Explore the Apalachicola River region with us. Our staff and volunteer-led eco-educational outings are fun and memorable. We hike in the spring and fall and kayak year round. Group size is limited and registration is required. Trips are donation based and your donation supports core education programs. Schedule subject to change based on river and weather conditions.
Upcoming Eco-Educational Outings
Sunday, May 19 – West Arm of the Dead Lakes Paddle
Join us as we paddle the West Arm of the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka! The Dead Lakes formed when a sandbar partially blocked the flow of the Chipola River which led to an inundation of the floodplain and killed many large cypress trees – giving this scenic lake its name. Together, we’ll paddle 5-6 miles in between huge cypress stumps and the twisted and gnarled cypress that remain. The paddle will be beginner friendly with no current on flatwater. We encourage you to stick around after and visit the annual Tupelo Honey Festival at Lake Alice Park! Want to read a little about the Dead Lakes before joining us? Check out this blog by Doug Alderson.
Saturday, June 22 – Sunset on Scipio Creek
Watch the sun begin to set and golden hour settle over the marsh on Scipio Creek from your kayak! Join us as we paddle a leisurely 1.5-2 hours along the Apalachicola River Delta, beginning at 6p. Flashlight or headlamp required. Read about one of our previous evenings on Scipio Creek here.
Registration is full. Please email outings coordinator Georgia Ackerman, to be added to waiting list. [email protected]
Sunday, July 7–Owl Creek, a 2 hour scenic wonderland of cypress and tupelo gum trees with several canopied side channels, including Devon Creek. 8:30 AM meet up to beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Contact Georgia Ackerman with any pre-outing questions. [email protected]
We have a limited number of loaner kayaks for eco-outings. If you need a boat, send an email to [email protected] when you register so we can reserve one for you! We’ll confirm boat availability.
Our skilled volunteer and staff eco-outings leaders enjoy keeping people safe and having fun. Wearing life jackets is required for paddling trips and Florida law requires each kayaker to have a whistle within reach. A limited number of loaner kayaks are available for paddling trips. Paddlers and hikers need to bring: water; snacks/lunch; sunscreen; and hat. Paddlers, please wear clothing that won’t weigh you down if it gets wet. Synthetics like nylon blends are best. No jeans or boots.
Registration closes Thursdays prior to trip. Outings are limited and registration is required. Meet-up details are emailed to registrants the week of the trip.
Check out the Apalachicola Basin Trail Guide for a full scope of non-motorized trails in the region.
Thank you Explore Northwest Florida for supporting our Eco-Educational Outings Program!
