Go Paddling!
Jackson County and the region provides many excellent paddling day trips. Paddling is done at your own leasure, your own pace, where and when you want. You can paddle every day all day or even do a quick 1-2 hour paddle.
Each attendee will be given a RockaDock Program which will have detailed maps and tips for the most popular paddles. Things like GPS points for directions, map of the waterway, mileages and tips that will make your day easier to enjoy.
In the mornings we will have Paddle Planning with Trip at the Oasis. This is a great time to ask questions about where you would like to adventure that day and also meet other paddlers. Often times, there are people looking for others to team up with to assist in shuttling for the waterways that require shuttling. If you need assistance or just want to meet new paddlers, this is the place to make that happen. Don’t forget, everyone is here to enjoy the same things and to meet new people!
The most popular paddle seems to be Merritt’s Mill Pond which is a quick 10 minute drive from the park entrance. Simply launch at the free boat ramp and paddle up to the springs in the crystal clear water. From the ramp to the head spring is less than 2 miles in still water.
Located within the park is the hidden gem of Baltzell Spring. Starting at the Chipola River sink (where the upper Chipola River goes underground and then resurfaces less than a mile down) paddle your way upstream about 1 mile against a mild current. Watch for the clear water flowing in on your right, then make your way up the short spring run to the beautiful springhead.
Depending on current water levels, the Chipola River can be a beautiful clear emerald green. The beautiful paddle has a few things to see along the way like springheads and even the fame caves called “The Ovens” that are cut into the bank. Be sure to bring a flashlight! The Chipola actually runs through the park and can be paddled in various sections within a short drive from the park.
Probably the most magnificent spring head around and the setting for many of Trip’s videos is Cypress Spring. This paddle is a 36 minute drive and can be done without a shuttle, but some moderate paddling will be required (it can be done without an upstream paddle with a simple team shuttle). Most say this is one you shouldn’t miss….
Other paddling options to consider are:
- Morrison Spring
- Econfina Creek
- Spring Creek
- Dead Lakes
- Ocheessee Pond
- Spring Creek (Georgia)
- Panama City Beach