Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 567-0264
Open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk
DATE OF OUR PADDLE: 24 February 2021 (despite the "Taken" date showing at the top of each photo)
Ranked as one of Florida’s most scenic rivers, the The Withlacoochee River is uncrowded and unspoiled. It is a treasure of kayaking opportunities, with its wild and gorgeous environs, but also with its seemingly unending journey. Several segments and launch areas mean return trips that will provide new views and paddle experiences.
The name “Withlacoochee” is derived from one of Florida’s Native American tribes, the Creek. It means “Little Big Water”, which makes sense as both floods and droughts have caused the water levels to rise or drop many times over its history. Another meaning is “crooked river”, which accurately describes the twists and turns it makes on its way towards the Gulf of Mexico.
This scenic Florida river is rich in history. Hernando de Soto and his men trudged through the wetland areas at the Cove of the Withlacoochee River in 1539. The Battle of Ouithlacoochie, otherwise known as the Battle of Withlacoochee, was fought between the Seminole Indians (led by a young Indian warrior named Osceola) and the U.S. Army on December 31, 1835, along the Withlacoochee River in modern Citrus County, Florida. Awareness of the river grew and during the war, shallow-draft steamers were used to transport materials and men on the river. Then, the late 1800s brought several booming industries to the area, including phosphate, timber and produce.
The Withlacoochee River is Florida’s fourth largest river and is designated a Florida Outstanding Waterway. One of its qualities is rather uncommon: it flows north. Starting in the Green Swamp near Orlando and meandering largely through state forest and undeveloped land for 141 miles, it empties into the Gulf in Yankeetown. The state-designated trail from Lacoochee to Dunnellon is 76 miles. The state’s detailed map and its trail guide have extensive information on places to launch and camp, as well as shuttle services.
On this, my first visit to the beautiful Withlacoochee River, I was joined by my neighbor, Linda, and her dog, Jade (who, without compare, was the perfect paddle pup). We put in at Withlacoochee River Park, one of the most southern launch areas and a very nice location, though there is a walk with yaks and equipment, as vehicles are restricted from going beyond a certain point. No fee or facilities close to the put-in, but the website for the park says the amenities do include restrooms (https://www.pascocountyfl.net/303/Withlacoochee-River-Park).
The cypress forest was abundant with knees and trees, making for some beautiful photographic records. The natural architecture that grew over time, and the evidence of much higher water levels was fascinating. We saw several alligators turtles, but not as many birds as I'd hoped, though I'm certain they reside there. We only saw one couple in kayaks, but otherwise were entirely alone on this lovely adventure.
It was such a great day, we were on the water for over four hours, leisurely letting the current take us most of the time, occasionally paddling to get around bends and spots of evolved nature on our path. Though a noticeable difference in effort was needed on the return to the dock (beside which is the depression where we launched), it was still quite casual.
I look forward to launching at a more northern spot in the future, and hope you enjoy the scenery I've captured!
© April L. Gustetter