HOLMES CREEK CANOE TRAIL
DESCRIPTION: Holmes Creek Canoe Trail flows through a variety of Panhandle habitats. The upper and lower portions pass high sandy banks while the majority of the trail is through low-lying swamplands. Crystal clear springs, including Cypress Springs, which flows at 89 million gallons per day and Becton Springs, which flows at 40 million gallons per day, feed the creek. The trail has many low-hanging branches and submerged tree trunks which can present a challenge. Gentle curves and a slow current make this a lazy paddle through beautiful hardwood swamps.
MILEAGE: 16
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
DIFFICULTY: Easy
USUAL CURRENT: Slow (0-1 mph)
NOTES AND PRECAUTIONS: An optional beginning is at Cypress Springs about two miles north of Vernon off SR 79 north. It adds 3 miles to the trip.
COUNTY HIGHWAY MAPS: Washington
USGS TOPO QUADS: Vernon, Millers Ferry
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: Washington County Sheriff - 638-1147 or 638-0610
ACCESS POINTS:
1. Vernon Wayside Park - From SR 79 north in Vernon, cross bridge and take dirt road east 1/4 mile to park.
2. Brunson Landing - Take CR 278 west 3 miles from Vernon. Take dirt road 1 mile south to landing. (9 miles)
3. Hightower Springs Landing - Take SR 79 south from Vernon 4 miles to Hightower Springs Road. Go north 1/2 miles to landing. (1 mile)
4. Live Oak Landing - From New Hope, take CR 284 west 1 1/2 miles to second dirt road. Take dirt road north about 1 miles to landing. (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:
Cypress Springs Canoe Trails, Inc. Post Office Box 726 Vernon, Fl 32462 (850)535-2960 Harold & Linda Vickers