Where to Rent a Canoe or Kayak

Paddling on the lower Chipola in a section of the river known as Ward Lake

Bear Paw Canoe Trails

850-482-4948

21oo Bear Paw Lane, Marianna, FL 32446


Bear Paw Canoe Trails are open daily from April through September. During other months of the year one should call and make an appointment. They have two trips:

1. From SR 166 to the Bear Paw Landing immediately before Magnolia Bridge. On this trip one can see Sandbag Spring, the caves called the Ovens, and Maund Spring, paddle a ways up Spring Creek, or stop for a swim.

2. Spring Creek and Chipola Paddle. This is a short paddle down twisty Spring Creek which empties into the Chipola River, and ends at the Bear Paw Landing. Expect this paddle to be crowded with tubers on summer week-ends.


Scotts Ferry General Store and

Campground at 850-674-2900

6648 State Road 71 S, Blountstown, FL 32424

The Scotts Ferry Store has canoes and kayaks for rent and will furnish shuttle service with advanced arrangements. If you don't call in advance and coordinate with the store, one is limited to paddling upstream and back from the boatramp on the Chipola River.

1. Jehue Landing to Scotts Ferry: A 7 mile paddle from a Calhoun County put-in down to Scotts Ferry.
2.SR 20 to Scotts Ferry: A 14 mile paddle from SR 20 west of Blountstown to Scotts Ferry.