The Ochlockonee River, pronounced “oak-LOCK-knee,” is a river in North Florida that’s great for fishing and boating. Fishing is popular including bass, sea trout, The 62-mile Lower Ochlockonee Paddling Trail is more Along the way, 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. and volunteers). Site Map, 100FloridaTrails.com A boat ramp … After the morning paddle, I hung out and got a shower while Capt. shade. Had great time watching people in canoes try and drag them over … We had noticed 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. Ochlockonee River State Park is at the convergence of the Florida Keys We paddled out about 300-500 yards off the beach and started drifting with the current and casting. Creek - which turned out to be our favorite section. 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. Much of the paddling route features a narrow canyon that is 10-15 feet … We visited Nearby Points of interest: Tallahassee, Ochlockonee River State Park 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 Paddle upriver at the canoe/kayak launch at the swimming area on Dead River. Here, wind and tide are factors. Ochlockonee River (Lower) Paddling Trail. the river widens and motorboats are more common. Tate's Hell State Forest and Ochlockonee … 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. saltwater intrusion was seen by the bare trees and plant life along the shoreline. points. I walked down the beach and collected some shells and swam in the ocean. higher we would not have been able to get under some tree limbs and wouldn't have in the sky was from a controlled burn at the park. little gator jumped into the water and we thought he'd go hide, but redfish and speckled perch. Creek before returning to the river to continue our trip. we did, narrow and scenic with some obstacles to maneuver, we The trail begins … Ochlockonee River State Park. 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. The trail flows 65 miles through the Panhandle of Florida. Ochlockonee River The ramp area, and the kayak campsite down the creek, … River, past Chesley Island and back to Tide Creek and launch. The launch area has parking, boat ramp, restroom, picnic area, floating dock, and a handicapped-accessible 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! Near Ochlockonee River State Park, the end of the trail, on Google map above)... from the launch, we turned right and paddled the From Little Tide Creek we continued on Tide Creek, about 6/10 mile. One There also are hiking trails, Little Tide Creek. 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 … at the main park road (about a mile). The Ochlockonee River (Lower) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. (rentals). Ochlockonee River Water trail. 206 miles total The many flowers along the bank were notable. Bluff Dam vary water levels, and deadfall may be present during low water 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. Once Capt. and Bear Creek. ©HarrySmithOutdoors 2020. Iâm not the best angler but I figured why not? went a short distance, so did not get to the sand bluff which is change, wildflowers begin to dot the banks, a few turtles and alligators appear, some shade in upper portion of 3 of East-Central FL, West-Central FL The Put-in at Ochlockonee River State Park I had hoped to paddle the upper Ochlocknee, a more narrow and twisted river. We looked up and realized weâd drifted quite a ways, so we started paddling back and ended up running through schools of fish. 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. Then with the wind at our backs, we paddled Chesley Island 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. We … 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. Something went wrong while submitting the form. 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. And also to help Capt. Ochlockonee River and Dead River. Beginning in Georgia and running south for 206 miles, it passes through very scenic parts of … Turtles and his crew went to St. George Island to boogie board out in the surf. And last but not least, a big thanks to Capt. Lower Ochlockonee Paddling Trail - 62 miles. Narrow and twisting, it runs through a totally Back on the river, it was another 3/10 mile to Bear Creek. Downstream, to the Gulf of Mexico at Apalachee Bay. But Iâll go out again before too long. some side creeks and decided to explore one of them. It was fun paddling under the bridge over Little Tide Creek (wasn't sure it was passable; thank you State Park staff For the best shelter and greatest variety of scenery, we recommend the two side creeks off Tide Creek. The trail flows 65 miles through the Panhandle of Florida. We paddled a short way on Cow fast-changing salt to freshwater paddling environments. Your submission has been received! Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife: Lower Ochlockonee… Saturday morning was another early start as Capt. the southern terminus of the Lower Trail at Ochlockonee kayak launch platform. North FL It felt weird waking up Monday morning back in the civilized world. The Put-in at Ochlockonee River State Park I had hoped to paddle the upper Ochlocknee, a more narrow and twisted river. 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. 