Outdoors & Nature Insider

Paddle Florida participants Credit: www.PaddleFlorida.org

Want to paddle Florida?

Join in on this fantastic group paddling trip that starts at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak and concludes 123 miles downriver at Manatee Springs State Park, west of Chiefland.

The event is a combined effort between the Florida Park Service and the Suwannee River Water Management District, who are the creators of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, a 171-mile corridor that's used by paddlers, hikers, bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. Visit the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail website  -- or stop in at the Florida Nature and Heritage Tourism Center in White Springs for all the information you'll need to plan a trip along this classic paddling destination.

On the Paddle Florida trip, you don't have to do the whole thing! You can hook up with the group at any point along the route -- make sure to visit the Paddle Florida website for the complete itinerary and additional information. You can turn in your registration at the point you choose to meet up with the group. I'll be joining the group on the last leg of the trip between Fanning Springs State Park and Manatee Springs State Park. Come along and paddle Florida!