CHIPOLA RIVER CANOE TRAIL
DESCRIPTION: The Chipola River Canoe Trail begins at Florida Caverns State Park, where you can explore the intriguing network of caves and formations make by droplets of mineral water. this beautiful trail flows through river swamp and hardwood forests of beech, magnolia, oak and dogwood. Several shoals are found in this pale-colored stream, especially in low water. You should especially note the shoal known as "Look and Tremble Falls" below SR 274 bridge an portage if necessary.
MILEAGE:52
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate
DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate
USUAL CURRENT: Average (2-3 mph)
NOTES AND PRECAUTIONS: Most canoeists should begin at Access 2-the SR 167 bridge. The trail downstream from the state park is dangerous and requires technical paddling skills. The trail here is an old log chute with little water and very low hanging trees. An optional ending for the trail is at Dead Lakes State Recreation Area. The thousands of dead trees still standing in the lake were killed when the area was impounded. Do not attempt this portion in bad weather. Camping is available at the state recreation area. During low water, log jams and submerged rocks may require portage.
COUNTY HIGHWAY MAPS: Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf USGS TOPO QUADS: Marianna, Oakdale, Altha West, Clarksville, Frink, Dead Lake, Wewahitchka.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: Jackson County Sheriff-482-3132; Marianna Police Department-526-3125;Calhoun County Sheriff-674-5049; Gulf County Sheriff-227-1115
ACCESS POINTS:
1.Florida Caverns State Park-3 miles north of Marianna on SR 167.
2. SR 167 Bridge-1 mile north of Marianna (1 mile)
3. SR 280 Bridge-1 mile west of SR 71, just south of I-10 (8 miles)
4. SR 278 Bridge-1 mile west of SR 71, 6 miles south of I-10. (10 miles)
5. SR 274 Bridge-About 3 miles west of Altha (SR 71) 11 miles south of I-10. (8 miles)
6. SR 20 Bridge-1 miles east of Clarksville at wayside park. (10 miles)
7. SR 71 Bridge-at Scott's Ferry. (13 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:
Chipola Outdoors, 1312 East Highway 90, Marianna, FL 32446, (850) 482-7343, Sammy & Martha Euford
Bear Paw Canoe Trails, Post Office Box 621, Marianna, FL 32446, (850) 482-4948, Anna Harcus