USPS Publication Number 16300
THE
SUMMATIONWeeklyy
This Community Newspaper is a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
S E RV I N G T H E F I RS T J U D I C I A L C I RC U I T
HAPPY TRAILS Vol. 24, No. 40
Octoboer 2, 2024
SummationWeekly.com
1 Section, 8 Pages
Section A, Page 1
In the dry season, it may be necessary to pull your kayak or canoe over the sandbars. The upper creek is within the undeveloped and remote Blackwater River State Forest. Further downstream (past Gordon Landing), there are a few private homes and docks along the creek, but overall this is a rural and beautiful paddle. Coldwater Creek is a popular hangout spot during the summer months, with many tubers and kayakers (especially in the area close to Adventures Unlimited). Water levels may vary depending on rainfall, so check with local outfitters for current conditions. Launch Points: • SR 4 Bridge • Coldwater Recreation Area (Gordon Landing) • Adventures Unlimited • Old Steel Bridge (Lower Section) • CR 191 Bridge • Wagner Bridge (Middle Section) • SR 191 (Lower Section) For trail maps and directions to public access launch points listed above, visit the website address bit.ly/ColdwaterCreekTrail. Juniper Creek Location: Santa Rosa County (Milton) Trail length: 6 miles Difficulty: Easy Paddle this historic stream beginning at Red Rock Bridge, which is believed to be the location where Andrew Jackson and his forces crossed the river during the First Seminole War. Juniper Creek has gentle curves, some small bluffs and shallow, gold-tinted waters. Look for the white blossoms of mountain laurel lining the shore during spring. The hardwood forest includes pine, juniper, cypress and magnolia. The creek has areas with banks ranging from 5 to 10 feet high, and many sandbars for stretching or picnicking along the way. Camping is also allowed. This is an easy scenic 6-mile trip, suitable for beginners. Paddlers will enjoy a moderate current and a mostly sandy bottom, with few if any obstructions. Paddle from Red Rock Road Bridge to Indian Ford Road. Be sure to exit at Indian Ford Road as the river is not navigable further downstream. Little to no crowds make this paddling destination a local favorite. Launch Points: • Red Rock Road bridge • Indian Ford Road bridge For trail maps and directions to public access launch points listed above, visit bit.ly/JuniperCreekTrail. Other Local Paddling Experiences: Big Sabine Bay Big Sabine Bay is a beautiful shallow bay located on the east side of Pensacola Beach. The area is predominantly a salt marsh with shallow creeks to explore. The landscape includes dunes, pine groves and salt marshes. The wildlife includes crabs, rays and other marine life. Overhead, herons, gulls, osprey, bald eagles and owls take the sky hunting their next meal. Fish common to the area are flounder,
mullet, redfish, sea horses, sea turtles and the occasional shark. Manatees have also been seen enjoying the grass beds in the area. Big Sabine is located to the east of Pensacola Beach, approximately two miles from Portofino. To access Big Sabine, you can trek through the sand with your gear, paddle from Pensacola Beach or catch a ride on a boat. If you are carrying boards or kayaks, be prepared for a little walk. Big Lagoon State Park Located in Big Lagoon State Park, Big Lagoon is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Perdido Key. Big Lagoon, much like Big Sabine Bay, is a paddling paradise through coastal salt marshes. The park has a designated kayak launch, which makes it easy to access the water. There is a good variety of exploring in the park. You can explore a tidal creek, a lagoon and the open water from the kayak launch. Big Lagoon State Park also serves as the northwestern terminus of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The calm, shallow waters of Big Lagoon and three ponds within the park make it an ideal place for paddling. Big Lagoon State Park is situated on the northern shoreline of the lagoon and features boardwalks, a boat ramp and boat launch, an amphitheater, observation tower, picnic pavilions and more. Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals are also available. Big Lagoon State Park is located at 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy. For park hours, visit floridastateparks.org/BigLagoon. Pond Creek The headwaters of Pond Creek are found in the uplands of Chumuckla in Santa Rosa County, Florida. From an elevation of 200 feet, Pond Creek flows for more than 22 miles before it empties into Blackwater River. Originating from rainwater collections in tupelo-cypress and seepage swamps, numerous branches and smaller creeks form and converge into Pond Creek. In the central portion, Pond Creek flows through approximately one-half mile of the Santa Rosa Creek Band of the Lower Muscogee tribal grounds. These tribal grounds amount to 93.43 acres of mostly wooded forest which are used as a wildlife sanctuary for the release of rescued and rehabilitated wildlife. Pond Creek meanders a few miles past Arcadia Mill before reaching Mayo Park Kayak Launch. As the creek gradually widens, a series of oxbow lakes offer many options for exploration. You can access Pond Creek from Mayo Park, which is located just off Highway 90 in Milton. White Island White Island is a small island located in Pensacola Bay. This small island is a paddler’s paradise and a great place to kayak or paddleboard in Pensacola Bay. You will find this island where Davenport Bayou and Bayou Grande enter the bay. To access White Island launch from Civitan Park (404 S. 2nd St.) or the Navy Point Boat Ramp (10 Greve Rd.) in Pensacola. ■
EXPLORE THE WATERWAYS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA By Morgan Cole
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rom flowing rivers and spring-fed creeks to salty tidal waterways and winding bayous, Northwest Florida’s unique coastal landscape supports a number of diverse habitats and ecosystems. Our region’s impressive river system connects a network of diverse and pristine waterways, making it a top destination for all types of paddling adventures. Whether you prefer to paddleboard, kayak or canoe, there’s no better way to take in all that nature has to offer. Not only are paddling vessels relatively cheap compared to other types of watercraft, they’re easy to transport, easy to use and provide access to areas and experiences that larger vessels can’t. With an abundance of bays, bayous, rivers and creeks, Northwest Florida is rich with paddling opportunities and home to a number of designated paddling trails. Blackwater River, Big Lagoon State Park and Escambia Bay are some of the most popular paddling destinations for locals and visitors alike. The Pensacola Bay Area also marks the beginning of Florida’s longest and most ambitious sea kayaking trail, the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). This 1,515-mile epic sea journey is referred to as the aquatic version of the Appalachian Trail, and it begins here at our very own Gulf Islands National Seashore. Beginning at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, extending around the Florida peninsula and Keys, and ending at Fort Clinch State Park near the Georgia border, the trail is divided into 26 sections across the state. Fortunately, there’s plenty to experience here within our local section alone. From state and nationally designated paddle trails to scenic byway routes, experience all the natural beauty our region has to offer by paddling some or all of these local waterways and designated paddle trails. State Designated Paddling Trails of Northwest Florida Perdido River Location: Escambia County Trail length: 15-mile designated trail (65 miles total) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate The Perdido River flows about 44 miles from southern Alabama to Perdido Bay, forming Florida’s western border with Alabama. Perdido River was named by the Spaniards who occupied the area until 1813, and the name is translated as "lost.” The river curves past extensive woodlands of pine, cypress and juniper cedar while numerous sandbars offer ideal rest spots. The sparkling waters are often tinted with yellow or redblack tannins from swamp vegetation, a natural occurrence. The river and its tributaries also support several species of rare and imperiled fish. Several small sloughs provide addi-
