The Econlockhatchee — Econ for short — is close to Central Florida cities, yet it offers vast wild areas to kayak and even camp along a beautiful river not overrun with people.
Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails
Best kayaking in Florida
Informative articles about the best Florida paddle trails for kayaks, canoes and paddle boards from coastal marshes to scenic rivers and spring runs. These are our favorites:
- Our favorite kayak and paddle trails
- 6 best towns for kayaking in Florida
- The Chaz
- Best tubing in Florida
- Best kayaking near Orlando and Central Florida
- 10 best kayaking spots in South Florida
- 12 awesome outings for kayaking in the Florida Keys
- 5 favorite places to paddleboard in Tampa Bay area
- 3 kayak trails in Southwest Florida you’ll love
Browse our full catalog of kayaking stories below…
Kayaking Santa Fe River: Springs & scenery make it a treasure
The Santa Fe River near Gainesville is a treasure for its many clear bubbling springs and its unspoiled beauty. It’s one of Florida’s most beautiful places to kayak, canoe, snorkel and swim. It’s way north, but worth making part of a trip.
Ten best kayaking spots in South Florida
Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade counties are one big sprawling city. Yet there are waterways everywhere and a few great places to kayak or canoe. You just have to know where to go.
Legendary Fisheating Creek: Kayak trail lives up to hype, but timing is everything
This gorgeous, wild, winding river is well-known in Florida, but can only be paddled when water levels are high enough — and thanks to recent rains, that is now and probably for the next month or two. This river belongs on the bucket list of those who love the Florida outdoors.
Kayaking Marathon: Boot Key, mangrove tunnels, lagoons
A great day in the Florida Keys is kayaking Marathon and wild Boot Key island, where you wind through narrow mangrove tunnels and over peaceful lagoons. The unmarked trail is a fun challenge to navigate.
Curry Hammock State Park: Great beach camping, kayaking
Curry Hammock State Park is a hidden island in the Florida Keys near Marathon right off US 1. It has excellent camping and a swimming beach safe for kids. The park offers a kayak trail that is perfect for a short, inexpensive paddling experience. (They rent kayaks and SUPs.)
Paradise Found: Things to do in the Lower Florida Keys
A low-key destination for kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and camping in our guide for things to do in the Lower Florida Keys.
Spruce Creek paddle: A diamond in the rough
Development is creeping up on Spruce Creek and Strickland Bay, but there’s still enough scenic shoreline left to enjoy an awesome day of kayaking.
Silver Springs State Park: Famous spring plus cabins, hiking, history
If you haven’t experienced Florida’s most famous spring, you’re missing one of the most beautiful spots in Florida. This weekend, Ocali Country Days, a special living-history festival, will re-create the Ocala of the 1800s. Year-round, this park has it all: kayaking, hiking, glass-bottom boat rides, horseback riding and terrific cabins.
Loxahatchee River: Kayak a wild, scenic river in South Florida
Within an hour’s drive of the urban tangle of South Florida, one of Florida’s two nationally designated “wild and scenic” rivers meanders through a spectacularly lovely cypress swamp. Kayak trips range from an hour or two to a strenuous all-day adventure.