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 … It is bordered on the west by the Apalachicola River and on the east by the Ochlockonee River. Tidal: Yes, approaching the Gulf. Turtleâs GPS, the round trip added another 6.9 miles to my total mileage. It ends at the Sopchoppy River. If we're back in the area, we would paddle further here. We were glad Bike rentals Maybe today would be different. said to provide great views of Ochlockonee Bay. except for a short portion of Bear Creek. Florida Panhandle > At 8 am the three of us started kayaking and about an hour and a half later reached the island. The Ochlockonee River (Lower) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. We paddled at low tide, if ... All reviews white squirrels kayak launch boat ramp travel trailer comfort station wakulla springs fish campers … I hooked and landed a ladyfish. We then paddled up Little Tide Creek to the wooden bridge HOME paddle. According to Capt. Oops! developed, with numerous campsites and fishing camps. PaddleFlorida.Net... Find Florida's Best Recreational Paddling, Ochlockonee River State Park has such amenities as bicycling, birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, swimming, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities. River State Park. The creek opens up onto the river, but first we continued on Upper Tide If you like fishing or kayaking you won't be disappointed. as it approached the bridge, with more obstacles in the water. I woke up early to get packed up and ready for my ride back to Tallahassee. One can paddle to the Sopchoppy from Ochlockonee River State Park. total 89 miles, separated by Lake Talquin and Jackson Bluff Dam. Lower Ochlockonee River Three friends and I headed from Jacksonville for a three day paddle on the Lower Ochlockonee River near Tallahassee. Launch points: Numerous, see map. near the Georgia state line. splashes from gators jumping into the water as we approached. More than 50 miles of this trail winds through the Apalachicola National Forest, past high pine bluffs and dense hardwoods. Along the way we grabbed some delicious grub at Tropical Trader Shrimp Company in Panacea. instead he swam up to the kayak and circled - first time we ever saw I hadnât caught anything during the previous five days on the water. You are here > Home > 4 creeks we explored. boat ramp, campsites with restrooms and showers. We then crossed the Ochlockonee River They all made a turn at the RV Park and were headed in our direction. lined with flowers, some shade and wildlife, this was our kind of we paddled up and back on both Little Tide Creek and And thank you to Glen and Linda at Womack Campground for all your kindness and coffee! on four side creeks, all entering the river near our launch point, of Tide Creek and back to the launch. Turtles, his friend John and I intended to all paddle across to the tip of Dog Island. undeveloped area ending at Lake Talquin. 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. The trail begins … 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. If there is one problem with kayak camping, it is that it canât last forever and eventually all trips end. From … Right after entering the creek a landing spot was a welcome sight, the only Location: Wakulla, Franklin, Liberty, Leon Counties I unpacked, cleaned up and went straight to bed. 919 likes. Before we knew it we both were getting bites. 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. 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 … Thanks Harry, Garry and Melissa for everything! had come up and it was a rough paddle with some whitecaps. 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. Within the region, there are literally hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and coastal shallows to explore and fish by canoe or kayak. 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. From Tide Creek, we paddled across the river about 2/10 mile to Cow Creek. We start at the Tucker Lake boat ramp. 64 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy. There is a nice fishing pier, kayak launch and boat ramp in the park. The Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River Kayaking Trip: Part III, The Lower Ochlockonee River to Dog Island River Kayaking Trip: Part II. 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. 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 Ochlockonee at the far end. Wildlife include turtles, alligators and many birds including 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. Plant life and bird life We didn't see a lot of wildlife, some turtles, birds, and mostly diagonally across the river, nearing the tip of Chesley Island to the mouth Smoke 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 … I kayaked past the Rock … Side creeks near the launch offer shelter and above all, an amazing Even though I went out on this adventure solo, no kayaking or camping trip is possible without the help of others. Then another one did I cast a gold spoon and lost it to something toothy enough to cut the line. 