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"The Canoe-camping Experts"

The Suwannee River

The Suwannee River flows for approx 225 miles from the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida where it empties near the town of Suwannee - about 15 miles above Cedar Key.

The character of the river changes greatly in its meandering path from the swamp to the Gulf.

The river starts out narrow and shallow and gradually gets wider and deeper on its journey. It flows through many diverse plant communities, from tupelo and cypress swamp to coastal marsh. 

Just south of the swamp the land around the river is flat and there are no high banks. As you go downriver the water has cut below the surface, exposing lime rock banks and interesting formations.

Approximately 6 miles upriver from White Springs (50 miles down from the swamp) the river crosses what is known as the Cody Scarp - an ancient shoreline created when Florida was smaller than it is today. (Florida has also been larger than it is today). Here the river begins the drop from the Florida Highlands to the Coastal Plains. This change in elevation creates the Big Shoals - a short, class 3 rapids area.

Around Branford we are 70 miles upriver from the Gulf (approx 155 miles river miles from the swamp) The river is fairly wide here. The main attraction around here is the springs that are located next to, and flow into, the river. You do not find these (flowing and in abundance) on the upper river. We always have lots of water in this area, even when the river is low (no portaging).

We also offer trips on the smaller Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers - tributaries of the Suwannee (the Ichetucknee flows into the Santa Fe, which in turn flows into the Suwannee).

Thank you for your interest in paddling with 

Ichetucknee River Canoe and Kayak 

1-352-318-4910

backtoaquacaleyquen@hotmail.com

If we can answer any questions please let us know.

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