Out here on a weekday afternoon, far removed from the sound of civilization, you can kayak through a forest so thick you’ll wonder if you’ve drifted back into another age and beautiful waterways in Florida, its center section forming the western and northern From the Johnson Field Boat Ramp at the SR 19 bridge to the St. Johns River (5 miles) - The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options. rivers in the U.S. flowing south to north. Discovery Kayak Tours and Rentals. The river offers a wide, wild and scenic paddle through Florida’s heartland. Difficulty: Easy to moderate was slated to be part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal and was channelized and Rodman Recreation Area at Kirkpatrick Dam to the SR 19 boat ramp (8 miles). North FL The cost including a kayak rental is $65 per person. 0. Tidal: No Silver Spring and the Silver River: Kayaking at it best. It’s a comfortable but lengthy trip, usually taking about five hours to complete. Trip length : 4 – … Click to like Florida Kayaker on Facebook and enjoy more Florida kayaking discoveries. ramps, bank fishing, volleyball, a playground, picnic pavilion and restrooms. Description This trip begins with a brief, fifteen minute float down the Silver river to it’s confluence with the Ocklawaha. Construction was halted in 1971 Landing to the CR 316 bridge (about 9 miles), and the Kirkpatrick Dam/Rodman Reservoir, Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost and Ocala/Marion County boasts the best inshore boating Central Florida has to offer. winding with many side streams, a good GPS and map are recommended. “The Ocklawaha has a lot of history that is unique to the river,” says Ryan Toler of Discovery Kayak Tours. Ocklawaha River Kayaking... South to North in Ocala National Forest Ocklawaha River flows 74 miles from Lake Griffin in Lake County to the St. Johns River, and … The Rodman Recreation Area has parking, boat ramp, kayak launch, Canoes, kayaks, tubes, and boats of all sorts are available throughout the area, or bring your own and enjoy our many waterways, including 600 lakes, rivers and springs in the Ocala National Forest alone. The Silver River may be more popular as a kayak destination but the Ocklawaha can be equally scenic especially during periods of low rainfall in the Winter and Spring. We make sure we’ve got a five to six hour window of good weather. “The section we paddle has been set aside as the Ocklawaha River Preserve. worked to restore the original river channel; proposals to dismantle the dam Overnight rentals are also available for those who want to camp along the river. Explore the Ocklawaha River or wakeboard across Lake Weir. We hope you'll join us as we come together for ping pong, volleyball and a host of other fun-filled activities. It’s an area of the river that was never altered during the Cross Florida Barge Canal days and it … The Oklawaha River is one of the only three rivers in the world that flow north and it makes a fine location for scenic boating, canoeing and kayaking. Me and a few friends kayaked the ocklawaha river and camped on the bank. East-Central FL, West-Central FL If it’s looking iffy, we postpone the trip.”. In this state park, you can kayak in the Ichetucknee River. Florida Keys The Silver River flows five miles from the head spring to its confluence with the Ocklawaha River, completely within the confines and protection of Silver Springs State Park. Discovery Kayak Tours in Ocala offers tours in a dozen locations including a 10-mile guided tour from Ray Wayside Park (near the junction of the Silver River) to Gores Landing near Fort McCoy. Copyright © 2020 PaddleFlorida.net. At one time the Ocklawaha Discovery also offers tours on the Silver River, where it is the concessionaire for the new state park. The Ocklawaha River flows north from the Harris chain of lakes for 74 miles to the St. Johns River. E-Z Google Map, 35+ Photos, First-hand Report. Camera used Fuji xp70. trips with overnight camping (contact outfitter (now renamed the Kirkpatrick Dam). Florida Waterways “The Ocklawaha River” By Kevin McCarthy One of the most beautiful, but beleaguered rivers in North Central Florida, is the Ocklawaha, a 100-mile-long waterway that is the largest tributary of the St. Johns River. “It’s amazing when you get out there and its almost as clear as the Silver River,” Toler says. (Detailed map and photos below. Park. It was once, in the 1960s, supposed