Dixie County is a paddler’s paradise where rivers meet the sea. Canoe or kayak the legendary Suwannee River as it winds toward the Gulf, passing cypress knees and sandy banks perfect for picnics. This final stretch of the Suwannee is part of Florida’s Wilderness Trail system, with convenient camps and launch points that make planning easy. If saltwater calls, explore the coastal creeks around Horseshoe Beach or join a guided trip along the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail – you might spot dolphins or sea turtles in the shallow bays. The Steinhatchee River on the county’s northern edge is another gem, offering gentle flow and lots of scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a family out for a weekend float, Dixie’s waterways promise a real Florida adventure.

Gilchrist County is known for its spring-fed rivers, making it a paradise for paddling. The Santa Fe River along the county’s southern edge is famous for lazy tubing and kayaking trips – on a hot summer day, you’ll see families floating downstream in inner tubes, laughing and cooling off in the clear water. Start near High Springs and drift past Gilchrist’s springs bubbling into the river (you can even stop at a spring along the way to jump in!). If you prefer a canoe or kayak, the Suwannee River on the county’s western side offers a wider, wilder ride. Launch at Hart Springs or nearby and paddle under shady oaks and along limestone bluffs. Spot turtles lined up on logs and maybe a deer at the water’s edge. With gentle currents and plenty of places to picnic or swim, paddling in Gilchrist County is a relaxed adventure for all ages.

Paddling adventures await all over Levy County. For saltwater fun, rent a kayak in Cedar Key and weave between the mangrove islands – you can even paddle out to Atsena Otie Key, a small island with a beach and remnants of an old town, perfect for a family picnic and a bit of history. On the freshwater side, the Suwannee River forms Levy’s northern border and offers gentle currents ideal for canoeing; launch at Fanning Springs or Manatee Springs and enjoy a shady ride downstream with turtles and maybe an otter playing beside you. Closer to the county’s southern tip, the Withlacoochee River at Yankeetown invites exploration through quiet marsh-lined channels all the way to the Gulf. Whether you prefer river or sea (or both in one day!), Levy County delivers a paddling experience that’s just your speed.

With rivers and the Gulf on its borders, Taylor County offers fantastic paddling adventures. The Steinhatchee River is a favorite for kayakers and canoeists – you can put in right in Steinhatchee and paddle upstream through quiet, moss-draped woods or downstream toward the Gulf. The gentle current makes it easy for families, and along the way you might see turtles slipping off logs or even a dolphin when you near the river’s mouth. For a saltier trip, explore part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail along Taylor’s coast. You can launch at Keaton Beach and hug the shoreline through grassy shallows where rays and fish glide under your kayak. Bring a fishing rod if you like – paddling is a great way to reach secret spots the boats can’t. Whether you choose river or coastline, paddling in Taylor County is a serene way to soak up the Nature Coast – just you, the water, and the sounds of wildlife around you.