5 Incredible Places to Paddle Near Tallahassee
Kayak Tallahassee
Whether you are a visitor or a local, you should explore the waterways in and around Tallahassee. It is a must, especially during Florida’s summer.
A day on the water can be incredibly relaxing, offering a peaceful natural setting that helps you unwind. It is also a wonderful way to exercise your heart and muscles while making beautiful memories in a natural setting.
Ready to explore Tallahassee’s hidden gems by water? Tallahassee is a paddler’s paradise, offering year-round access to canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards(SUP). Within less than an hour’s drive from Florida’s Historic Capital, you can explore lakes, springs, streams, rivers, bays, and coastal salt marshes.
Many of these are on protected federal and state lands. These lands offer unspoiled landscapes with many habitats and wildlife.
Getting started is easy. You can rent equipment at the Wakulla River on US 98!
You can also rent equipment near the Wacissa River headspring. You can also rent equipment at Lake Hall in Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Another option is Lake Bradford at the FSU Lakefront Park.
What Should You Know Before Hitting the Water?
Check the weather. Our summers can be hot. Afternoon thunderstorms are not unusual during July and August. Windy days make paddling difficult. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and footwear for entering or leaving the boat. Be prepared for the Florida sunshine with a broad-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Other useful items are insect repellent, food, waterproof bags, a GPS, a cell phone, a camera, and a map.
Florida law requires each person to have a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD). Children under age six must wear the PFD, and this is recommended for others. Your boat must also have an efficient sound-producing device, such as a whistle.
The Office of Greenways and Trails posts maps of many local waterways, providing the locations of launches and springs and descriptions of the waterways.
Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Do not go near or touch manatees, snakes, alligators, or other wildlife. Watch for wasp nests in low branches over the water.
What are the top places to paddle in Tallahassee?
Now that you’re prepared, let’s explore the Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club’s (ACKC) top 5 waterway adventures. These locations are favorites of the ACKC for their stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. You’ll encounter much more than sunning alligators and turtles. Explore floodplains of cypress and tupelos, and watch coots and gallinules swimming and walking among lily pads.
Keep an eye out for our 11 native species of herons, egrets, and bitterns wading through the grasses. Lakes and wider rivers offer great opportunities to spot hunting ospreys and eagles. Look for their nests in the trees, and you might even be lucky enough to see otters.
Wakulla River
The river, which begins at Wakulla Springs State Park (about 30 minutes from Tallahassee), a first-magnitude spring where you can spot manatees year-round.
The gentle flow of the Wakulla is good for the beginning paddler. Rent a boat at US 98 and paddle upstream until you are in the mood to float back, or start downstream from CR 365 and paddle back up. Stronger paddlers with a shuttle may want to paddle downstream to the historic fort at St. Marks. This lower section is less developed, but broader and more exposed.
This is a popular river, so the best time to paddle is on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Wakulla County has paved parking and portable toilets at the CR 365 and US 98 access points. St. Mark’s has restrooms and picnic areas.
Wacissa River
Fed by many springs, the Wacissa River is generally clear and undeveloped, with state-owned shores, perfect for observing plants and wildlife. Big Blue Spring, a popular swimming spot, is a must-see but can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
The gentle flow of the Wacissa is good for beginning paddlers. You may rent a boat near the headspring and paddle down to Big Blue and back. The park offers paved parking, a porta-potty, and a sandy beach for launching paddle craft. The launch at Goose Pasture has a porta-potty and camping.=
For experienced paddlers only, it’s possible to paddle downstream from Goose Pasture through the historic Slave Canal to Nutall Rise. The start of the canal may be difficult to locate, and expect pull-overs.
St. Marks River
The St. Marks River is partially spring-fed and is often clear enough to see manatees. At US 98, the water is tide-influenced, so paddle upstream with a rising tide. This section is suitable for beginners. The launch has paved parking and a porta-potty with adjacent camping and bathrooms. About a mile upstream, try to detect the pungent odor of Brewer Sulphur Spring along the west bank.
Like many Panhandle rivers, the St. Marks River goes underground at Natural Bridge.
It reappears three-quarters of a mile downstream at a river rise. There are no launches at the river rise; however, stronger paddlers may want to paddle the 12 miles upstream to reach it.
Lake Hall
Lake Hall, located within the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, is ideal for beginner paddlers and SUPs. It’s also used by small sailboats and rowing teams. The park provides bathrooms, potable water, paved parking, and a sandy beach for swimming. There is a boat rental kiosk by the beach. The landscaped gardens provide a variety of flowering plants throughout the year, especially from December through April.
Bradford Chain of Lakes: Bradford, Hiawatha, Cascade
The Bradford Chain of Lakes (Bradford, Hiawatha, Cascaee), located near Capital Circle Southwest, is a group of connected lakes suitable for beginner paddlers and SUPs.
A connector trail passes under the Capital Circle. Launch from the FSU Lake Front Park, which has full facilities. If water levels permit, you can launch at Cascade Lake (30°25’22.8″N, 84°21’09.9″W), which lacks facilities. This lake can sometimes disappear, revealing impressive towering cypress buttresses.
Join the Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC) for guided trips, expert advice, and the chance to connect with other paddling enthusiasts. Whether you’re new or experienced, it’s a great way to enjoy kayaking and canoeing in Tallahassee. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your gear and embark on a paddling adventure in Tallahassee today!
For a schedule of ACKC meetups and links to their social platforms, Click HERE
For more information: ackc.club@gmail.com
Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC)
The members of the Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC) lead group paddles in the Tallahassee area. Because of changing weather and water conditions, trips are often scheduled only a few days before. You will need to have your own equipment, including a boat. Some of our more experienced members can provide recommendations concerning waterways, landings, best water levels, etc. You can get to know us at our monthly meetings.
