A

Alafia River

Flowing into Tampa Bay, the 25-mile long Alafia River is located partially within the Alafia River State Park. The river’s Hillsboro County watershed includes ten named lakes and 29 named rivers, streams and canals. In the sixteenth century, explorer Hernando de Soto documented his encounters with the Tocobaga Indians who for centuries lived along banks of the Alafia.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/alafiariver

Alapaha River

Primarily a Georgia river, the Alapaha River is a 190-mile long tributary of the Suwanee River that terminates near Jasper, Florida.

http://www.saveoursuwannee.org/Alapaha.pdf

Anclote River

The name of this shallow westward flowing river is found on maps as far back as 1715. Nearby attractions include the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and Ancolte Gulf Park where the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

http://www.pascocountyfl.net/pubser/deptp/parks.html

Apalachicola River

This 119 mile long river is formed on Florida’s northern border at the Lake Seminole reservoir which is fed by the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers; each stretching nearly 500 miles north into Georgia. During British colonial times, the Apalachicola was the boundary between East and West Florida; today much of the river marks the line between Eastern and Central Time Zones.

http://www.apalachicolaamericantreasure.com/index.html

Aucilla River

Passing near Lamont, Florida, the Aucilla River features a 19-mile challenge for experienced paddlers who are prepared to tackle rapids and low water hazards. At its lower end, the 75-mile river is an abundant source of pleistocene animal bones and human artifacts, and is the subject of the Aucilla River Prehistory Project. http://gulffishing.com/aucilla.html 

B

Blackwater River

Covered with a dense canopy of maple, cedar, and cypress trees, the Creek Indians called this river “Oka Lusa” (water-black). Passing through a State Forrest, a State Park and a Wildlife Management Area—all of the same first name—the Blackwater features a 31-mile canoe and kayak trail, dotted with narrows and sandbars. http://www.floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver/

Braden River

The largest tributary of the Manatee River, the Braden River is about 21-miles long. In 1936, the city of Bradenton altered the river to form Ward Lake and create its primary source of drinking water. http://www.cactus48.com/bradenriver.html 

Bulow Creek

Flowing parallel to the Intracoastal Waterway, this 13-mile trail begins at Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park. Low water levels can create pullovers.

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/bulow_creek.htm 

C

Caloosahatchee River

This 75-mile long waterway empties into San Carlos Bay near Ft. Myers and is part of a federal wildlife refuge for manatees. In 2006, the American Rivers organization listed the Caloosahatchee among the top ten most endangered rivers in the country due in part to polluted water releases from Lake Okeechobee. http://www.gulfbase.org/bay/view.php?bid=caloosahatchee 

Chassahowitzka River

Established in 1943, the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge borders the river and is a premier winter preserve for migratory water birds. Accessible only by boat or canoe, the Chassahowitzka River is one of the state's Outstanding Florida Waters. Its Indian name originally described the “hanging pumpkin” vegetation that once lined the river’s banks. http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive/springscoast/3.shtml 
 

Chipola River

Fed by 63 fresh water streams, the Chipola River is the largest tributary of the Apalachicola River. Flowing more than 50 miles from the Florida Caverns State Park, the Chipola River Canoe Trail is winds past Limestone bluffs and caves that dot the river’s banks. http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/chipolariver.html 
 

Choctawhatchee River

Originating in Alabama, the Choctawhatchee flows about 170 miles, discharging its waters into the Gulf of Mexico at Destin. Based on the volume of water discharged, this is Florida’s third largest river system and popular among both boaters and fishermen. http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/choctawhatcheeriver.html 

Coldwater Creek

Coldwater is another creek within the confines of the Blackwater River State Forrest, offering swift currents and broad, open sand banks. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/coldwater.htm 
 
Conecuh River

The sandy-bottom Conecuh River flows nearly 231-miles from Union Springs, Alabama in a southwestward direction to Century, Florida. As it crosses the state line, it becomes the Escambia River, eventually emptying into Pensacola Bay. http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=CGD008-011 
 

Cross Creek

Cross Creek is worthy of attention if for no other reason than author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings lived here and penned The Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Yearling as well as her memoir, Cross Creek. The short stream is so named because of its location between Orange Lake and the Lochloosa Lake.

