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Paddling in West-Central Florida...

Kayak, Canoe, 19 Top Destinations... Detailed Maps, Photos

In Florida's West Central Region, the Withlacoochee River includes a 76-mile Designated Paddling Trail. Florida's Nature Coast offers the opportunity to kayak a number of waterways fed by clear springs, including Crystal River, the Chassahowitzka River and Rainbow River. Within the greater Tampa Bay area, there are a number scenic rivers and mangrove preserves for kayaking. If you enjoy wildlife viewing, then check out kayaking on the Hillsborough River and in Myakka River State Park.

Regional Map, West-Central FL
(see individual maps via links below)

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West-Central Florida... 19 Destination Reports

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Alafia River... Spanish moss overhanging the river was a notable feature. Most of the shoreline now protected. Rentals and shuttle service. (view details...)

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Chassahowitzka River... Pristine spring-feed river. Numerous springs runs to explore. Out and back paddling. Rentals on-site (view details...)

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Cockroach Bay... Pristine Preserve on east side of Tampa Bay. Marked trails, with short mangrove tunnel. Rentals available (view details...)

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Crystal River (Kings Bay)... Numerous springs. Popular with manatees and birds. Great for snorkeling.  Rentals and tours available (view details...)

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Fort DeSoto Park... Paddling in sheltered lagoon in County Park at mouth of Tampa Bay. Rentals available (view details...)

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Hillsborough River... 30 mile designated Paddling Trail. Portions offer great wildlife viewing. A variety of paddling options. Rentals on-site. (view details...)

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Homosassa River... The main spring is contained within a former roadside attraction, now Homosassa State Park. Manatees abound. Rentals available (view details...)

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Little Manatee River... From forest to bay, a diverse paddle through some remaining, unspoiled Florida. Rentals available (view details...)

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Manatee River... Near Bradenton, an easy paddle out and back. Rentals on-site. (view details...)

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Myakka River State Park... Near Sarasota, famous for large number of birds and alligators. Launches on both river and lake. Rentals available (view details...)

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Peace River Overview... 67 mile paddling trail from Bartow to Arcadia, FL. An overview of 3 trail sections. Rentals available (view details...)

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Peace River - Upper Trail... Narrow, shady, 3 public launches. A few pullovers may be encountered. Tours available (view details...)

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Peace River - Middle Trail... Getting wider. Passes through a State Park. Small rapids through limestone formation. Tours available (view details...)

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Peace River - Lower Trail... Only outfitter on river trail is located near Arcadia. Wider section popular with groups. Rentals on-site (view details...)

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Rainbow River... Entire river is a Registered National Landmark. Rentals available (view details...)

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South Creek... At Oscar Scherer State Park, short paddle in freshwater Creek and saltwater preserve. Rentals available (view details...)

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Terra Ceia... Some of the last undeveloped shoreline along Tampa Bay. Popular with locals. Kayak tours available (view details...)

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Weedon Island... Mangrove-lined paddling trails within preserve near St Petersburg FL. Rentals on-site at both preserve and along causeway. (view details...)

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Weeki Wachee River... Fed by Weeki Wachee Spring, home to the famous Weeki Wachee mermaids. Rentals available (view details...)

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Withlacoochee River... Originating in the Green Swamp, the lower river (best paddling) flows north through Central Florida. Rentals, Shuttles, (view details...)