5 Incredible Places to Paddle Near Tallahassee
Kayak Tallahassee
Whether you are a visitor or a local, exploring the waterways in and near Tallahassee is a must. A day on the water can be incredibly relaxing, offering a peaceful natural setting that is sure to help 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 in protected federal and state lands, which provide unspoiled landscapes with a variety of habitats and wildlife.
Getting started is easy with equipment rentals available at the Wakulla River at US 98, near the headspring of the Wacissa River, Lake Hall in the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, and Lake Bradford at the Florida State University (FSU) Lake Front Park.
Ready to hit the water? Here’s what you need to know.
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 when you enter or leave 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, GPS, cell phone, 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, which can be a whistle.
The Office of Greenways and Trails posts maps of many local waterways, providing the location of launches and springs, and a description of the waterways.
Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Do not get near or attempt to touch manatees, snakes, alligators, and other wildlife and watch for wasp nests in low branches over the water.
Five Best Spots for Paddling 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 during the work week to avoid crowds during the weekend. Wakulla County provides paved parking and portalets at the CR 365 and US 98 access points, while St. Marks offers restrooms and picnic areas.
Wacissa River
Fed by many springs, the Wacissa River is generally clear and undeveloped, 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 gentile flow of the Wacissa is good for the beginning paddler. You may rent a boat near the headspring and paddle down to Big Blue and back. The park offers paved parking, a port-a-let, and a sandy beach for launching paddle craft. The launch at Goose Pasture has a portalet 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 it is tidally influenced, so paddle upstream with a rising tide. This section is suitable for beginners. The launch has paved parking and a portalet 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 of the panhandle rivers, St. Marks disappears underground at Natural Bridge and reappears ¾ of a mile downstream (river rise). There are no launches at 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 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 does not have 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. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your gear and embark on a paddling adventure in Tallahassee today!
For a schedule of ACKC Meetups, Click HERE
Follow ACKC on Facebook, Click HERE
For more information: ackc.club@gmail.com
Resources:
EQUIPMENT RENTAL/OUTFITTERS
Wakulla River:
TNT Hideaway
Wacissa River:
Wacissa River Canoe and Kayak Rental
Jesse’s Canoe and Kayak Rental
St. Marks River:
St. Marks Outfitters
Shields Marina Saint Marks
Lake Hall:
Whenever Watersports
Lake Bradford:
FSU Reservation
MAPS
Florida Office of Greenways and Trails
Maclay Gardens State Park [Lake Hall]
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.