http://abfla.com/parks/MarjorieKinnanRawlings/marjoriekinnanrawlings.html 
 

Crystal River

Located in Citrus county, this 7-mile long waterway includes a group of more than 30 springs that discharge nearly 60-million gallons of water each day, making it the second largest such system in Florida.

http://www.fws.gov/crystalriver/ 

D

Dead River

At least a dozen Florida waterways contain all or part of the name “Dead River.”  One of the more frequently thought of ‘Dead Rivers’ is the slow-flowing river in Lake County, Florida, between the cities of Tavares and Leesburg. The cypress tree-lined Dora Canal and Dead River are havens for nesting egrets, herons and ospreys. http://www.lat-long.com/ShowDetail-13435-Florida-Hontoon_Dead_River.html 

E

Eau Gallie River

Pronounced "Oh Galley", the Eau Gallie was originally known as Elbow Creek and is a tributary of the Indian River with the mouth near Hawthorne Point. Just off the Intercoastal Waterway, the Eau Gallie shares its name with a nearby 100-year old community that today is incorporated into the city of Melbourne, Florida. http://www.cruisebrevard.com/canoe/index.cfm 
 

Econfina Creek

Featuring the steepest gradient of any designated canoe trail in the state, Econfina Creek surprises paddlers and hikers with waterfalls, log jams, rock outcrops, and plenty of cypress and hardwood vegetation. The narrow riverbed is located north of Panama City in Washington County. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/econfina.htm 
 

Econfina River

This 35-mile long river terminates at the Econfina River State Park, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico near Lamont, Florida. The Econfina passes through a varied landscape ranging from pine flatlands to broad expanses of salt marsh. http://funandsun.com/parks/Econfina/econfina.html 

Econlockhatchee River

The shallow and twisting Econlockhatchee includes a 19-mile canoe trail, starting near Titusville, Florida. The northward flowing river is suitable for paddlers with little experience and offers occasional sandbars that are ideal for camping. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/eastcentral/trails/econlockhatchee.htm

Eddy Creek

The crystal clear waters of Eddy Creek are a popular fishing spot within the Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge and an excellent vantage point to view the Kennedy Space Center. http://www.nbbd.com/OutThere/eddycreek/index.html 
 

Escambia River

The 30-mile long Escambia is one of four rivers within the Pensacola Bay watershed. A public boat ramp, primitive campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, and trails are available within the Escambia River Water Management Area.

http://myfwc.com/recreation/cooperative/escambia_river.asp 
 

Estero River

A turn of the century religious settlement was once located at the start of the Estero River in the Koreshan State Historic Site, located between the cities of Naples and Ft. Myers. Mound Key Archaeological State Park is an interesting stop to visit along the canoe trail. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/westcentral/trails/estero.htm 

G

Goat Creek

This short Brevard County blackwater creek has a rustic feel and is popular for fishing and alligator watching. http://www.cruisebrevard.com/canoe/goat_creek.cfm 

H

Halifax River

Spanning the length of Valousia County, the Halifax River is part of the Intercoastal Waterway along the Atlantic coast. http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/Manatee/Maps/halifax-river-a.htm 

Hickey Creek

With its placid, tannin-stained water, this southwest Florida stream has gentle curves and a slow current, but winds and high waves are possible.

A good half-day paddle through the subtropical vegetation offers good views and visits with osprey and heron. http://www.leeparks.org/pdf/2005pdfs/hickeyscreek2005.pdf

Hillsborough River

A 35-mile long designated canoe trail picks up after originating in the Green Swamp and flows southwesterly to Tampa Bay. With rapids in the upper sections, the waterway offers a challenge to skilled paddlers. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/westcentral/trails/hills_river.htm 
 

Holmes Creek

Paddlers on this official state canoe trail will experience one of the most diverse habitats and richest variety of fish and mollusks in the Choctawhatchee River basin. Fed by dozens of springs, Holmes Creek is richer in freshwater snail species than any other river in the Florida Panhandle. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/holmes.htm 
 

Homosassa River

Because the mineral content in the spring-fed Homosassa resembles minerals found in salt water, this Springs Coast Watershed river is home to both freshwater and saltwater fish. Homosassa Springs State Park is among a handful of places where you can see get an up close sighting of endangered West Indian manatees, Whooping Cranes and Key Deer. http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive/springscoast/2.shtml 

I

Ichetucknee River

A series of freshwater springs feed this six-mile long river contained within the 22-hundred acre Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The beautifully clear water joins the Santa Fe River after flowing through a vista of hammock and swamp and is a favorite river tubing site. http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/