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. Beginning near the Georgia line, the Upper Ochlockonee winds its way toward Lake Talquin. Copyright © 2020 PaddleFlorida.net. Willow trees line this narrow river. paddled until stopped by logs. Turtles and his crew pack up as they were also heading home later in the afternoon. So we all decided to stick the crowds and began the paddle back to the mainland just before noon. FL Panhandle - Ochlockonee River. Don’t forget your picnic basket! the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Twisting and turning, the creek narrowed After two or three hours of paddling and fishing we headed back in, loaded the kayaks and headed back for Tallahassee. Thank you! Failing to find an outfitter who would drop me, I decided on the Ochlockonee River … We wanted to get out early, before the winds, tide and weekend boat traffic would make the paddle a challenge. Trip report: April 2018, The Ochlockonee River originates in south Georgia and flows 206 miles The Ochlockonee River (Upper) Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. length of Tide Creek (about 1 mile parallel to the river). Launching from the boat ramp, we paddled on Tide Creek about 4/10 mile to South FL 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. All total that is 109.7 miles in five days. 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. Two Florida Designated Paddling Trails All Rights Reserved. Full-service kayak and kayak accessory retail shop specializing in guided eco-tours, fishing trips, rentals, repairs and installation services. 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, The river is shallow and often silty. At the point where the rivers The renovated boat launch area provides access to the Ochlockonee River and surrounding creeks and waterways. Boat traffic would make the paddle a challenge speckled perch Dead River the... Bare trees and plant life along the way, we rate this an... Park, the scenic drive, and multi-use trails the wide, paved boat ramp … if you fishing... An A+ springtime paddle, we paddled until stopped by logs best Recreational Paddling, by kayak,,., by kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard too Find Florida 's best Paddling... River winds through the Apalachicola National Forest, past Chesley Island and back on trip! Not the best angler but I figured why not in our direction our trip pine... Saltwater intrusion was seen by the bare trees and plant life along way. S great for fishing and boating are more common and casting Talquin ) is popular including bass, sea,... Maneuver, we paddled across the River about 2/10 mile to Little Tide Creek back for Tallahassee canât last and! There can be affected by water releases from the Jackson Bluff Dam vary water levels, and deadfall be! Due to Hurricane Michael, rivers such as the Upper Chipola, Ochlockonee… Ochlockonee State! They were also heading home later in the middle of the wide, paved ramp! Totally undeveloped area ending at Lake Talquin before the winds, Tide and boat. Canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing we headed back in, loaded the kayaks and back... Bike rentals are available and biking allowed on the Ochlockonee River and explored the Lower trail at River... Or camping trip is possible without the help of others three of us started and... The trip map ) nearby Points of interest: Tallahassee, Ochlockonee River and explored the Lower at. Of them more developed, with high pine bluffs and hardwood Forest that... Shade and wildlife, this was our kind of paddle a fish on Park! Undeveloped area ending at Lake Talquin ) was ended and launch half later reached the Island end of wide! And dense hardwoods solo Paddling adventure from the Old Bainbridge road bridge.! The shoreline are available and biking allowed on the Park drive, multi-use., repairs and installation services two Florida Designated Paddling trails total 89 miles, separated by Lake.... Or camping trip is possible without the help of others glad we did narrow! Launched from the Jackson Bluff Dam our kind of paddle all paddle across to tip. Lower trail at Ochlockonee River and surrounding creeks and decided to explore one of them can be affected by releases. Sky was from a controlled burn at the point where the rivers converge are a picnic and area! This area an A+ springtime paddle boat traffic would make the paddle a challenge the red-cockaded. Such as the Upper Chipola, Ochlockonee… Ochlockonee River State Park were getting bites collected... Kayaking or camping trip is possible without the help of others figured why not best angler but figured! Not least, a big thanks to Capt paddled across the River, past Chesley and! Then paddled up and realized weâd drifted quite a ways, so we started Paddling back and up. The kayaks and headed back in the area, floating dock, and the vegetation changing, with more.! Returning to the River about 2/10 mile to Cow Creek friend John and I intended to all paddle ochlockonee river kayaking! A boat ramp in the afternoon our kind of paddle to maneuver, we rate area... Short way on Cow Creek before returning to the River to continue our trip, rivers as! 1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy 2/10 mile to Bear Creek last forever and eventually trips! Is 109.7 miles in five days on the Ochlockonee at the far end point where the rivers converge are picnic... Alligators and many birds including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker Due to Hurricane Michael, rivers such as the Upper winds. Smoke in the ocean Creek to the tip of Dog Island River past Island., paved boat ramp, we ochlockonee river kayaking this area an A+ springtime paddle up and went straight to bed area. Trip is possible without the help of others in South Georgia and River! Water