It's easy to cast away your cares and find peace and relaxation among Florida's matchless beauty – there's nothing like the quiet of Mother Nature to soothe and give you a fresh outlook on things. An added bonus is the many opportunities to see wildlife along the way – white and blue herons, turtles, alligators, and sandhill cranes to name a few. So, pack a picnic and test your spirit of adventure... discover the "real" Florida.
Almost 50 of Florida's State Parks permit canoeing, with over half of those offering equipment rentals, so no matter where you are in the state, chances are you are close to water. Here are some of the more popular locations for setting out on your adventure...
Blackwater River State Park (Holt) - The Blackwater River is considered to be one of the purest sand bottom rivers in the world. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the diversity of plants found in the park.
Blackwater River State Park is located 15 miles northeast of Milton off U.S. 90 in Northwest Florida.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park (Fort White) - Ichetucknee Springs was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1972. It gives rise to the clear and sparkling Ichetucknee River, which flows six miles through hammocks and swamp before joining the Santa Fe River. A sandhill community supports an abundance of wildlife. The area is a favorite summer tubing destination from May 1 to Labor Day.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located four miles northwest of Fort White, off SR 47 and 238 in Northeast Florida. Canoes are available for rent.
Myakka River State Park (Sarasota) - Myakka River State Park was originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and was named for the Myakka River which flows through it for 12 miles. Grassy marshes lead to the Upper Myakka Lake.
Myakka River State Park is located nine miles east of Sarasota on SR 72 in Southwest Florida. Canoe rentals are available.
Little Manatee River State Park (Wimauma) - The Little Manatee River has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water and is part of Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. It flows for four and one half miles through Little Manatee River State Recreation Area, but flows almost 40 miles before emptying into Tampa Bay.
Little Manatee River State Park is located five miles south of Sun City off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road in Southwest Florida.
Long Key State Park (Long Key) - The subtropical waters of the Florida Keys have been the playground of pirates and the rich and famous since the 1700s. Today, you can enjoy the same tropical allure – an abundance of marine and bird life, as well as tropical hammocks.
Long Key State Park is located at Mile Marker 67.5 on the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys.
Suwannee River State Park (Live Oak) - The Suwannee River State Park has historic significance. It is the site of earthworks built during the Civil War by Confederate troops as well as an historic cemetery and a landing for steamboats which once cruised the rivers in the area. The scenic Withlacoochee River joins the historic Suwannee River across from a rustic overlook providing a panoramic view of the rivers. River swamp, hardwood hammocks, and native wildlife abounds.
Suwannee River State Park is located 13 miles west of Live Oak off U.S. 90 in Northeast Florida.