tional paddling opportunities, and numerous sandbars offer ideal rest spots. This easy 15.4-mile paddling trail is a classic Panhandle river with tea-colored water cradled by white sandbars. The river is narrow, twisting and fast-moving in the upper stretches then becomes wider and slower as it nears Perdido Bay. The popular 4-mile segment from Fillingim Landing to the Pipes Landing offers a short day trip with scenic beauty, little development and is perfect for beginners. From the Pipes Landing to Sand Landing, the river becomes wider and much slower, with fewer sandbars. Launch Points: • Fillingim Landing • Pipes Landing • Outfitter (Adventures Perdido) • Sand Landing, Launch at US-90 For trail maps and directions to public access launch sites listed above, visit bit.ly/PerdidoRiverTrail. Blackwater River Location: Okaloosa County and Santa Rosa County (Blackwater River State Forest) Trail length: 31-mile designated trail (56 miles total) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Originating in the Conecuh National Forest in Alabama, this winding stream flows into Florida through the unspoiled Blackwater River State Forest. Trees line the banks and form a dense canopy over portions of the river. High bluffs occur in some sections where oak, pine and cedar trees tower above paddlers. The water is coffee colored, the reason why Creek Indians called the river “Oka Lusa” (“black water”). White sandbars provide a perfect place for camping, resting or picnicking along the way. The 31-mile Florida Designated Paddling Trail begins at Kennedy Bridge, about 5 miles south of the Alabama border, and ends at Deaton Bridge in the Blackwater River State Forest. There are a few deeper sections, but the river generally flows shallow, swift and wide. The lower portion of this popular 31-mile paddling trail can become congested with people floating in tubes near the state park, especially on weekends. Paddlers should check streamflow data and weather conditions before embarking on a trip. The river is not navigable below the Deaton Bridge in Blackwater River State Park, be sure to exit here. Glass containers are prohibited on the river. Tips: Heavy rains can cause the river to rise quickly and become dangerous. Tubing is popular along the river, so expect large crowds in the lower section (just past Bryant Bridge) during summer weekends and holidays. Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Launch Points: • Kennedy Bridge • Peadon Bridge (unimproved) • Cotton Bridge • Bryant Bridge • State Forest public boat ramp • Johnson's Float Launch & Deaton Bridge Road
For trail maps and directions to public access launch sites listed above, visit bit.ly/BlkWaterRiver. Yellow River Location: Santa Rosa County and Okaloosa County (Crestview, Milton and Milligan) Trail length: 54-mile designated trail (118 miles total) Difficulty: Easy to moderate Located in the western Panhandle, the upper Yellow River drains the state’s highest elevation. As a result, the current is faster than most north Florida rivers. The upper Yellow River takes paddlers along limestone banks that give way to sand and gravel banks downstream. Hardwood forests frame the shallow, golden water. Farther downstream, the river deepens and slows as it passes through cypress and gum swamps. The river is joined by the Shoal River, another designated paddling trail, located near Crestview. Fishing is excellent and wildlife abundant as the river winds through miles of public conservation lands. The degree of difficulty of this 54-mile trail depends entirely on water levels, which can fluctuate dramatically in a short period of time. The 18-mile section between SR 2 and US 90 is the best section for paddlers with a number of significant sandbars offering comfortable overnight camping. Public access points below US 90 and the Ellis Road boat ramp are limited and paddlers are likely to encounter powerboat traffic. Pay attention to posted boundaries to avoid camping on private land. Launch points: • CR 2 Bridge (Oak Grove) *Start of trail • Reedy Landing • Milligan Park • Rivers Edge RV Park • Guest Lake Ramp • Log Lake Ramp • SR 87 Bridge *End of trail For trail maps and directions to public access launch points listed above, visit bit.ly/YellowRiverTrail. Coldwater Creek Location: Santa Rosa County (Milton) Trail length: 19 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Flowing through the Blackwater River State Forest, Coldwater Creek is one of the most beautiful and popular paddling sites in the region. This lovely creek is spring fed and has some of the swiftest water in Florida. The shallow water is always pleasantly cool and makes for a perfect paddle for all ages and skill levels. Flowing for nearly 20 miles through undeveloped land, it is very narrow in spots with a steep gradient. The sandy bottom and broad sandbars will remind you of nearby Gulf Coast beaches, with many sandbars along the banks for stretching, picnicking or camping. A brisk downstream current helps carry you past pine and hardwood forests. Some mini-rapids along the creek add variety and a paddling challenge.
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