Navigating the shoals by B A Bowen Photography

Who says there are no rapids in Florida?  Depending on the water levels….some days this may be true.  But right now with the Withlacoochee River North at a low 40.5 feet, there are rapids and they are ripe! When at low levels, this river is not recommended for inexperienced paddlers.

This past weekend, two friends and I went out for an adventure to explore the Withlacoochee River North on a 12 mile run from Madison Blue Spring to Suwannee River State Park.  The Suwannee River State park sits at the river junction where the Withlacoochee empties into the Suwannee.

Madison Blue Spring run by B A Bowen Photography

The put in at Madison Blue spring is absolutly breathtaking but a bit challenging as navigating stairs and rocks are required.  The park ranger at the spring is friendly, informative and full of entertaining stories.    Like most of Florida’s springs, the water was an icy 74 degrees…that is ‘icy’ for us Floridians but it soon warms up once out on the river.  Just outside of the spring run, we encountered our first rapid. It was fairly easy to navigate as it was small only comprised of a thin line of rocks.  This is going to be fun! I thought to myself.  If the river was one foot higher, the smaller rapids may have been non-existent.  The park ranger did warn us about a significant shoal that caused a 4 foot drop in elevation down river. He insisted we stayed left due to a hole with swirling water that could pull you under and my not let you back out.  We were excited and concerned, but that was eight miles downriver and we had much to encounter before we reached that shoal.  The paddle was quiet and peaceful as the north riverbank abuts the protected lands of the Twin Rivers State forest for the first few miles.  The riverbanks were high and the scenery was lush as the river was lined with towering limestone cliffs, cypress trees, and hardwoods.  A green heron lurks in the branches of a fallen tree as we paddle past.  We hear the balking chirp of a belted kingfisher as he swoops down to the water and back up to hide in the trees.  At approximately 1.5 miles we encounter a pretty little blue hole name Potts Spring.  The ranger shared a story with us about how the Suwannee water management personnel performed a dye test and concluded that Madison Blue Spring was connected to Potts Spring via underground caverns.  Fascinating to see these two springs were connected both above ground by the Withlacoochee River and underground by a cave system.  There was a small viewing platform at Potts Spring but it was 2 feet up in the air due to unseasonably low water levels.

Potts Spring by B A Bowen Photography

On this leisurely paddle I found the river lazy, the current slow, and the paddle downstream easy.  The shallow water was fairly clear with a hint of brown from the tannins produced by the hardwood tree leaves. Slider turtles were sunning on fallen logs while an occasional gar could be seen swimming beneath the water’s surface.  Every half mile or so we would encounter another Belted Kingfisher as this lesser traveled spring fed river is a favorite habitat of this elusive blue bird.

Belted Kingfisher by B A Bowen Photography

Occaisionally we would encounter more rapids, created by the porous limestone riverbed. Most were short stints where the faster flowing water would shoot our vessels between two rock outcroppings. Few were more challenging as they were stretched over longer sections and required more navigation.

Jeanene masters the tubulent waters by B A Bowen Photography

At mile six civilization became evident as we saw more river homes and the waters surface was spotted with little patches of algae.  I surmised the algae was a combination of slow moving waters and wastewater runoff from the human occupants along the river.  That is just my theory from general observation.

At approximately 8 miles we arrived at the large shoal (see photo at beginning of blog).  My heart beats faster on the approach as this one needed some scouting and thinking before entering.  I am excited about testing my skills in the winding trails of whitewater.  Both the left and right side were passable at the current water level but the left side required more paddling skill to maneuver. This could be fun for an experienced paddler who enjoys challenges.  The right side was straight through and best for canoes and longer vessels, although the possibility of sticking  your vessel to a rock is always present.  The swirling hole the ranger warned us about was visible and avoidable but could be a serious threat at higher water levels with a stronger current. This is only my assessment at the water level of 44.5 feet (take at Madison Blue Springs) and conditions are sure to change with the water level.  It is good to read reviews but a final scouting of conditions should always be made prior to entering any rapids.   A more conservative or inexperienced paddler could portage this rapid on the north side of the river, but there is not an official pathway maintained and the terrain is rocky but passable.

