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Backpacker Magazine – September 2005
Paddling's Greatest Getaways
16 wild ways to find backcountry solitude and big-time scenery. All this, and you can bring the ice chest, too.
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{Florida}
Best Tropical Paddling
Dozens of clear-water springs and easy navigation make the Santa Fe River a perfect day.
During the hot months, crowds of tubers, divers, and swimmers swarm to northern Florida's spring-fed streams like mosquitoes to bare skin. But paddle the Santa Fe River in any other season, and you'll share it mostly with turtles, otters, and the odd alligator. The Santa Fe rises as a swampy, tannic trickle upstream from O'Leno State Park, then plunges underground for 3 miles before emerging at River Rise State Park-suddenly much bigger with an infusion from a local aquifer. From there, the Santa Fe flows past hardwood hammocks and through lush swamps, and both gains and loses water through dozens of 72°F springs and mysterious siphons. Twenty-six miles from River Rise, it merges with the Suwannee River-itself a 207-mile waterway with numerous state campgrounds that allow for overnight trips.
Get there Put in at the US 41 bridge 2 miles northwest of High Springs, FL. Take out at the FL 47 bridge (13 miles) or US 129 bridge (26 miles). Rentals and shuttles: adventureoutpost.net; www.santaferiver.com.
Season Fall through spring
Difficulty Easy
Contact Florida Greenways and Trail Systems, www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt; River Rise State Park, (386) 454-1853, www.floridastateparks.org/riverrise/default.cfm
Larry Rice is a contributing editor to Canoe & Kayak, and has paddled on all seven continents during 30 years of boating.
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READERS COMMENTS
was wondering if anyone knew my father kenneth York he guided the Allagash for years.I would be interested thank you
Although you've listed some great waterways, and have limited space for your article, you know, your readers are going to chide you about not listing their favorites. So, to add to that list of incredulousness, when was the last time you paddled down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, in Central Idaho. For raw jaw-dropping beauty, aqueous power, a wicked challenge, and a great trip, you've got to list this gnarled ribbon of water that slices through the River of No Return Wilderness. I could understand leaving other waterways off your list, but not this beauty!
Wow, I can't believe the (insert favorite) river wasn't included. This is the best! Some of the most beautiful scenery is found on the (insert favorite) river....
Wait a minute. Just wait a minute. You left out the Green River in Utah? Whether its Desolation Valley or Labyrnth Canyon or Stillwater, we are talking the most spectacular rafting and canoeing in the country, bar none, nothing even close. Please. Just my humble opinion, but seriously. Green River, for like 200 miles. THAT'S amazing.
Wait a minute. Just wait a minute. You left out the Green River in Utah? Whether its Desolation Valley or Labyrnth Canyon or Stillwater, we are talking the most spectacular rafting and canoeing in the country, bar none, nothing even close. Please. Just my humble opinion, but seriously. Green River, for like 200 miles. THAT'S amazing.
WOW! Do not depend on Larry Rice on this one. First off. The Glory Hole pictured is not even in the Buffalo watershed. Second, the LOWER section will be low in the Fall. The upper half of the river will be virtually dry. The Buffalo is rain dependent, not spring fed. Summer is hot and humid with low algae filled water. The Buffalo is my river. It is by far my favorite river and I spend a lot of time there. Obviously Larry Rice does not. I will be joining Kenneth L Smith tomorrow for a week of trailbuilding on the Buffalo. Ken will be trailbuilding in the fall. If you love trails it is a chance to be in a wonderful place extending the Buffalo River Trail.
rmmcfadden@yahoo.com.
The Allagash is indeed beautiful in Sept / Oct
but the river sections are very shallow and rocky.
You will likely be limited to the lakes.
Summer months usually have the best river flow.
Bring 100% DEET and a head net!
I cant believe yall left out the Alabama Scenic River Trail, a trail that spans from NE Alabama to the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Bartram Canoe Trail, a trail that meanders through the beautiful Mobile/Tensaw River Delta.
http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/
http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/bartram/index.htm
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