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Trip report: December 2016

Tomoka River Paddling Trail...

Near Ormond Beach FL

The Tomoka River Paddling Trail is about 13 miles one-way, flowing north from SR40 to the Tomoka Basin (Halifax River). We visited launches and scouted from within the State Park. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Paddling Map
Tomoka River

Distance: 13 miles (one way)
Location: Volusia County (Ormond Beach)
Difficulty: Easy
Tidal: Yes, especially closer to the coast
Launch points: Tomoka State Park, Tomoka Boat Ramp (Park Ave., Ormond Beach) (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Tomoka State Park, Bulow Creek State Park, Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park, The Casements (Ormond Beach)

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Tomoka Outpost  (rentals, inside the park)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling on Tomoka River
   - Paddling Trail at the State Park
   - Alternate Launches at Tomoka State Park
   - Launch / boat ramp at Tomoka Estates
2. Tomoka River State Park
3. More Information and Resources

Paddling on Tomoka River... Comments and Photos

Though the trail flows through an urban area, it retains a remote feel. There are two launches onto the paddling trail, at Tomoka State Park, and at Tomoka Estates in Ormond Beach. Upstream the trail is more narrow and shaded, becoming wider with coastal marsh downstream as it approaches the Halifax River. Watch for motor boats. Strickland Creek branches off the Tomoka River about a mile upstream from the park, for more paddling.

Paddling Trail at the State Park

We visited Tomoka Outpost at the State Park. Launch, rentals, camp store, snacks, boat tours.

Alternate Launches at Tomoka State Park

At Tomoka State Park and off the paddling trail, we noted several alternate launch sites on Helicopter Island (fishing, picnicking). Good for paddling out of the wind, through old manmade canals (for development that never happened or ??).

Launch / boat ramp at Tomoka Estates

Located on Park Ave. in Ormond Beach; limited parking available.

Tomoka State Park

Tomoka State Park covers 900 acres and has parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, hiking, fishing, camping, playground, boat ramp. The park store has supplies and rentals. Wildlife include over 160 species of birds, manatee, and alligators. The area was once home to Timacua Indians in the village of Nocoroco. Nothing remains of the village other than some shell mounds; a statue honoring Chief Tomokie was erected in 1955.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Bulow Creek
Spruce Creek
See FL East-Central Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Ormond Scenic Loop

Related Resources:

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails-Tomoka River Paddling Trail (.pdf)
Florida State Parks - Tomoka State Park
Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection - Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve