Connecting Paddlers to Florida's Water Trails
Welcome to the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA). We are the steward of Florida's paddling trails. FPTA's mission is to develop and maintain water trails, protect the environment along those trails, serve as a resource and voice for paddlers, and promote paddling safety." Read more
Our website has information on most water trails in the state including the longest paddling trail in the continental United States, the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). You can find details on day paddles, campsites, launches, sights to see, and facilities along the trails by clicking on the Paddling Trails link on the top menu bar, under Paddling.
Trail of the Month
Rushing Cutoff Paddling Trail
Submitted by Dorsey DeMaster Region C Co-Director
Rushing Cuttoff Paddling Trail
Rushing Cuttoff Paddling Trail
Rushing Cuttoff Paddling Trail
Rushing Cuttoff Paddling Trail- Trail Details
Description: This 12.2 mile round trip paddle is located within the Choctawhatchee River basin which is protected by the Florida Nature Conservancy. Paddlers will enjoy paddling along wide creeks lined with a mixture of hardwoods, pine trees and cypress. The route begins on Black Creek and merges onto Rushing Cutoff lined by “Old Florida” floating fish camps. At the 4-mile point (GPS Lat: 30.4144 Lon: -86.0772) near the Live Oak Cutoff where paddlers have a “last chance” leg-stretch opportunity. Halfway through the paddle, you enter the Choctawhatchee River, which widens slightly and heads toward the bay. The tree canopy thins, it gives you the impression you are paddling away from the wood line towards the marshlands of Choctawhatchee Bay. Not the case! After leaving the Choctawhatchee, you enter Mitchell River where rolling Gar can be seen. A right turn takes you up the Mitchell River, through Rushing Cutoff where it eventually merges back with Black Creek and takes you back to the boat ramp.
Skill Level: Intermediate due to paddle distance and required navigation skills
Distance/Approximate Time: 12.2 Miles/5 Hours
Launch Site: Black Creek Lodge Marina. 497 Black Creek Lodge Rd, Freeport, FL 32439
Special Considerations: Launch fee. Restroom facility available. Rushing Cutoff offers few opportunities for paddlers to take a break. After the Live Oak Cutoff entrance, there are few opportunities until returning to the boat ramp. A GPS is highly recommended due to the many waterways in the Choctawhatchee basin
Trip planning: In addition to weather, planning for your trip should include tide and wind forecasts. When Trip planning, please see our Paddling Resources > Planning Tools page - https://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/planning-tools
For more information: go to: https://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/s2cb-day-paddles
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