Imagine yourself gently gliding down a waterway, meandering along with the current as swallow-tailed kites soar in the sky above. Fish strike at insects on the surface of the water, while pileated woodpeckers tap away at the trees along the shore, adding to the symphony of sounds. With every dip of your paddle, your worries seem to be washed away, replaced with feelings of peace and tranquility. As you travel further, you realize that this natural beauty is the real Florida.

June marks the month that we celebrate Florida Rivers Month, so it's the perfect time to take a paddle down a scenic river (or two, or three!). Here are two picks for a great watery getaway in June:

Suwannee River

The classic Florida paddling trip awaits along the Suwannee River. It's an excellent waterway for both kayaks and canoes, and you can travel for an afternoon, or a couple of weeks! Check out the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail website for more information on this amazing river full of adventure and Florida history.

Homosassa River

This is one of my favorite places to paddle - it's a great place for wildlife viewing! Dolphins, manatees, tons of birds and fish make the Homosassa River an excellent kayaking trip. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is only a short paddle, and you can hop out of your boat and take a swim in the shallow water nearby. You won't be disappointed.

Looking for more ideas on where to take a paddle? The Office of Greenways and Trails has an excellent online guide to help you find your next trip. Have fun!