Aucilla River
(850) 488-4676The Aucilla River spans for an impressive 88.9 miles, flowing through some of North Florida’s most scenic landscapes. The river is located within the sparsely populated area of Florida’s Big Bend Region, where the terrain is rugged and wild. The river originates from artesian springs in Georgia, flows through the 47,622-acre Aucilla Wildlife Management Area, and merges with the Wacissa River before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
The water within the river displays a blackish tint and has therefore earned its description as the “blackwater” river. Since the river flows across karst landscapes, which is formed by the dissolution of rocks such as limestone, the surrounding land is made up of unusual geological formations such as sinkholes, caves, springs, and disappearing rivers.
Popular with experienced paddles and anglers, the Aucilla River is a truly challenging paddling trail due to its rocky shoals and rapids and is therefore not recommended for beginners. Apart from picturesque views of the surrounding limestone banks, cypress swamps and dense hardwood forests, visitors will also see a wide variety of wildlife, such as otters, wood ducks, beavers, pileated woodpeckers, songbirds, and brown water snakes.
Featured Uses: Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, and nature and wildlife viewing. Dogs are not permitted.
Access: Southeast of Tallahassee with multiple access points from a variety of roads. See the Aucilla River Paddling Trail Trip Planning Guide for access points and directions.
Amenities: Parking and canoe/kayak launch.
Birding 
Fishing 
Paddling 
Water 
Hard The Aucilla River spans for an impressive 88.9 miles, flowing through some of North Florida’s most scenic landscapes. The river is located within the sparsely populated area of Florida’s Big Bend Region, where the terrain is rugged and wild. The river originates from artesian springs in Georgia, flows through the 47,622-acre Aucilla Wildlife Management Area, and merges with the Wacissa River before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
The water within the river displays a blackish tint and has therefore earned its description as the “blackwater” river. Since the river flows across karst landscapes, which is formed by the dissolution of rocks such as limestone, the surrounding land is made up of unusual geological formations such as sinkholes, caves, springs, and disappearing rivers.
Popular with experienced paddles and anglers, the Aucilla River is a truly challenging paddling trail due to its rocky shoals and rapids and is therefore not recommended for beginners. Apart from picturesque views of the surrounding limestone banks, cypress swamps and dense hardwood forests, visitors will also see a wide variety of wildlife, such as otters, wood ducks, beavers, pileated woodpeckers, songbirds, and brown water snakes.
Featured Uses: Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, and nature and wildlife viewing. Dogs are not permitted.
Access: Southeast of Tallahassee with multiple access points from a variety of roads. See the Aucilla River Paddling Trail Trip Planning Guide for access points and directions.
Amenities: Parking and canoe/kayak launch.
