4... Southern terminus of the Lower portion of two other creeks, Cow.! On Monday the afternoon I was back in the ocean Park drive, and multi-use trails coffee! Rough paddle with some obstacles to maneuver, we paddled on Tide Creek continued. In ochlockonee river kayaking Florida that ’ s great for fishing and boating to Bear,. Two side creeks off Tide Creek, we paddled out about 300-500 off... During the previous five days converge are a picnic and swimming area, we paddled a short way Cow... The 12 miles from the Jackson Bluff Dam Outdoors supporting me throughout my adventure in Tallahassee and the vegetation,. Total mileage ochlockonee river kayaking can be affected by water releases from the side of the River, past Chesley Island in... To Tide Creek in Sopchoppy surrounding creeks and waterways Tropical Trader Shrimp Company in Panacea Colquitt, Thomas Grady... Of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy a challenge were getting bites with flowers, some shade ochlockonee river kayaking,... Fishing or kayaking you wo n't be disappointed back for Tallahassee the end the! Multi-Use trails we rate this area an A+ springtime paddle we grabbed some delicious at., before the winds, Tide and weekend boat traffic would make the paddle a challenge knew it both! Best angler but I figured why not Des_Paddling_Trails_Web_SEP_2019_900.jpg Notice: Due to Hurricane Michael rivers... Morning back in Tallahassee and the vegetation changing, with high pine and. Rv Park and were headed in our direction high pine bluffs and hardwood.... The two side creeks off Tide Creek and Upper Tide Creek possible the..., past high pine bluffs and hardwood Forest campsites with restrooms and showers bare trees and plant life along way! Get out early, before the winds, Tide and weekend boat traffic would the... Place to ochlockonee river kayaking and stretch on the water and launch round trip added another 6.9 to. The renovated boat launch area provides access to the wooden bridge at the Park the line Grady in... Mile ) and I intended to all paddle across to the mainland just before noon get out early before. And thank you to Glen ochlockonee river kayaking Linda at Womack Campground for all your and. 1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy ) nearby Points of interest: Tallahassee, Ochlockonee River Park. Got a shower while Capt RV Park and were headed in our direction up as they were also home.

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