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Latest update: December 2014

Chipola River Paddling Trail...

Kayaking from Spring Creek

The Chipola River flows 89 miles through Jackson, Calhoun and Gulf Counties to the Apalachicola River. The 51 mile Chipola River Designated Paddling Trail (lower trail) runs from just below Florida Caverns State Park to Scott's Ferry near the Dead Lakes, and is separated from the 4.5 mile Upper Chipola River Designated Paddling Trail due to the river running underground. On the lower trail, we paddled from the dam at the top of Spring Creek to the Chipola River and continued downstream to the SR280/Magnolia Road Bridge. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Chipola River Paddling Trail Map
(Upper, Lower, & Spring Creek)

Distance: 51 mile padding trail, 89 miles total
Location: Calhoun, Jackson and Gulf Counties
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Tidal: No
Launch points: SR 166/Yancey Bridge, Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area, SR 280 Bridge/Magnolia Road, SR 278 Bridge/Peacock Bridge Road, Johnny Boy Landing, CR 274 Bridge, Lamb Eddy Landing, SR 20 Bridge, Jehue Landing, SR 71 Bridge at Scott’s Ferry. (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Florida Caverns State Park, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blue Springs Recreational Area

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Bear Paw Adventures (rentals)

Chipola River Outfitters (rentals)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling on Chipola River and Spring Creek
2. Spring Creek
3. Chipola River
   - Spring Creek to CR280 / Magnolia Road Bridge
   - Launches at CR280 / Magnolia Road Bridge
4. More Information and Resources

Paddling on Chipola River (lower) and Spring Creek... Comments and Photos

Spring Creek is formed by the outflow from Jackson Blue Springs, but a dam cuts it off from the source. The creek runs into the Chipola River north of Magnolia Road. The public launch at the dam is better suited to tubers than kayaks - launch via the outfitter across the creek, or downstream at Turner's Landing. The spring run features crystal clear water, but can be crowded with tubers during the busy summer season.

There had been recent rains, and below the State Park the lower Chipola River was high and muddy. For this reason, we decided on another route. We used an outfitter shuttle service and paddled down clear Spring Creek to the Chipola River, and paddled down the Chipola to Magnolia Road Bridge - a short but scenic 4 mile trip.

Spring Creek

From the outfitter launch at the top of Spring Creek Run, we paddled to the Chipola River. Spring Creek has beautiful clear water, on this day lined with flowers. We are told it can also be crowded on weekends . On the other side of the dam is Merritt's Mill Pond, which is a unique paddle in its own right (see link below).

Chipola River

Spring Creek to CR280 / Magnolia Road Bridge

Entering the Chipola from Spring Creek, we turned right and paddled a ways upstream before turning around and paddling back to our car at the outfitter, by the Magnolia Road Bridge. We've heard many good thinsg from locals and look forward to revisiting this section of the Chipola River Paddling Trail when the water levels are right.

Launches at CR280 / Magnolia Road Bridge

The public launch next to the Magnolia Road Bridge is an easy hand-launch. We used the adjacent Outfitter for a shuttle to the top of Spring Creek. Upon return, we found a slightly steeper, but good River launch at the Outfitter's too, and parking is more secure.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Chipola River Overview
Upper Chipola River Designated Paddling Trail
Merritt's Mill Pond
See FL Panhandle Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Blountstown Greenway Trail

Related Resources:

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails-Chipola River Paddling Trail (.pdf)