B
LACKWATER RIVER CANOE TRAILDESCRIPTION: Located in the middle of Florida's Western highlands, this 31-mile canoe trail flows through the Blackwater River State Forest. The Creek Indians called the river "Oka Lusa" (water-black). Along the bends, white sandbars provide a perfect place for camping or picnicking. this Panhandle trail ends at the Deaton Bridge, in the Blackwater River State Park, although the river is navigable into Milton or Bagdad.
MILEAGE: 31
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
USUAL CURRENT: Average (2-3 mph)
NOTES AND PRECAUTIONS: The river level fluctuates rapidly following heavy local rains. Check local weather conditions before beginning your trip. The upper part of the river is fairly swift-flowing and requires some knowledge of canoe handling.
COUNTY HIGHWAY MAPS: Okaloosa, Santa Rosa USGS TOPO QUADS: Floridale, Munson, Harold
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: Santa Rosa County-911 or Sheriff 623-6391; Okaloosa County Sheriff 682-2788 or 682-2375.
ACCESS POINTS:
1.KENNEDY BRIDGE-From Baker, take SR 4 north to first paved road west of Cotton Bridge (SFR 47). Take this road north to next paved road (SFR 31). Follow SFR 31 about 2 miles north to dirt road at Hurricane Lake sign (SFR 24). Take this road to bridge.
2.PEADON BRIDGE-Same as above to SFR 47. About 2 1/2 miles north on SFR 47, turn east on first dirt road on right (SFR 50) and continue to bridge. (6 miles)
3.COTTON BRIDGE, SR 4-4 miles northwest of Baker. (5 miles)
4.BRYANT BRIDGE, SFR 21-Take SFR 23 for 5 miles north from Harold through the Blackwater River State Park to dead end with SFR 86. Turn east and continue to SFR 21, which leads southeast to bridge. (12 miles)
5.BLACKWATER RIVER STATE PARK-From US 90 at Harold, take SFR 23 north 3 miles to Deaton
Bridge within the park. (8 miles) There may be access points (both public and private) in
addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching
and/or parking.
CANOE LIVERIES AND OUTFITTERS:
Action on Blackwater, Highway 4, Post Office Box 283, Baker, FL 32531,
(850) 537-2997,
Carlis & Valinda Hardy
Adventures Unlimited, Tomahawk Landing, Route 6, Box 238, Milton, FL 32570, (850) 623-6197, Jack, Ester, Mike & Linda Sanborn
Andrew Jackson Canoe Rentals, 4516 Water Street, P.O. Box 666, Bagdad, FL 32530, (850) 623-4884, Kirk Sanborn
Blackwater Canoe Rental, 10274 Pond Road, Milton, FL 32583, (850)
623-0235,
Ernest (Buddy) & Joyce Polk
Bob's Canoes, Route 8, Box 34, Milton, FL 32570, (850) 623-5457, Bob & Marie Plowman
Lee's Canoes, Post Office Box 283, Baker, FL 32531, (850) 537-9711 , Carlis Hardy