At mile 9 there are stairs and a put-in just west of the SR 90 bridge.  After the large shoals the river has two more smaller rapids but the ride is fairly smooth as we neared the Suwannee.  At mile twelve we entered the Suwannee River and veered left happy to see the white sandy shores of the boat ramp.  It was a beautiful day on a beautiful but challenging river here in north Florida.

Map of Withlacoochee River North by B A Bowen Photography

About the Withlacoochee River North:

Beginning near the towns of Tifton and Moultrie in Georgia, Withlacoochee River’s lime stone bed can be dry at times in Georgia due to large sinkholes consuming the water.  It flows through Tift, Cook, Colquitt and Brooks Counties in Georgia and passes through Hamilton and Madison Counties in Florida before emptying into the Suwannee at Suwannee River State Park just west of Live Oak.  The Withlacoochee River North is a designated Florida Paddling Trail and is maintained by the Office of Florida Greenways and Trails.

Click on the slideshow below for more photos of this 12 mile run along the Withlacoochee River North.

Madison Blue Spring State Park by B A Bowen Photography

Many times I have passed Madison Blue Springs on my way to my north Florida property but never took the time to visit. This past weekend, I finally had time to explore inside this spring based park as we were launching our canoes for a day’s paddle along the Withlacoochee River North. There are many springs named ‘Blue Spring’ in Florida and rightly so as the topaz blue waters sparkle like a gemstone in the bright Florida sunlight. Madison Blue Spring has certainly earned its name as its pool of blue waters sit in a pristine setting surrounded by the temperate hardwood forest commonly found in northern Florida. Take in the view from all angles as you follow the path around the rim of the spring. Follow the stairs down to the observation deck to gain a more intimate experience of the spring. The best view is along the southern rim looking down the corridor of cypress and hardwoods that line the spring run as it empties into the Withlacoochee River North

Located approximately 10 miles east of Madison off SR 6 in northern Florida, Madison Blue spring is one of the tributaries for the Withlacoochee River North. This first magnitude spring is one of Florida’s newest State parks. Its clean cool waters make it a popular swimming hole in the summertime. The park also has picnic pavilions, grills, volleyball court, restroom facilities, and fishing areas. The park holds another smaller spring emerging from a funnel of limestone that is popular with experienced divers. This smaller spring is connected to the main spring by a series of caverns that is confined but navigable.
Madison Blue Spring is certainly a worthy visit when in Northern Florida.

Address:
8300 N.E. State Road 6
Lee, Florida 32059
(850) 971-5003

Otter Creek by B A Bowen Photography

Peaceful Otter Creek’s reflective tanic waters offer peace and serenity to a paddler who seeks it. Lying along the Florida Nature Coast, Otter creek is a major tributary feeding into the Waccasassa River and ultimately into Waccasassa Bay preserve. The mouth of the Otter creek lies one mile south of the Waccasassa River Park boat ramp and promises to be a pleasant and easy paddle.

Follow the river as it forks right to enter the creek. Watch for yellow crowned night herons perched in the Cypress trees as they wait patiently for receding tides to expose hoards of fiddler crabs. Listen for the chirping call of an Osprey as you paddle past his large nest of intricately woven branches sitting high up in an old cypress snag. Take a moment to notice the golden sedges that line the waters edge with their delicate reddish blooms swaying softly in the light summer breeze.  Tall cabbage palms and cypress snags make for and interesting foreground against the bright blue sky. As you paddle watch for alligators sunning along the river banks while the bright pink stems of the Pokeweed wave to and fro in the waters gentle current.  Pass an occassional giant hatrack cypress and ponder for  a moment what may have stunted its growth.  Could they be sitting on a bed of rock? A green heron lurks on the shadows on a fallen tree.

