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Paddling in West-Central Florida

19 Top Destinations... Maps, Photos, Reports

In the West Central Region, the Withlacoochee River emerges from the Green Swamp and includes a 76-mile Designated Paddling Trail. The the upper portion along the Nature Coast offers the opportunity to explore a number of clear waterways fed by multiple 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. If you enjoy wildlife, then check out our Hillsborough River and Myakka River State Park below, unmatched for variety in our opinion. All paddling locations are unique in their own way. Many are served by outfitters who offer canoe and kayak rentals, plus shuttle services and tours for longer paddling.

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

West-Central... 19 First-hand Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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