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Excerpts from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission website:
http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/lead/big-bend/paddling-trail/
“The area boasts one of the longest and wildest
publicly-owned
coastal
wetlands in the United States, and a striking array
of bird and
marine life.”
“Trip 1
covers the entire 105 miles, beginning at the Aucilla
River, and ending at the Salt Creek landing in the town of Suwannee. The trip
takes 9 days and 8 nights to complete. There are 7 designated primitive
campsites and 1 or 2 nights where you must use private camping or lodging.”
“Paddlers must possess an approved permit from
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to use these sites.
Permits are required in order to conserve and protect this beautiful but
fragile coastal wilderness, and to ensure adequate camping space for
paddlers.”
If you paddle this area you have to choose from 4
paddling options. We chose the longest
option (Trip 1) which is the whole 105-mile trail. The mileage and campsites are
pre-determined (range 8 to 14-mile days with most being around 10
miles/day). There are many side trips
you can take if you want more paddling time.
We plan to do some fishing so any extra time will be appreciated. The water can get quite shallow in this
area so we will watch the tides and try to be careful to not get stuck in the
mud or on land during low tides.
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