Explore the Apalachicola River region with us. Our 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. Loaner kayaks are available.*
Trips are donation based and your donation supports core education and outreach programs. Schedule subject to change based on river and weather conditions. Questions about outings? Contact us at [email protected]
Upcoming Eco-Educational Outings
Sunday, June 15 -Merritt’s Mill Pond Paddle
Join us as we paddle beautiful Merritt’s Mill Pond, a spring fed lake near Marianna, Florida. There are multiple springs that feed Mill Pond, with first-magnitude Jackson Blue Spring as the main source. Per day, Merritts Mill Pond discharges 116 million gallons of spring water. The last time the spring water was last exposed to the surface can range from years to decades. This is an out and back paddle, we will be on the water 2.5-3 hours and will paddle about 4 miles.  Please bring sunscreen and insect repellant and as always, dress to get wet!  No jeans or boots please.  We have a limited number of kayaks available.  If you need a boat, let us know with an email to [email protected]
July 19 – Chipola River Paddle
The Chipola is fed by numerous springs and features limestone bluffs and caves. This is a longer trip, we will be on the water 7-8 hours, paddling about 10 miles and will stop for a lunch break and swimming.
This trip will be one-way where we will leave some vehicles at the launch location and some at the take-out location in order to shuttle back to the launch location. Please bring sunscreen and insect repellant and as always, dress to get wet! Â No jeans or boots please. Â We have a limited number of kayaks available. Â If you need a boat, let us know with an email to [email protected]
September 6 – Scipio Creek Sunset Paddle
Enjoy Apalachicola’s beautiful Scipio Creek at sunset and end as the full moon is rising. This will be a short 3 mile trip to and from the Mill Pond launch site at the end of Market Street.
Please bring sunscreen and insect repellant and as always, dress to get wet! Â No jeans or boots please. Â We have a limited number of kayaks available. Â If you need a boat, let us know with an email to [email protected].
Registration info coming soon.
October 5 – Black Creek Paddle
Black Creek is a highly scenic blackwater stream near Sumatra with little current. Most stretches have a full canopy of cypress and tupelo gum trees. This is an up and back paddle of about three total miles.
Please bring sunscreen and insect repellant and as always, dress to get wet! Â No jeans or boots please. Â We have a limited number of kayaks available. Â If you need a boat, let us know with an email to [email protected].
Registration info coming soon.
Stay tuned for scenic hikes in the Basin starting in November!
*A limited number of loaner kayaks are available. 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. 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, or earlier if trip fills up. 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!
