ECONFINA CREEK CANOE TRAIL
DESCRIPTION: The Econfina is an unusually beautiful, swift-flowing creek. High limestone walls and sand bluffs, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife characterize this remote creek. The upper section is narrow with tight curves and several fast water chutes. The lower section is spring-fed and slower.
MILEAGE: 22 miles
SKILL LEVEL: Technical (1-3) and beginner (3-5)
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous (1-3) AND MODERATE (3-5) USUAL CURRENT: SWIFT (3+ MPH)
NOTES AND PRECAUTIONS: The upper section is for skilled paddlers only. When the depth gauge under Scott's Bridge reads below 2.0', log jams and shallow water make canoeing difficult. Canoeing is best at 2.0'-4.0', with 2.5' considered optimum. Expect pullovers and log jams. Above 4.0' is dangerous. Do not canoe when flooded. Permits to camp in the Walsingham Bridge area are available at Washington County Tax Collector's Office (P.O. Box 647, Chipley, Fl 32428-0647, (904) 638-1969.)
COUNTY HIGHWAY MAPS: Bay, Washington
USGS TOPO QUADS: Alford SE, Compass Lake, Gap Lake, Bennett, Bayhead
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: Washington County Sheriff - 638-1147 or 638-0610; Bay County Sheriff - 785-4351.
ACCESS POINTS:
1.Scott's Bridge - From US 341 four miles north of Fountain, Take Scott's Road west four miles to bridge.
2. Walsingham Bridge - Take 231 north from Fountain, about 2 miles. Turn west (left) on Owenwood Road, about 2 1/2 miles. Turn south (left) on Deep Springs Road, about 1/2 miles. Turn west (right) on Brown Road. Bear to the northwest; then, southwest parallel to the river, about 7 miles. Last 5 miles - deep sand. 10 miles)
3. Econfina Canoe Livery - One mile north of SR 20 on Strickland Road. (5 miles)
4. SR 20 Bridge (1 mile) 5.SR 388 Bridge. (6 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:
Econfina Creek Canoe Livery 5641-A PorterPond Rd. Youngstown, FL 32466 (850) 722-9032 Clifford & Debbie Gay