EXPLORING FLORIDA’S WAKULLA RIVER

PADDLEBOARDING IN THE PANHANDLE, ‘SUN CAME OUT BRIGHT BEHIND ME’

Written by: Ben Knowles

Paddleboarding on Florida’s beautiful waters is one way I enjoy the outdoors. This past October I spent a beautiful sunny day paddling part of the Wakulla River, which is south of Tallahassee in the Panhandle.

I launched at the public boat ramp by the Highway 98 bridge in Crawfordville around 9:30 a.m. and paddled upstream. Due to a swift current, the first fourth of a mile was the most difficult of my trip. But this was my third time paddling the Wakulla River, so I was prepared for a workout.

With a little effort and muscle, I made it to where the river narrows and is a little easier to paddle. I stopped for a minute to pull out my Canon camera from my dry bag and put its strap around my neck. I stood back up and resumed paddling. It did not take long for me to spot a few Suwannee cooter turtles getting some early morning sunlight. A Carolina wren started calling, which seemed to signal for other birds to start calling. Pileated, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers and tufted titmouses were adding their calls to mix.It was a nice soundtrack to listen to while I paddled.

I soon spotted an alligator in the water. After snapping a few quick photos, I passed by it on the opposite side with no issue. I also saw several belted kingfishers at a distance. They would quickly spot me and fly away with their rattling calls.

The sun came out bright behind me, and I started to get hot. If my camera were not around my neck, I would have dipped my hat in the water. Instead, I used the paddle to splash river water on my bare feet to keep me cool.

At one point during my paddle upstream, I saw a little buck jump up from a small narrow island in the middle of the river. There was too much brush for a clear photo, but I heard the deer splash through the water to get to the woods. Around noon I made it to the County Road 365 bridge, which is about four miles from where I started. The bridge is as far as you are allowed to paddle upstream, due to protected areas of the river. After docking my board at the ramp, I put my camera away and dipped into the water. It was cold, but it felt great! I then sat on my board, drank some water and ate a snack. After a few minutes of rest, I dipped in the water one more time before hopping on my board to paddle downstream.

Wakulla River

Eleven miles in Wakulla County, Florida

Travels from Wakulla Springs to St. Marks River

Movies filmed in Wakulla Springs include “Tarzan” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon”

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, Florida 850-561-7276, floridastateparks.org/ wakullasprings

That was definitely a lot easier and quicker than the paddle up. It was nice to paddle at ease and just take in the sights and sounds. I leisurely passed by tri-colored and little blue herons and great egrets feeding along the banks. I heard pileated woodpecker calls and drums from the beautiful bald cypress trees that were showing their fall colors.

As I got closer to the Highway 98 bridge, I heard a familiar smacking sound. I quickly spotted three otters feeding in the river. I expected them to retreat once they saw me, but they kept on feeding. I anchored my boat to watch them and to take a few photos.

I could have watched the otters swim around all afternoon, but I wanted to get back to my car. I had another stop planned before going home. I made it back to the boat ramp, deflated my board, loaded up my car and drove a few miles to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

A quick swim in the spring and an afternoon river boat tour at the state park were great ways to end a great day of exploring the Wakulla River.

Ben Knowles is an outdoor enthusiast living in north Florida with his wife and two children. Find his Facebook page “Ben Outside” to enjoy photos, stories and videos of his outdoor adventures throughout Florida FCM