Canoe & Kayak Trails in Florida
Florida’s natural waterways offer some of the most scenic and varied paddling in the country. From spring runs and blackwater rivers to coastal mangroves and island shorelines, paddlers of many skill levels can find a route that fits the day. Some of these waterways can also work for stand-up paddleboards in calm conditions, but the trails below are especially popular for canoes and kayaks.
Here are some of the most popular canoe and kayak trails across the state, organized by region.
Northwest Florida (Panhandle)
1. Blackwater River
- Location: Milton, FL
- Highlights: Often described as one of the nation’s purest sand-bottom rivers, Blackwater is known for gentle current, clear water, white sandbars, and a relaxing forest setting.
- Trail Length: Common trips are about 8 to 11 miles, depending on the section.
- Best For: Beginners, families, and easygoing paddles.
2. Coldwater Creek
- Location: Near Milton, FL
- Highlights: This shallow creek winds through pine forest and white sandbanks, creating a peaceful paddle that is especially appealing when water levels are favorable.
- Trail Length: Common trips are roughly 7 to 11 miles.
- Best For: Families and nature lovers.
3. Econfina Creek
- Location: Washington County
- Highlights: Econfina Creek is prized for clear water, springs, limestone outcrops, and occasional shoals that give the route a more adventurous feel than many Florida paddles.
- Trail Length: Popular day trips are often around 11 miles, though route options vary.
- Best For: Intermediate paddlers and adventurous beginners when conditions are favorable.
North & North-Central Florida
4. Silver Springs State Park
- Location: Ocala, FL
- Highlights: Paddle one of Florida’s most famous spring runs, known for exceptionally clear water and frequent wildlife sightings that may include turtles, birds, alligators, and seasonal manatees. The park’s iconic glass-bottom boat tours also operate here.
- Trail Length: Typical paddling routes start around 5 miles, with longer downstream options available.
- Best For: All skill levels; especially great for wildlife lovers.
- Location: East and North-Central Florida
- Highlights: One of Florida’s most important rivers, the St. Johns offers a wide range of paddling experiences, from quiet backwaters and marshes to longer blueway adventures.
- Trail Length: Countless route options, from short day trips to lengthy multi-day sections.
- Best For: All levels, depending on the launch point and conditions.
6. Juniper Run (Juniper Springs)
- Location: Ocala National Forest
- Highlights: This classic spring run winds through shaded forest with clear water, narrow passages, and frequent twists that make it one of Florida’s most memorable kayak trips.
- Trail Length: About 7 miles for the traditional run.
- Best For: Intermediate to advanced paddlers comfortable with tight turns and natural obstacles.
Central Florida
- Location: Apopka, FL
- Highlights: Paddle from the spring area into the scenic Wekiva River system, where lush vegetation, gentle current, and frequent wildlife sightings create a classic Central Florida outing.
- Trail Length: Common out-and-back paddles can reach roughly 8 miles round-trip, depending on launch point and turnaround.
- Best For: Beginners and families on suitable sections.
8. Rock Springs Run
- Location: Apopka area, near Kelly Park
- Highlights: Known for clear water and a winding, natural corridor through lush vegetation, Rock Springs Run is a beautiful paddle with a more remote feel than the nearby swimming and tubing areas.
- Trail Length: Common trips are around 8 miles, depending on launch and take-out arrangements.
- Best For: Intermediate paddlers.
9. Hillsborough River State Park
- Location: Thonotosassa, FL
- Highlights: Paddle through cypress swamp, hardwood hammocks, and wildlife-rich riverbanks. Depending on the section and water level, conditions can range from easy to more technical.
- Trail Length: Many trips fall in the 5 to 10 mile range.
- Best For: Beginner to intermediate paddlers, depending on route choice and conditions.
Southwest Florida
10. Myakka River
- Location: Myakka River State Park, Sarasota
- Highlights: One of Florida’s classic paddling rivers, the Myakka offers miles of scenic water through wetlands, prairies, and oak hammocks with excellent birdwatching and frequent alligator sightings.
- Trail Length: Common trips range from about 7 to 15 miles, depending on section and water level.
- Best For: All levels on appropriate sections.
11. Peace River
- Location: Arcadia, FL
- Highlights: Famous for fossil hunting, the Peace River features gentle stretches, sandbars, and a quiet Old Florida feel. Water levels can significantly affect the ease and length of a trip.
- Trail Length: Common outings range from about 8 to 15 miles.
- Best For: Beginners on suitable water levels and anyone interested in fossils.
12. Estero River
- Location: Estero, FL
- Highlights: This route combines calm river paddling with access toward mangroves and estuarine scenery near Estero Bay, making it a good option for coastal wildlife viewing.
- Trail Length: Common trips are roughly 6 to 8 miles.
- Best For: All levels; especially appealing for birders and nature lovers.
Southeast Florida
13. Loxahatchee River
- Location: Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound
- Highlights: Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River offers a memorable paddle through cypress, shaded bends, and subtropical scenery.
- Trail Length: Popular trips are around 8.5 miles, with shorter and longer options depending on access point.
- Best For: Intermediate paddlers and nature lovers.
- Location: North Miami
- Highlights: Paddle through mangrove tunnels and calm bays with Miami skyline views. Rentals and marked water trails may be available on-site.
- Trail Length: Typical outings are about 4 to 6 miles.
- Best For: Beginners and urban explorers.
- Location: Homestead, FL
- Highlights: Explore mangrove shorelines, shallow flats, and beautiful blue water in one of Florida’s most distinctive national parks. Wildlife sightings can include birds, rays, dolphins, and seasonal manatees.
- Trail Length: Varies widely by route.
- Best For: All skill levels on sheltered outings; more exposed routes are better for paddlers with open-water awareness.
Florida Keys
16. Indian Key Historic State Park
- Location: Islamorada, FL
- Highlights: A short paddle over shallow, clear water leads to a historic island with ruins from a 19th-century settlement. Calm weather makes the outing especially enjoyable.
- Trail Length: Roughly 1 to 2 miles round-trip, depending on launch point.
- Best For: Beginners on calm days and history lovers.
17. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Location: Key Largo, FL
- Highlights: This Keys favorite is known for mangrove paddling, sheltered bays, and easy access to other water activities. Snorkeling is also a major draw, though most reef excursions are typically done by boat.
- Trail Length: Common paddles range from about 2 to 5 miles.
- Best For: All skill levels.
- Location: Big Pine Key, FL
- Highlights: Known for turquoise water and beautiful beaches, Bahia Honda offers scenic nearshore paddling with chances to spot rays, fish, and other marine life.
- Trail Length: Varies by route and conditions.
- Best For: Beginners and families on calm days.
Before You Go
Launch fees, rentals, shuttle service, permits, and hours vary by date and location. Before heading out, check current park or outfitter updates, weather, tides, and water levels. Wildlife is common on many Florida paddling trails, so give animals plenty of space and wear a properly fitted life jacket.
Whether you’re after a peaceful spring run, a scenic river float, or a mangrove adventure near the coast, Florida has a canoe or kayak trail to match. Pick a route that fits the conditions and your experience level, then get out and explore the Sunshine State from the water.