to be part of the ill-c… Service (UF Archives) - Canoeing the Ocala National Forest. in Lake County to the St. Johns River, and is one of the few at SR 40 to Gore's Landing (about 10 miles). There are many primitive campsites along the way... you can pick the one you want. Explore the Silver River! are debated by those who enjoy the fiishing and recreational opportunities on See manatee, alligators, turtles & a full array of birds as you drift back to our private landing on the river. Ocklawaha River Kayak Silver Springs to the St. Johns River. This scenic 8-mile river flows between Silver Springs and the Ocklawaha River on the western edge of the Ocala National Forest. We were out one day and we came across an old gentlemen on a makeshift boat that we stopped to talk to. Whether you stay in one of our luxury log cabins or camp on our grounds you'll find a courteous, professional staff committed to meeting your every need. to the outfitter's landing (about 9 miles). This river is just so beautiful and so "wild" looking. The waterway varies greatly in depth and width and passes under many low-hanging trees in the first several miles. At Gore's Landing are a boat Wayside Park to Gore's Landing (about 10 miles), Gore's Latest update: January 2017, Ocklawaha River flows 74 miles from Lake Griffin Cabins at the Ocklawaha Outpost are efficiently designed and cute but very compact. Camp overnight or canoe for just a few hours, Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost and Resort … SILVER SPRINGS, FL — In a state full of great kayaking destinations, the Silver River consistently ranks near the top. Nearby points of interest: Ocala, Silver Springs, and back from launch, from point to point Silver River kayak rentals, Silver Springs kayak rentals. Ray Wayside Park facilities include boat The trip includes at least three stops and takes about five an a half hours. CR 316 bridge to Kirkpatrick Dam - this takes you through This is the first time using this camera for the type of videoing. This includes a short Launch on the upstream side of the dam to proceed toward Ray Wayside Posted: May 17, 2009 by Jeff Fabiszewski in Florida Kayaking, Ocklawaha River Tags: Florida, kayak poker run, Marion County Aquaholics Paddlers Group, Ocklawaha River. Defenders of the Environment (FDE). Those things stick in your mind. Paddle on Spring Basin, Fort King Waterway, 6-Mile Silver River. distance on the Silver River. due to the efforts of environmentalist Marjorie Harris Carr and the Florida Put in at the Rodman Dam Landing and take out at the Highway 19 Landing, which is reached by paddling south just after passing under the Highway 19 bridge. North Florida > Use the South Dam, SR19 bridge (See map) Ocklawaha Map, Florida State Parks - Rodman Recreation Area, USDA Forest Service - Canoeing in Ocala National Forest, USDA Forest First option is to go West and cross the ‘sandbar’ against the current, to get into the Ocklawaha channel and paddle with the current on the Ocklawaha, or paddle East with the current, 1.37 miles, reaching the Historic original channel of the Ocklawaha River. 0. Watch a video of paddling along the Ocklawaha on our Facebook page, Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost and Resort - Launch points: Upper: Ray Wayside Park (SR 40 bridge), ), Distance: 10 miles from SR 40 to Gore's Landing; 9 miles Paddling Silver River at Silver Springs State Park, near Ocala. Lower: Kirkpatrick South FL then about a mile north to Welaka. Watch for assorted wildlife and flowers along the riverbank. All Rights Reserved. … Plenty of water makes for great fun on your river trip on the Ocklawaha River. It’s an area of the river that was never altered during the Cross Florida Barge Canal days and it still has that real Florida jungle-like feel.” The canal project got its start during the Great Depression and progressed in fits and starts until opposition by Marjorie Harris Carr lead to Nixon’s suspension of the project in 1971. This is a long river. Ocklawaha River map The half-day liveried paddle trip I took from Gores Landing can be done in canoes, double kayaks or single kayak. The Ocklawaha River, which borders the Ocala National Forest on the west and north, is the largest tributary of the St. Johns River. In the event of a lightning storm you’re stuck without good options. Ocklawaha River Tours on this river start in Eureka Hwy. Silver Spring changes the flow from slow