J

Juniper Creek

Juniper and Sweetwater Creeks wind through the Blackwater River State Forrest, near Munson, Florida. Both feature sandy bottoms and the familiar tannin-colored water. The 8-mile long paved Juniper Trail runs parallel to a large portion of the creek. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/sweetwater_juniper.htm 

K

Kissimmee River

The original winding 100-miles of the Kissimmee was twice the length of the today’s “Big Ditch” channelized river—a 1960’s Army Corps of Engineers flood control project.  Projects to restore the waterway and once again attract birds and other wetlands wildlife are underway. http://myfwc.com/recreation/cooperative/kissimmee_river_pua.asp

L

Little Econlockhatchee River

The ‘Little Econ’ is about 15-miles long and runs through the Little Big Econ State Forest (derived from combining river names) in Seminole County. A section of Henry Flagler’s abandoned railroad corridor is now part of the Florida National Scenic Trail that crosses the river.

http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/little_big_econ.html 

Little Manatee River

Beginners will find this sandy bottom river to be an enjoyable paddle ending at Little Manatee River State Park. The 5-mile canoe trail, about 25-miles outside of Tampa, offers a good opportunity to spot alligators, turtles and even an occasional eagle overhead. http://www.floridastateparks.org/littlemanateeriver/ 
 

Loxahatchee River

Meaning “river of turtles,” the Loxahatchee is the first river in Florida to be designated a National Wild and Scenic River. Crossing under I-95 and through a subtropical river swamp, this intermediate skill-level paddle can require a couple of portage pull-outs if water levels are low. http://www.loxahatcheeriver.org/ 

M

Manatee River

The Manatee River is a 60-mile long river that flows into the Gulf of Mexico at the southern edge of Tampa Bay. Full facility campgrounds are available at nearby Little Manatee State Park along with equestrian and hiking trails. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/westcentral/trails/little_manatee.htm 

Matanzas River

Steeped in history, this estuary was once considered the "backdoor" to the city of St. Augustine. Fort Matanzas, meaning ‘massacre,’ was built by Spaniards in 1740 to control access to the river. http://www.jaxshells.org/matzan.htm 
 

Miami River

Draining from the Everglades, this 5-mile river runs right through the downtown area of, you guessed it, Miami and is heavily commercialized. http://www.miamirivercommission.org/ 
 

Mullet Creek

A series of canals and creeks make up this eight or nine mile river near Melbourne in Brevard County. With many small islands, the creek is an easy paddle day for viewing Dolphins and Manatees. http://www.kayakguide.com/MulltCrk.htm 
 

Myakka River

The shallow Myakka River winds about 14-miles through the Myakka River State Park which features nearly 40-miles of hiking and backpacking trails.

Designated in 1985 as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, the Myakka is one of only two rivers in the state to be recognized with this special status. http://www.myakkariver.org/river.html 
 

Myakkahatchee Creek

Located near the city of North Port, the seven-mile long Myakkahatchee (also known as Big Slough) is slated to be developed into a linear park, offering improved biking and hiking trails as well as canoe and kayak launching points.

http://outdoortravels.com/biking_fl_overview_northport.html

O

Ochlockonee River

A map from the late 1600’s calls this fast flowing river out of Georgia, the Rio Lana, a probable reference to the water’s yellow color that is caused by clay deposits. The 300-mile long waterway passes near Tallahassee and once had as many as three different military forts along her banks. http://www.floridastateparks.org/ochlockoneeriver/default.cfm 
 

Ocklawaha River

The principal tributary of the St. Johns River, the 110-mile long Ocklawaha River flows north from its source at Lake Griffin until it joins the St. Johns near Palatka, Florida. The river was used extensively for steamboat transportation in the 1800s and early 1900s. http://www.canoe-suwannee.com/ocklawah.htm

Oleta River

Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in the State of Florida and Miami’s best-kept secret. The river offers a peaceful paddle through pristine mangrove forests, with park amenities including rustic log cabin camping, a manmade beach area and more than 15 miles of biking trails. http://www.floridastateparks.org/oletariver/ 

P

Peace River

The 67-mile run of the tea-colored Peace River from Fort Meade into the bay near Port Charlotte is a delight for beginner paddlers, offering a wide array of islands, sandy beaches or narrow high-walled banks. Paddlers and campers along the Spanish-named ‘river of peace’ will see and hear abundant wildlife.

http://www.canoeoutpost.com/ 
 

Pellicer Creek

This 4-mile canoe trail has a slow moving current that enables even beginner paddlers to navigate a round trip. The trail ends at Faver-Dykes State Park.