The stream narrows and becomes less defined as you reach the end of the fourth mile.  The shallow waters are a perfect home to wild waterflowers such as the low growing delicate string lillies, the tall brightly colored cardinal flowers, and the tiny abundant rose pink flowers of the swamp milkweed.

Map of Otter Creek by B A Bowen Photography

Enjoy the journey down Otter Creek with this short two minute video below.

Video by B A Bowen Photography.

Click here to view more photos of the Witlacoochee River South on flickr.

Below is a three minute video of the days paddle for you to enjoy.  Relax and enjoy!

Directions: From CR 476, turn south onto CR 635. After ~1.5 miles, turn right onto SW 90th Ave. Follow brown signs along the forest roads to recreation area. (Forest roads are maintained and drivable) 

GPS Coordinates for Iron Bridge Recreation Area:  N: 28.5927 W: -82.2219

One of my favorite rivers to paddle along Florida’s Nature Coast is the spring fed Waccasassa River in Levy County.  Engulfed by protected lands, this river less traveled offers true serenity and solitude. The Waccasassa River Park offers a boat ramp with bathroom facilities and picnic tables for riverside fisherman. It has true rustic charm with nary an outfitter or civilized city for miles. If fact, it is best to prepared with bare necessities such as food, drink, and gas prior to making the journey to Gulf Hammock. The closest places for amenities are over 10 miles to Bronson, Chiefland, or Inglis. Yes, the parking lot can fill up with trucks pulling boats on trailers, but these fisherman all veer out to the Gulf leaving, for the most part a paddler to the river all by him/herself.

This past Memorial Day weekend, I paddled three miles up the Waccasassa before the thick dark canopy and fallen logs made the portaging frequent and un-fun. However, I had the pleasure of seeing several Swallow-tailed kites soaring through the skies, snatching grubs from tree tops and eating them all in mid-flight. The level of this river is also heavily influenced by the tide as the water levels can change 2-3 feet with the incoming water as well as the direction of river flow. The mudflats prove to be an interesting place as large populations of giant white clawed fiddler crabs crawl sideways along the banks into the jungle of cypress knees for refuge. When the crabs are out, the Yellow-crowned night herons lurk along the banks and up in the Cypress trees stalking these small but satisfying crustaceans. As I retreated back down the Waccasassa River, I headed southeast at the fork up the Wekiva River (not to be confused with the Wekiwa River in Seminole County).

(Click here to view the Blue Flag Iris on Fine Art America)
The Wekiva River is most scenic as the banks are dappled with an occasional Giant Cypress Tree and the canopy is wide open. In the Springtime, the banks are bright with color as Purple Iris’s and golden Asters bloom in abundance in the muddy flats. Turtles and jumping mullet are a common sight as the water becomes clearer while paddling further upstream. Anhinga, Little Blue Heron, and Tri-colored Heron can also be see foraging in the bogs amongst thick patches Golden Club and Swamp Potato semi-aquatic plants.
This two minute video will allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Waccasassa River and its tributaries.

Located in a secluded area known as Gulf Hammock, the river originates at Blue Springin Bronson and winds 29 miles increasing in volume as other tributaries join the river on its journey to the Waccasassa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Major feeds include Magee Branch, Mule Creek, Wekiva River, and Cow Creek.
The Rivers name is derived from the Seminole words “wacca,” meaning “cows,” and “sassa” meaning “there are”, translating to “Where there are cows.” Much of the River is surrounded by state owned lands including: Devils Hammock to the Northeast, Gulf Hammock Wild Management Area, and Waccasassa Bay Preserve protects 31,000 acres of estuary land around the mouth of the river and nearby coastal areas.

Directions:  From US 19 in Levy County, turn west on SR 376. Follow SR 376 until it ends.  The Waccasassa River Park is at the end of the road (approx. three miles).