This Punta Gorda creek should be better known. Its tree canopy and unspoiled Old Florida feel offer kayakers natural beauty and wildlife, all in an easy, accessible day paddle.
Tag: paddling
Kayak Sanibel, Captiva: Where to go to enjoy wildlife & beauty
Sanibel and Captive are kayak paradise, with waters full of fish, dolphins, manatees, ospreys, pelicans, herons — even otters. Here’s a guide to where and how to explore by kayak.
Everglades National Park Hell’s Bay Kayak Trail: The name is a hint
Whoever named this kayak trail Hell’s Bay was giving you a hint: It won’t be easy. During National Parks Week at the end of April, I paddled this forbiddingly named trail. It’s mile after mile of mangroves with tight twists and turns that make going slow. If you’re heading for a backcountry camping site — a chickee on a platform in the middle of the Everglades wilderness — then this trail is worth the trouble. If not, well, I have some suggestions for you.
Alafia River: Kayaking through tame rapids a half-hour from Tampa
This cypress-lined Alafia river has an unusual feature for Florida: Rocky shoals that create fun rapids to kayak. It’s near hiking trails, springs and a very nice paddling trail at Little Manatee River State Park.
Exploring the St. Johns River: Springs, kayaking, hiking near Welaka
This out-of-the-way rural area on the St. Johns River offers good hiking, kayaking and springs. With Welaka as a base, we explored a place little changed by the years.
Four wild islands in Florida for memorable camping or cabins
Who doesn’t dream of finding a quiet, wild and remote island to pitch a tent or stay in a cabin? If this is the stuff of your dreams, we have four island adventures for you.
Buster Island Loop kayak trail: A challenge in Lake Kissimmee State Park
It’s rare in Florida to find a loop trail for kayaks and this one, with three lakes, two creeks and a canal, is a challenge. The 11-mile trail circles the state park.
More than the Rainbow River; Dunnellon is a good base for exploring
Dunnellon is known for its spectacular Rainbow Springs and River, especially during tubing season. But there are more reasons to visit in cool weather, including another exquisite river– the Withlacoochee — several good restaurants, and trails for both hiking and biking.
36 hours in Key Largo: Gilbert’s Resort and kayaking the wreck at Garden Cove
For a quick trip to the Keys, consider Gilbert’s Resort. The upgraded 1950s-era motel and tiki bar is the first lodging you reach on the road to Key Largo. Then, kayak nearby Garden Cove and discover its picturesque sunken barge, a good place to snorkel.
5 outstanding things to do outdoors in Florida
Five off-the-beaten-track things to do outdoors in the natural Florida in 2020, away from crowds. From rivers to bike trails to great places to camp. What’s on your bucket list?
Frog Creek: Little-known Tampa Bay kayak trail
Frog Creek is a scenic kayak trail near Tampa Bay that begins in a shady Old Florida river and flows into open salt water and mangrove tunnels. “Paddles in Paradise” authors Ed and Deb Higgins share their story.
Florida circumnavigational trail guide updated
Florida’s longest non-motorized trail begins at Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola to Key West and then up the east coast to the Georgia state line. Changes made to to the 322-page guide include overnight accommodations, including Mexico Beach where one motel is set to reopen in 2020 while another will not be rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Michael.