Outdoors & Nature Insider

Coldwater Creek Credit: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Coldwater Creek - sounds inviting, doesn't it?

Now that the temperatures have moved up into the 80s and higher, you should be ready to spend a little time on the water!  Paddling can be enjoyed pretty much year-round in Florida, but it's especially delightful during the summer months. If the conditions are right, and if you have a sit-on-top boat, I bet you can't resist jumping in and cooling off! Most of my trips are done solo, simply because I'm the guy that never seems to keep up with the rest. I get distracted easily, and if I see a good spot to jump out, I usually do.  Plus, I've been known to take a photo or twenty of the same thing while on the river. That seems to put me pretty far behind the pack!

Let's get back to Coldwater Creek, shall we? This is the paddling day trip (or heck, stretch it out over the whole weekend) that you will not want to miss! Located near Milton in Northwest Florida, Coldwater Creek is a tributary of the Blackwater River. The water is tea-colored, with a fairly strong current. Along the banks you'll find tupelo, swamp chestnut oak and several other hardwood tree species. Turtles and even beavers can seen frequently as well. The state-designated Coldwater Creek Canoe Trail runs through the Blackwater River State Forest for around 18 miles.

Ready to get on the water? Put in with your own boat west of the town of Munson at the State Road 4 Bridge, meandering your way to the State Road 191 Bridge, northeast of Milton. For rentals and shuttles, Adventures Unlimited (north of Milton) can hook you up with everything you need.

Have fun paddling Coldwater Creek!