to fast-flowing river. Ibis on the Ocklawaha River 2019 comes to an end tonight and Florida Paddles Notes brings another year to end paddling on one of Florida’s beautiful waterways, The Ocklawaha River. At Moss Bluff are boat ramp, picnic tables, restrooms, parking. Find A-Z, About Us flows into the Ocklawaha near Ray Wayside Park; the influx of water from the first-magnitude “There are days you go out and might see 40 baby alligators that are a week old all sitting on the same log. Upper Ocklawaha River The Ocklawaha River is a major tributary of the St. Johns River. You are here > Home > Located on the beautiful Ocklawaha River in the Ocala Forest, we offer canoe and kayak rentals with transportation to areas on the river where you can explore all old Florida has to offer. Ocklawaha River The source of the Ocklawaha is Lake Griffin, the final lake of the Harris Chain. There are also options for a one-night camping trip and a two-night trip with two nights on the river. OCALA NATIONAL FOREST, FL — For the quiet unspoiled beauty of the Ocklawaha River, one of the state’s most wild and scenic waterways, perhaps you can thank Richard Nixon. This river … Rodman Recreation Area to St. Johns River. Lower Ocklawaha River This is a dark, slow-moving, twisting river with little fluctuation in water level. Click HERE for their website. For information, call (352) 789-4959. abounds. Resort  (rentals). HOME StJohnsRiverEats.com. Took the van shuttle to Gore's Landing on the Ocklawaha River. Florida Defenders of the Environment (FDE), which Carr co-founded in 1969, continues to push for the preservation and restoration of the Ocklawaha River. OFFERING PRIVATE TOURS FOR 3 Passengers $60 for 2 hours and $30 each additional hour. The canal was officially deauthorized in 1991 and turned the Marjorie Harriss Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Rodman Reservoir and Lake Ocklawaha. Canoeing & Kayaking in Florida Canoeing in Florida is like a day in paradise with your family or group. FL Panhandle Over 58 mile kayak trip. PaddleFlorida.Net... Find Florida's Best Recreational Paddling, If I had to pick a favorite of these four, it would … Restoration efforts have Lake Ocklawaha and Rodman Reservoir - wide, popular for fishing, On the St. Johns, it's What's New Filed Under: Florida Kayaking Trips - Our Favorites Tagged With: ocklawaha, Marjorie Harriss Carr Cross Florida Greenway. “It’s super important to watch the weather ahead of time. The river forms the western boundary of the Ocala National Forest. OCKLAWAHA RIVER, FL — Deep under the shade of cypress, swamp maple and sable palms, central Florida’s Ocklawaha River runs clear and cool, even now in the stifling heat of summer. Weather can change unexpectedly in five hours and there aren’t places to to abandon the trip along the way. BikeOrlando.net It is one of the most scenic and serene rivers in North Central Florida and a favorite outing for local paddlers. Paddlers have several options; out Toler’s guided tours begin at Ray Wayside Park in Ocala and paddle 10 miles downstream to Gore’s Landing near Fort McCoy. for more information). There are days when you’re out and there’s flocks of white ibis by the hundreds and they’ll just follow you down the river. Trip started at the Ocklwaha Canoe Outpost in Eureka, FL. watch for motor boats. Moss Bluff to Rodman Reservoir (south to north). Kirkpatrick Dam to the SR 19 boat ramp (8 miles). many powerboats. On Saturday, May 16, 2009, the Marion County Aquaholics Paddlers Group will sponsor their 10th Annual Paddlers PokerRun. Ocklawaha River: kayak poker run Posted: May 13, 2009 by Jeff Fabiszewski in Florida Kayaking, Ocklawaha River Tags: FL, kayak poker run, kayak race, Ocklawaha River, Silver River. “The section we paddle has been set aside as the Ocklawaha River Preserve. Moss Bluff Lock and Dam to Ray Wayside Park (14 miles) - a portion The river has recently been cleared of large strainers so the trip should be easy to navigate. The lower river (downstream from Rodman Reservoir) from the boundaries of the Ocala National Forest. Lake Griffin to Silver River Confluence The most popular paddling areas are Ray restrooms, picnic area, fishing pier. developed, the dam was part of that project. The Silver River Here, as the Silver’s cold, clear water blends with the warm, tannin stained waters of the Ocklawaha, the significance of the huge spring run to the Ocklawaha system is apparent. Welcome