Hosted Event Detail

Where:  Milton, FL - Select link for map and directions to rivers and ramps >>

Overview: 
Paddle downriver each day on the Coldwater, Blackwater, Juniper or Yellow Rivers.  Each day trip will have long and short versions.  Trip length will be varied by providing options for the put-ins or takeouts.  Actual put-in and takeout locations will be fine tuned just before the trip based on recent rainfall, river water levels and desired trip lengths.  There are several hotels near Exit 31 on I-10 that are near the paddling locations.  Several participants are staying at the Comfort Inn.  The primary camping option is the Blackwater River State Park, but there is a KOA campground near Exit 31 on I-10.  Sunrise is 7:45 am EST each day.  Sunset is 6:10 pm EST.  Although we will be in the central time zone, all times for the trip are Eastern Standard Time.  We will meet at the Comfort Inn parking lot each morning at 8:00 am EST to fine tune trip plans and finalize shuttle arrangements.

Schedule: 
 

Friday: No formal events planned.  Susie and John T. will check out water levels at the proposed launch sites, most of which are on or near FL4.

 
Saturday: Paddle Coldwater Creek.  The swiftest creek in the area, the Coldwater has many sandbars and is generally clear and shallow at the upper end.  Depending on recent rainfall, we should get a noticeable current assist moving downstream.  The tentative plan will be to launch at the FL4 bridge not later than 9:30 am EST and take out at the CR191 bridge.  The distance will be about 19 miles, but with the likely current will feel like 14 - 15 miles.  We can include early take out options at 4, 9 (limited access) and 13 miles, if we plan ahead in the shuttle arrangements.  Riverside Park in Milton can also be a takeout option, if anyone wants a longer trip.

Saturday night: Group dinner at a restaurant in or near Milton, probably the Blackwater Bistro.

Sunday: Paddle the Blackwater River.  The Blackwater is similar to the Coldwater with a good current, frequent sandbars and scenic shorelines.  Depending on interests of the group (and water levels), several trip options are possible.  A basic 12 mile trip would launch at Cotton Bridge and take out at Bryant Bridge.  Five miles can be added by putting in further upstream at Peadon Bridge.  Eight miles can be added by paddling past Bryant Bridge to Deaton Bridge at the Blackwater State Park.  We will finalize trip plans at the 8:00 am EST meeting Sunday morning to ensure everyone has a trip that appeals to them.

Sunday night: Group dinner at a location to be determined during the Sunday trip.

Monday: Paddle Sweetwater/Juniper Creeks or the Yellow River.  The Sweetwater/Juniper Creeks option would launch at Sandy Landing on Sweetwater Creek and take out at Indian Ford Bridge on Juniper Creek, 11 miles.  The Yellow River option would launch at the Highway 87 bridge near the hotels, paddle upstream and explore several small creeks and return to the put in ramp (i.e. shuttle setup not required).  Both options would allow for an early start on the return trip home.  We will finalize trip plans at the 8:00 am meeting Monday morning.
   
Links
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Blackwater River State Park                        River Photos

Milton/Gulf Pines KOA                                Blackwater Bistro

Blackwater Canoe Rental                            Hemingway's Island Grill

NOAA River Level - Coldwater                      USGS River Level - Coldwater