Florida Outdoor Getaways 2008 - (Page 15) Big Bend Trail, Suwanee River Left, Great Calusa Blueway, Fort Myers & Sanibel. Right, Big Bend Trail, Suwanee River Tips on Florida Paddling Central Florida: Rivers of the Green Swamps Hidden away in the heart of Florida, the Green Swamp covers some 870 square miles in Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Lake and Sumter counties, and serves as the headwaters for four major rivers: the Hillsborough, the Withlacoochee, the Ocklawaha and the Peace. Natives lived here long before the Egyptians built their first pyramid. The swamp’s inhospitable terrain set the tone for Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto’s ill-fated attempt to conquer the Florida peninsula. Later, during the Seminole Wars, U.S. troops discovered that the Green Swamp provided the ideal backdrop for a protracted guerrilla war. Then, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, homesteaders eked out a living here through timber and turpentine. The Withlacoochee, one of the few rivers in the Western Hemisphere that flows north, is an easy paddle, making it a favorite for scout and school groups. It is possible to paddle the entire 83 miles, but the upper reaches which snake through hardwood forests and cypress swamps, are the most scenic for paddlers. The Ocklawaha also flows north along the edge of Ocala National Forest an eventually empties into the St. Johns River (another excellent Central Florida paddling destination) near Palatka. The river is joined by many spring-fed streams, offering a variety of good side trips. The Peace River is another wild waterway that slowly meanders through pastures and swamps. The official Peace River Canoe Trail runs along 67 miles of the river from Fort Meade to Arcadia; the river empties into Charlotte Harbor. For a list of paddling trails, go to www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com or visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s site on its part of the Green Swamp at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us continued Always bring and wear a life preserver, also known as a personal flotation device. While waters are often shallow, it is a sensible protection against the unexpected. Make sure you tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to return. Cell phones may not work in all locations. If possible, bring a map or trail guide. A small, hand-held compass is also a good idea because it is easy to get turned around on the water. And have a look at your route before you go. Bring plenty of food and water, as well as insect repellent and sunscreen. A small “emergency kit,” with matches, flares and a space blanket, doesn’t take up much space and may be worth its weight in gold. For a list of resources on Florida paddling, including outfitters, go to www.paddleflausa.com. > Outdoor Getaways 15 http://www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com http://www.paddleflausa.com http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us
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