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/pellicer_creek.htm 
 
 
Perdido River

The 24-mile pine and cypress-lined Perido River Canoe Trail marks the border between Florida and Alabama, near Pensacola. Another good paddling location for entry-level kayakers, the riverbank is dotted with small ponds that offer additional paddling and exploring opportunities. http://www.visitpensacola.com/trailmap/28_perdido_river.html 
 

Pithlachascotee River

Known as a blackwater stream, the Pithlachascotee is more than 20 miles long and originates from swamps and wetlands in the Crews Lake area of Pasco County. It makes its way out to the Gulf of Mexico at Miller's Bayou. http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive/springscoast/7.shtml

R

Rainbow River

The 6-mile long Rainbow River is fed by the discharged waters of springs, sand boils and caves along its banks. The gently winding river merges with the Withlacoochee River near Dunnellon, Florida. http://www.therainbowriver.com/ 
 

Ribault River

Named for French explorer Jean Ribault, this short waterway is located entirely in Jacksonville, Florida. Metro-surrounded, the river offers a surprise natural wilderness area. Another surprise to paddlers is, like the St. Johns River, the Ribault flows northward over its 6- mile course. http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/locations/5303.html

S

Santa Fe River

The Santa Fe River, located north of High Springs, Florida, is a spring fed waterway that curves through river swamps and past hardwood hammocks on its way to joining the Suwannee River. About one third of the 75-mile long river is not navigable even by canoe. At the O’Leno State Park, the river becomes subterranean for about three miles. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/santa_fe_river.htm

Shark River

This 7-mile long sea-level river flows out of the southern end of the Everglades National Park and into Ponce de Leon Bay. Technically defined as a slough (pronounced ‘slew’), rather than a river, the Shark Slough is a pathway of fresh moving water through the Everglades. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143024-d146168-Reviews-Shark_River_Slough-Everglades_National_Park_Florida.html

Shoal River

Located in the Panhandle near Crestview, the Shoal River maintains an average depth of only about 3-feet throughout its 27-mile course. Good campsites are plentiful along its banks. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/shoal.htm 

Shingle Creek

Considered to be the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades, Shingle Creek and the areas around it are protected wetlands in Central Florida. The name is derived from the practice of making wood shingles from the once-abundant cypress tree growth. http://www.floridasportsman.com/regions/ec/050580/ 
 

Silver River

A substantial flow from Silver Springs, the world's largest natural artesian spring, make an upstream paddle on the Silver River strenuous but well worth the effort. Except for a landing/launch site at Silver River State Park, landing is prohibited along the river’s entire length, so plan on staying in your boat for a few hours. http://funandsun.com/parks/SilverRiver/silverriver.html 
 

Sopchoppy River

More than two-dozen archaeological sites are located along the banks of this blackwater river with its headwaters located in the wetlands of the Apalachicola National Forest. The 47-mile long river has been designated as an Outstanding Florida Water to prevent its degradation. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandleeast/trails/sopchoppy.htm 
 

St. Johns River

At 310-miles, the St. Johns is the longest river in Florida, the second longest in the U.S. and with a minimal fall of less than 30-feet, one of the ‘laziest.’ Throughout the Civil War, the St. Johns had an important historic impact on the city of Jacksonville and surrounding areas. http://sjr.state.fl.us/ 
 

St. Lucie River

The St. Lucie River estuary is one of the largest brackish water systems on the east coast of Florida and has the potential to provide vital habitat for substantial populations of fish and invertebrates that have biological and economic importance. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/southeast/WRMEP/EMAs/st_lucie/st_lucie.htm 
 

St. Marks River

The St. Marks River was a primary artery in the cotton transportation business of the 1800’s, leading to the establishment of five towns along the riverbank. With a low Atlantic Coast and a thick cover of trees, marking the river’s entrance was vitally important so federal funds were released to build the St. Marks Lighthouse—the only lighthouse in Florida with wooden stairs. http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/rmd/springs/Wakulla_StMarks/documents/wrsr0603.pdf 
 