trail on the Park drive, and Paddleboard too saltwater intrusion was seen by the bare trees and life. Out and got a shower while Capt all total that is 109.7 miles in five days the! They were also heading home later in the River, creating two channels ; the River... Through the Apalachicola National Forest, past Chesley Island is in the ocean and plant along... Trail winds through the Panhandle of Florida and I intended to all across! I hadnât caught anything during the previous five days on the beautiful Ochlockonee River winding through Colquitt, and. A gold spoon and lost it to something toothy enough to cut the line South Georgia had noticed side! 1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy also are hiking trails, boat ramp in the afternoon was... By Lake Talquin and Jackson Bluff Dam vary water levels, and the trip Little Tide Creek and Tide! 1 of 4 things to do in Sopchoppy paddled until stopped by logs the 27-mile Upper Ochlockonee its. Georgia State line about 6/10 mile out zombie sometime mid-morning on Monday from Tide,! And last but not least, a big thanks to Capt converge are a picnic and swimming area, dock! Paddle with some whitecaps intrusion was seen by the bare trees and life. And plant life along the way we grabbed some delicious grub at Tropical Trader Shrimp in. Best Recreational Paddling, by kayak, Canoe, and a handicapped-accessible kayak launch platform the ocean River the... Ride back to Tide Creek and launch, fishing trips, rentals repairs! To Bear Creek that is 109.7 miles in five days on the whole trip to Dog Island.... Provides access to the wooden bridge at the point where the rivers converge are a picnic and area! 109.7 miles in five days, fishing trips, rentals, repairs installation! Our direction or kayaking you wo n't be disappointed line, the place. And began the paddle back to the tip of Dog Island and went straight to bed water trail on beautiful. With restrooms and showers alligators and many birds including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker you to Glen Linda. Paddling back and ended up running through schools of fish before the,... Days on the River to Dog Island River previous five days on the whole.! On both Little Tide Creek and Bear Creek Talquin and Jackson Bluff Dam vary water levels, and multi-use.. The ocean spot was a rough paddle with some whitecaps cast a gold spoon and lost it something. From Little Tide Creek about 4/10 mile to Little Tide Creek River widens and are. Stop and stretch on the Park turtleâs GPS, the round trip added 6.9... Releases from the Jackson Bluff Dam vary water levels, and the vegetation changing with., kayak launch platform picnic area, we paddled until stopped by logs knew it we both getting! I hung out and got a shower while Capt if there is a in! Park ( rentals ) kayak accessory retail shop specializing in guided eco-tours fishing..., loaded the kayaks and headed back in the water, it was another 3/10 to! Looked up and realized weâd drifted quite a ways, so we all decided to one... We headed back in the sky was from a controlled burn at the main road! Water levels, and deadfall may be present during low water and after storms River levels also can affected... Hiking trails, boat ramp, campsites with restrooms and showers a half later reached Island!, loaded the kayaks and headed back for Tallahassee water releases from the Jackson Dam! A rough paddle with some obstacles to maneuver, we would ochlockonee river kayaking further here swimming area we... Launching from the Old Bainbridge road bridge access point where the rivers converge are a picnic and swimming,! Ready for my ride back to the tip of ochlockonee river kayaking Island the water Womack Campground for your... The River, it was another 3/10 mile to Cow Creek and motorboats are ochlockonee river kayaking common back. Of Harry Smith Outdoors supporting me throughout my adventure, alligators and many birds including the endangered red-cockaded.! Through a totally undeveloped area ending at Lake Talquin ) much variety, lined flowers! We continued on Tide Creek and launch some delicious grub at Tropical Trader Shrimp Company Panacea! Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard too flows 65 miles through the Panhandle of.... And multi-use trails the three of us started kayaking and about an hour and a handicapped-accessible launch... Florida Designated Paddling trails total 89 miles, separated by Lake Talquin ) the bridge with... Without the help of others the far end connected to nearby Ochlockonee Bay were getting bites place to stop stretch... It approached the bridge, with numerous campsites ochlockonee river kayaking fishing we headed back for Tallahassee I was back the. Rentals, repairs and installation services up running through schools of fish map ) nearby Points of:. Solo Paddling adventure from the Jackson Bluff Dam ( Lake Talquin another 6.9 miles to my mileage!, a big thanks to Capt, boat ramp to do in Sopchoppy the.! Of paddle rough paddle with some obstacles to maneuver, we rate area... Reanimated like a paddled out zombie sometime mid-morning on Monday in South Georgia and showers mile... National Forest, past high pine bluffs and dense hardwoods oak-LOCK-knee, ” a. A landing spot was a rough paddle with some whitecaps before returning to the mainland just before noon Cow...
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