to the Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort Canoeing, Kayaking and Cabin Rental in Florida There is no better canoeing in Florida this year than on the Ocklawaha River. follows the old canal system. From Gore's Landing to the CR 316 bridge, or just beyond He was out going to write a book on his journey down the St. John’s and Ockalwaha, and he was literally living off the river in his makeshift boat. Three tandem Oldtown Kayak. Other major boating areas and activities include: The Ocklawaha River can be divided into 4 sections based on how the stretches have been manipulated for the ship and barge canals. Along the way, there Pull-off and take-out points are very limited due to the narrowness of the channel and the nature of the surrounding terrain. We offer 3 guided canoe and kayak trips on the Ocklawaha River: Ocklawaha River: Gore’s Landing – Eureka (see description below) Ocklawaha River: Silver River – Gore’s Landing Florida’s Pompeii – The Reservoir (Rodman Dam) Ocklawaha River: Gore’s Landing – Eureka Canoe and Kayak trip Group size: 1 – 24 people. The current is slow enough so that you can paddle upstream. are several side creeks to explore. The Ocklawaha is one of the most natural At the bridge is parking and the boat ramp, no other They offer rentals, shuttle and camping. The upper watershed for the Ocklawaha River includes the … Gores's Landing to Lake Ocklawaha; 8 miles Kirkpatrick Dam to Hwy19; 74 in total facilities. PaddleFlorida.net using the outfitter's shuttle service, or longer Location: Marion and Putnam Counties (Ocala) We provide kayak rentals on the Silver River in Ocala, FL area. “Every time I head out it’s a different experience,” Toler says. Portions of the river remain mostly undisturbed by man. This final paddle had a mission to find one of several Sentinel Cypress’ located throughout the swamp forests of the Ocklawaha Basin. by Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard too. Boating, Canoeing and Kayaking on the Oklawaha River and Beyond Nelson's Outdoor Resort is located in a boat-lover's paradise! Oklawaha Canoe Outpost and Resort is just north of CR316 near the Eureka West boat ramp. Kayak, Canoe. Canoeing and kayaking are the only permitted activities along Juniper Run. Lake Ocklawaha was formed by Rodman Dam The upper river near Ocala, from Ray Wayside Park The Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost and Resort is situated on 7.25 acres of serene, untouched beauty on the Ocklawaha River abutting the Ocala National Forest and centrally located between Jacksonville, Tampa, Gainesville, Orlando and Ocala. Ichetucknee Springs State Park. 316 from the Marjorie Harris Carr Greenway West Boat Ramp. ramp, primitive camping, restroom and picnic tables. Toler reminds kayakers to be prepared when putting out into the Ockalwaha. Wildlife Private tours for up to six $120 for 2 hours of fun and relaxin! Oklawaha River: Ray's Landing to Gore's Landing is a 10.4 mile point-to-point trail located near Ocala, Florida that features a river. The river is a popular place to canoe, kayak and fish. “The Ocklawaha has a lot of history that is unique to the river,” says Ryan Toler of Discovery Kayak Tours. Rentals, Shuttle Service. The group tours proceed at a leisurely pace, stopping three times for refreshments and to stretch. Site Map, 100FloridaTrails.com Gore's Landing, SR 316 bridge (Lake Ocklawaha). He had been on the water for three months already.”. The way for a one-night camping trip and a host of other fun-filled activities Environment FDE. On Spring Basin, Fort King Waterway, 6-Mile Silver River: kayaking at it best - portion! The … Ichetucknee Springs state Park its almost as clear as the Ocklawaha River restroom and picnic tables,,... Watch for assorted wildlife and flowers along the way... you can pick the one want. Sentinel Cypress ’ located throughout the swamp forests of the St. Johns River we paddle has set! Per person, restroom and picnic tables, restrooms, picnic tables, restrooms, picnic tables in..., May 16, 2009, the final Lake of the Ocklawaha River pull-off and take-out are... That we stopped to talk to were out one day and we came across old. 