St. Marys River

This 90-mile long waterway marks the eastern-most border between Florida and Georgia above Jacksonville. Bear and deer are commonly seen along this relatively easy paddle dotted with white sand bars and gentle curves. Camping spots are abundant. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/st_marys_river.htm 

Steinhatchee River

The 28-mile long Steinhatchee is located in Florida’s Big Bend region and is designated only as a recreational waterway. Sport fishing and scalloping in the summer months along the pristine shoreline and shallow grass flats make the river a favorite family activity center. http://steinhatchee.info/ 
 

Suwannee River

You can’t help but hum a few bars of the official Florida state song when you paddle “way down upon the Suwannee River.” The river of Stephen Foster fame slices through the Florida panhandle as it flows from Georgia’s Okeefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico. Foster reportedly never laid eyes on the Florida portion of the river, but chose the name because he liked its two-syllable cadence. http://www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness/

Sweetwater Creek

Inaccessible to paddling due to extensive downfall and blockage. (see Juniper Creek and Blackwater River)

T

Three Sisters Springs

As the name would suggest, Three Sisters is a complex of three spring areas within the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge system. Water in the spring is clear and blue, the silty bottom is sand covered, making it a popular kayak and snorkeling site. http://www.tfn.net/Springs/ThreeSisters.htm 
 

Tomoka River

At 18 miles, the Tomoka is Volusia County’s second longest river, surpassed only by the St. Johns River. Designated as a Manatee Sanctuary, the river flows through the city of Ormond Beach into to the Halifax River. A 13-mile canoe trail ends at campgrounds at Tomoka State Park. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/eastcentral/trails/tomoka.htm 
 

Turkey Creek (Brevard County)

The brackish waters of Turkey Creek support an abundant array of wildlife and also offer another site for Manatee spotting. Indigo snakes, otters and a host of birds make their home here. http://www.cruisebrevard.com/canoe/index.cfm 

W

Waccasassa River

Hosting the annual Wild Hog Canoe & Kayak Race, the Waccasassa River in Levy County is a small spring-fed river that runs through the coastal hammock to the Gulf of Mexico. During dry seasons, portages may be necessary. http://www.floridastateparks.org/waccasassabay/default.cfm 
 

Wacissa River

Thick jungle-like growth borders this 10-mile, spring-fed river, but much of the main waterway is open to bright sunlight. Located near the town of Wacissa, there is a public campground at the trail’s lower end. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandleeast/trails/wacissa.htm

Wakulla River

This crystal clear river originates underground and flows to the surface at Wakulla Springs.  Very popular as a boating, fishing, and paddling spot, a slow current on the 4-mile river makes two-way trips enjoyable for beginners. http://www.wakullacounty.org/wakulla-32.htm 
 

Weeki Wachee River

At less than 8-miles long, the Weeki Wachee River is one of Florida’s smallest named rivers. It originates from the Weeki Wachee Springs complex which pumps out nearly 111 millions of gallons of water per day. http://www.clubkayak.com/cfkt/trips/weeki_wachee.html 

Wekiva River

As half of the Wekiva River/Rock Springs Run Canoe Trail, this river makes its way through sand pine scrub, and hammocks as it flows into the St. Johns River. Opportunities for side trips and island camping abound. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/eastcentral/trails/wekiva_river.htm 
 

Withlacoochee River (North)

Sharing its name with a southern counterpart, the North Withlacoochee begins at the Georgia border and offers a 32-mile paddle past limestone outcrops before terminating at the Suwannee River State Park. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/withlacoochee.htm 
 

Withlacoochee River (South)

Designated as an “outstanding Florida Waterway” the (southern) Withlacoochee originates in Polk County and empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. Limestone banks flatten out to tidal marshes near the mouth. http://www.afn.org/~savanna/withlasouth.html 

Y

Yellow River

Located in the western Panhandle near Crestview, the Yellow River canoe trail offers 56 miles of paddling. Because it drains the state’s highest elevation, the Yellow River’s current is faster than many other rivers in the state. Long undeveloped sections of the upper trail offer paddlers a glimpse of the Florida early explorers might have seen. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/yellow.htm 
 
 
 

Additional Resources:

Florida Geological Survey Bulletin No. 66, an extensive study and inventory of Florida’s springs, is available on the web at: www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/geologictopics/springs/bulletin66.htm 

Florida Professional Paddlesports Association: www.paddleflausa.com

Florida Trail Association: www.floridatrail.org