A Guide to Florida’s Top
Canoeing & Kayaking Trails
Paddling Trails
Florida Paddling Trails
Florida
Leave No Trace Principles
When you paddle, please observe these principles of Leave
No Trace. For more information, log on to Leave No Trace
at www.lnt.org.
q Plan Ahead and Prepare
q Camp on Durable Surfaces
q Dispose of Waste Properly
q Leave What You Find
q Minimize Campfire Impacts
q Respect Wildlife
q Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Trail Tips
When you paddle, please follow these tips. Water
conditions vary and it will be up to you to be
prepared for them.
1. Know waterway conditions and be aware
of water levels and currents. Tides and winds
can significantly affect the difficulty of the trip. Under
normal conditions, allow a minimum of two-miles per
hour paddling time.
2. WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)!
Florida law requires a readily accessible and wearable
Coast Guard approved PFD with attached whistle for
each occupant. Children under age 6 must wear PFDs.
3. Bring plenty of food and water. Drinks should be
in non-breakable containers; food and gear in watertight
containers. One gallon of water is suggested per person
per day for overnight trips. For day trips ½ gallon per
person is recommended.
4. Use bug spray and sunscreen even on cloudy
days. On bright warm days, wear a hat and sunglasses.
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5. Watch for motorboats. Stay to the right and turn the
bow into their wake. Respect anglers. Paddle to the
shore opposite their lines.
6. Respect wildlife. Do not approach or harass wildlife, as
they can be dangerous. It’s illegal to feed them.
7. Bring a cell phone in case of an emergency. Cell
phone coverage can be sporadic, so careful preparation
and contingency plans should be made in lieu of relying on
cell phone reception.
8. If you are paddling on your own, give a reliable
person your float plan before you leav