Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail

 

Have you ever thought of paddling around Florida from one side to the other? Now you can using the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail!

The State of Florida, through its Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), has designated this saltwater paddling trail, which follows Florida’s coastline, stretching from Big Lagoon State Park in the Panhandle, south to the Keys, and continuing north up the Eastern Coast to Fort Clinch State Park near the Georgia border.

The route of the trail is divided so that those who do not wish to paddle the entire route in one trip will be able to easily research their section of interest. OGT hopes the trail will help educate paddlers by highlighting the diverse environment that Florida has to offer, especially the 37 aquatic preserves included in the trail. Paddlers on the trail also have access to almost all of Florida’s coastal parks, historic sites and recreation areas.

Segment 8, the portion of the trail along Pinellas County’s coast, begins at Anclote Key on the Pasco/Pinellas County border and continues south past Fort DeSoto Park toward Egmont Key. The trail generally follows the Intracoastal Waterway side of the local barrier islands. The route is highlighted on Maps 1 though 5 of the Guide to Pinellas County Blueways as it follows the Gulf Coast north to south. This guide also highlights areas of interest to a sea kayaker paddling the Pinellas County segment of the trail.

Comprehensive maps and trail segment descriptions of the route are available on OGT’s Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail website. This site provides the most up-to-date information regarding the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

• Paddle Trail Log – Please use this form to tell us about launch points and paddle trails not included in the Guide to Pinellas County Blueways.