- Beginner Activity Level Beginner
- 7 Days Duration 7 Days
When the rest of the country is bundling up for winter, enjoy an active week of paddling spring-fed rivers, hiking pine forests, and playing on the beach.
Quick Details
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Florida Caverns Expedition
The Camp
Florida Caverns is one of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves and is the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public. The Florida Cavern has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies. The Chipola River and Blue Hole spring provide areas for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
The Paddle
Fed by numerous springs, this scenic 51-mile paddling trail flows through high bluffs, river swamps and hardwood forests, with few signs of humanity along most of the river. Chipola River is photographer’s delight with colorful fall foliage, spring wildflowers and abundant wildlife. The water alters color from clear gold to an opal-like blue, with crystal clear springs tucked along the river. Limestone bluffs and caves, part of the unique karst geology, add to the unique beauty of the Chipola River.
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Saturday: Set up camp and free time in the evening to hike or bike the many trails! Group dinner fireside.
Sunday: Upper section, 4.5 miles of paddling till the river goes underground at Florida Caverns S.P, we will portage (vans) then put back in and paddle 6 more miles to the Magnolia Bridge. 10.5 miles of paddling
Monday: Magnolia Bridge to Johnny Boy Landing. 16.5 miles of paddling
Tuesday: Johnny Boy Landing to Jehue Landing. 18 miles of paddling
Wednesday: Ocheesee Pond
Thursday: Merrit’s Mill Pond
Friday: Spring run from Merritt Mill Pond to the confluence of the Chipola followed by an afternoon hike.
Saturday: Pack it up after breakfast and head home.
MORE DETAILS:
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Our lodging consists of a group campsite, covered pavilion, and a bathhouse with modern amenities.