With plenty of warm summer days ahead of us, Florida nature provides an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. From cavern expeditions to underwater discoveries, there is a river in Florida that will take you on a thrilling adventure. Chipola River has a 51-mile paddling trail surrounded by hardwood forest with a marvelous scenic view during fall and summer. This scenic kayaking adventure runs from just below Florida Caverns State Park to Scott's Ferry near the Dead Lakes, and the Upper Chipola River Designated Paddling Trail runs 4.5 miles from Christoff Landing to Florida Caverns State Park. The trail is fed by 63 springs and its greenish-brown color is due to the farmland along the upper river. Chipola River has a "Look and Tremble" area with rapids for more experienced paddlers. View this post on Instagram Chipola River, near Chipola, Florida. This river is a tributary of the Apalachicola River. One of the most beautiful areas in the panhandle of Florida, this 89 mile river has a 51 mile designated paddling trail that begins near Florida Caverns State Park. Chipola River is fed by 63 springs, and runs through swamps, hardwood forests, and even caves! Photograph by: @steven_macnaughton_photography #floridas_special_places #floridaoutdoors #floridaphotographer #wildflorida #floridawildlife #chipolariver #kayakflorida #exploreflorida #floridatrail #floridaoutdoors #apalachicola #saveoursprings #florida #getoutside #floridastateparks A post shared by Florida’s Special Places (@floridas_special_places) on Sep 28, 2018 at 8:41am PDT During your paddling adventure, you can see some limestone bluff caves which are an excellent spot for diving, snorkeling and tubing. The river is also a popular spot for fishing however, powerboats are not recommended due to the shallow water. There are different wildlife surrounding the ecosystem including alligators, turtles, deer, snakes, and birds such as hawks, herons and egrets. View this post on Instagram Hopefully fall weather is around the bend. #92degreestoday #readyforfallyall #kayakfishing #fallcolors #riverfishing #floridakayakanglers A post shared by CLAY GRACE (@fishingwithgrace) on Sep 27, 2017 at 7:23am PDT The actual river is 90 miles long but only a portion is designated for paddlers. Paddling outfitters can provide drop-off services and multi-day trips are also available. Some of the most popular trips are: Yancey Bridge to Magnolia Road where you can visit a dry cave, Peacock Bridge to Lamb Eddy Landing which offers the "Look and Tremble" rapids, and Spring Creek dam to Magnolia Road which offers a shorter trip of 3.7 miles. You can start your expedition near the Florida Caverns Park. The first mile is not navigable so launch at the SR166/Yancey Road Bridge. This river trail will provide you with the excitement you were waiting for. Chipola River Address: Florida Caverns State Park located at 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446. Price: Rates start at $15. For more information about rates click here. Why you need to go: It is a 51-mile long river with great kayaking opportunities. Website
