Class II Aucilla River, FL

With high limestone banks and an arching canopy of live oaks, cypress and other trees, the Aucilla River is as picturesque as it is wild. The river is designated a National Recreation Trail and runs 75 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, much of it within the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area and lands managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District. Only about a third is navigable as the river plunges underground near Goose Pasture Road and reappears nearby as a chain of sink holes strewn through a lush, primal landscape. The Aucilla emerges about eight miles later at Nutall Rise and totally changes character, becoming flatter, wider and brackish as it ends with majestic vistas of the Gulf of Mexico

This river is not recommended for beginners as tight turns, rocky shoals, and a short stretch of rapids can be challenging, especially at low water. Expert paddlers can add an additional 10 miles of difficult paddling by launching from Federal Road (north of US 19/27) to Herndon's Landing, but it is typically clogged with numerous log jams. A better option is to begin a 15-mile trip at Herndon's Landing and take out before the river dives underground just north of Goose Pasture Rd. Do not launch from the US 19/27 or CR 14 bridges as was recommended in former editions of the map guide. At certain times of the year, access points might require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. (source: FDEP)

For More Information Visit:

Aucilla River Paddling Trail Guide - Florida Department of Environmental Protection