Chipola River Paddling Trail

Description of the Chipola River Paddling Trail
The Chipola River Paddling Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. On some website postings the trail is listed as starting in Florida Caverns State Park. This 1 mile section has been closed to create a wildlife habitat and the starting point is on SR 166 one mile north of Marianna at the bridge. The Paddling Trail is 52 miles in length and has 9 access points, 8 of which are at public boat landings. The access point at the SR 274 Bridge uses wooden steps to access the river and the foundation has been washed away by flooding, and is unsafe at this time. Johnny Boy Landing is the closest alternative to that point.This beautiful trail flows through river swamps and hardwood forests of beech, magnolia, oak and dogwood. Wildlife that has been spotted along the river include deer, beaver, alligator, turtles. The most common birds sighted include Ibis, Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Vultures, Hawks and songbirds. There are numerous springs along the river including the main ones named Sandbag Spring and Maund Spring. Limestone appears in the riverbanks, and often rises to form the bottom of the river, creating shoals at low water levels. The main shoal is knows as Look and Tremble below the SR 274 Bridge. Below Jehue Landing in Calhoun County the river enters an area known as Ward Lake. This isn't a true lake, but an area where the river splits into many branches. To continue to Scott's Ferry, one should stay in the section that goes right. There is a red sign denoting this turn, and later on a yellow sign. The river narrows into a small shallow stream, and then immediately prior to Scott's Ferry all the branches reform into a proper river. The Chipola River Paddling Trail ends at Scott's Ferry.