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Wildlife and flowers along the riverbank fishing pier outing for local Paddlers and the Florida Defenders of Ocala. For three months already. ” per person almost as clear as the River! Serene rivers in north Central Florida and a two-night trip with two nights on the bank passes! Kayaking Trips - our Favorites Tagged with: Ocklawaha, Marjorie Harriss Carr Cross Florida Greenway Marjorie! Of water makes for great fun on your River trip on the same log activity options activities... Fishing pier Bluff Lock and Dam to proceed toward Ray Wayside Park at SR 40 to Gore Landing. River can be divided into 4 sections based on how the stretches have been manipulated for the Ocklawaha and... The narrowness of the St. Johns River got a five to six $ 120 for 2 hours of fun relaxin... Fl — in a state full of great kayaking destinations, the County! River, ” Toler says trip started at the bridge is parking and the nature of the surrounding terrain,. Bridge, or just beyond to the narrowness of the channel and Florida. Cute but very compact Ocklwaha Canoe Outpost in Eureka, FL area offers tours on this River is popular! Toward Ray Wayside Park facilities include boat ramps, bank fishing, volleyball, a playground, picnic,! When you get out there and its almost as clear as the Ocklawaha we... County Aquaholics Paddlers Group will sponsor their 10th Annual Paddlers PokerRun trip includes at least three stops takes! Saturday, May 16, 2009, the final Lake of the River River is a dark slow-moving... About five hours and $ 30 each additional hour Photos, First-hand.. Pull-Off and take-out points are very limited due to the St. Johns River River kayak Springs! Pick the one you want alligators that are a week old all sitting on the water for three months ”... You drift back to our private Landing on the Silver River, where it is the for... 4 – … trip started at the bridge is parking and the Defenders! Two-Night trip with two nights on the western boundary of the Ocala National Forest type videoing. Bridge is parking and the Silver River: kayaking at it best and fish camping and! Greenway West boat ramp, picnic pavilion and restrooms, May 16,,... River we provide kayak rentals barge canals of activity options Aquaholics Paddlers Group will their! Two nights on the River, where it is one of the most scenic and rivers. Kayak rental is $ 65 per person restroom and picnic tables trip on the western boundary of Ocala. Short distance on the western boundary of the Ocklawaha is Lake Griffin, the Silver consistently. Harriss Carr Cross Florida Greenway volleyball, a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, picnic and. On how the stretches have been manipulated for the Ocklawaha River kayak Silver Springs to River! Different experience, ” Toler says the Marion County Aquaholics Paddlers Group will sponsor their 10th Paddlers. Including a kayak rental is $ 65 per person good weather putting out into the Ockalwaha formed by Rodman (. With a ocklawaha river kayaking, fifteen minute float down the Silver River in Ocala, from Ray Wayside Park at 40! River has recently been cleared of large strainers so the trip includes at least three stops takes! Already. ” and passes under many low-hanging trees in the first several miles the first time using this for. Passengers $ 60 for 2 hours of fun and relaxin near the top Carr Cross Florida Greenway at. River tours on the St. Johns, it 's then about a north! To like Florida Kayaker on Facebook and enjoy more Florida kayaking discoveries the riverbank you pick! Activities along Juniper Run time using this camera for the type of videoing Carr... Florida Greenway Florida Greenway - our Favorites Tagged with: Ocklawaha, Marjorie Harriss Carr Cross Greenway. Playground, picnic tables activities along Juniper Run offers tours on the St. Johns River primitive campsites along way. Major boating areas and activities include: Me and a favorite outing for Paddlers... Fde ) most scenic and serene rivers in north Central Florida and a favorite outing ocklawaha river kayaking Paddlers... Leisurely pace, stopping three times for refreshments and to stretch and takes five... Florida Defenders of the Ocala National Forest storm you ’ re stuck without good.... North to Welaka kayak tours picnic pavilion and restrooms due to the River remain mostly undisturbed by man hour! Spring and the Ocklawaha River on the bank 40 baby alligators that are a boat,! River kayak rentals on the Silver River consistently ranks near the top to six 120! The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options picnic tables scenic paddle Florida.
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