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Apalachicola River Trip 2012

An epic one to two week Kayak & Canoe Educational Adventure of 250 miles from Columbus to the Gulf

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Plan Now to Join Us on River Trip 2012, an Epic Kayak Adventure

 

 

In 2012 we will host our fifth annual paddle trip from the start of the Apalachicola River at our 140-acre campus of the historic riverboat landing in Chattahoochee, Florida and travel eight days and 106 miles southward to the end of the river at the Museum Docks on the historic Apalachicola waterfront.  The trip will begin with a rally and camp out at the Chattahoochee Landing on October 26.  We will arrive in Apalachicola November 2, at the start of the Florida Seafood Festival where all paddlers will take part in the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.  For the more ambitious paddlers, there is the option to begin the trip at Columbus, Georgia, one week and 145 miles earlier.  Participants would be able to start or stop at Chattahoochee, the approximate halfway point.

 

In conjunction with RiverWay South, the Chattahoochee Paddling Club and other partner organizations, we will paddle the entire navigable range starting at the tail race of the last mill dam in Columbus, GA.  In the 1800s Apalachicola and Columbus were proclaimed as sister cities as the Apalachicola River was the corridor of commerce between the water powered mill town of Columbus and the port city of Apalachicola with direct trade routes to European markets.  This year’s trip will celebrate that history and again connect these cities with the new form of commerce based on education and appreciation of the maritime heritage, ecologic treasures and the renewal spirit and body brought about by paddling this mighty river and learning of her treasures. 

 

The Apalachicola River is the largest river in the state of Florida and fifth largest in all of North America.  It begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico as the Chattahoochee River, springing from the mountains of North Georgia along the Appalachian Trail near Chattahoochee Gap at 3,500 feet elevation. Its southward journey to the Gulf is joined by the Flint River which originates south of the Atlanta airport, and joins the Chattahoochee River near the Florida/Georgia/Alabama state lines. The confluence of these two rivers at Lake Seminole creates the Apalachicola River which flows uninterrupted 106 miles into Apalachicola Bay and into the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Cool nights, warm days and a moderate river temperature beckon a hike through the woods or a swim.  This is a great time to camp on the sandbars while enjoying autumn in the sparsely developed river basin.  Learn about the flora and fauna unique to the basin from educational presentations along the way.  To traverse the river with only boat, paddle, and the spirit of adventure brings forth reconnection with the natural world and knowledge of river heritage.  Educational presentations along the way will include a broad array of topics ranging from river hydrology, to timber management, from endangered species to Tupelo honey production, from maritime history to the marine ecology of an estuary system. 

 

We will explore the floodplains, streams, bluffs, tributaries and some of the communities along the river.  We will look at historical sites and the culture of river life.  You will experience the hydrologic effects in the river meanders and oxbows, the broad diversity of flora and fauna uniquely adapted to the flood plains and steep head ravines.   We will learn how reduced water flows affect the nutrient flow into the Gulf and the impact on productivity in the seafood harvest.  We will learn of adaptive management as applied in forestry and floodplain practices.  We will learn to know each other and the river one paddle stoke at a time.  We will camp on the sand bars and bluffs at night and come to developed friendships and knowledge that will last a lifetime. 

 

The Journey begins at Columbus city docks, runs for one week to reach the halfway point just below the Lake Seminole dam in the town of Chattahoochee at the 140 acre museum and outfitter shop and ends at the docks of the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.  Included with the trip is a cruise on the “Heritage,” our 58 foot wooden ketch which, winds and weather permitting, will make the run out across the bay and then out past St. George Island into the blue water of the Gulf. 

 

For more detailed journals from the river trip check out the journals and poetry developed by educators and participants in years past.

 

 

Video Documentaries from Previous Trips

 

These video clips are informative and entertaining.  A great way to get a feel for what to expect or to just watch and savor the experience as if you were there.  The videos are offered in three different formats to fit your computer system and internet configurations. 

 

 2007 River Trip Video Documentary
Select one of the links below for a 30 minute video from the 2007 Trip

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High Definition
Requires a high speed connection

Streaming Media
For slower speed connections

Pod Cast
For your Mac or IPOD running Quicktime

 2008 River Trip Video Documentary 
Select one of the links below for a 30 minute video from the 2008 Trip

 

 

Trip Overview

 

We provide all food for the meals, support vessels, shuttle vans and even a kayak or canoe if you do not have one.  Participants pitch in to help with setting up and taking down camp, gathering firewood and such.  The most common group event is the cargo line which forms daily to pass along gear from the boats to the camping sites.  The Starfish Enterprise is the rally point throughout the trip.  The group is kept together through a Lead paddler at the front of the group and a power boat as the Sweep at the end of the group.  These two keep in touch with the Starfish through VHF radio communications to ensure the group stays together and to help ensure that if any paddler needs assistance it can be readily available.  A satellite phone is maintained on the Starfish in the event of an emergency that requires immediate contact with outside rescue resources.

 

We have strived to do everything possible to make the trip safe, fun and educational.  All participants should be aware that this trip does involve risks associated with extended outdoor adventures in a place where the wilderness that contains beauty and relaxation also contains hazards associated with poisonous snakes, alligators, biting and stinging insects and water hazards.

 

Support Vessels

 

Core to the logistical support is the Starfish Enterprise, a 36’ power catamaran that has been customized to support long range paddle trips.  The starfish is powered with twin 150hp outboards and has flip down running boards along both sides to allow paddlers to pull up, tie off and go aboard for rest and / or refreshment.  The Starfish has a ramp attached to the front or side to the shore that allows easy access to the galley where the meals are prepared and served.  Other features include wash up facilities and hot showers, 120VAC electricity, ice maker, 300 gallons of fresh water and a marine toilet with a 100 gallon holding tank.  We utilize center console power boats for gear transportation, river shuttles and Sweep to provide fatigued paddlers with a ride. 

 

The Starfish is accompanied by our kayak hauler designed to open up the options for paddler trip when making long lake passages or to allow tired or exhausted paddlers the opportunity to take a break.  This new maritime museum designed vessels demonstrates innovative marine craft for an evolving river economy.  Following are the engineering drawings as designed and as built.

 

 

 

 

 

Cell Phones, Internet, Computers & Power

 

We have a satellite telephone on board for emergencies, although cell phones work in much of the basin.  We have an air card based WIFI router that provides internet access when the service is available.  120VAC current is provided via an inverter and generator onboard the Starfish. Plenty of outlets are available on board Starfish for charging phones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets.

 

Shuttles, Van Transportation and River Shuttles

 

To simplify logistics for the through paddlers and crew we provide land based van shuttle transportation between Columbus, Chattahoochee and Apalachicola at the start and end of the week long segments.  We do not provide land shuttle in between those points.  Anyone wishing to make only a portion of the trip will need to arrange for land transportation on their own.  We do provide limited river based shuttle between the evening camp site and the closest landing for trip embark / debark.  Shuttle vans will pick up passengers at parking locations within 1 mile of the interstate ramps.

 

The shuttle schedule is as follows :

 

·       Prior to departure, shuttle vans from Atlanta (the Buford Dam Store location) all the way down the I-85 corridor to I-185 to the Columbus departure point.  Those vans then continue down to Chattahoochee, FL via US Highway 27 and then to Apalachicola, before making the return trip making another stop in Chattahoochee, FL on the way and stopping in Columbus.  The objective in this trip is to pick up passengers and allow for car drops at the trip stop point. 

·       At the End of Week #1, we will run vans from Chattahoochee, FL to Apalachicola and then return back northward to Chattahoochee, Columbus and Buford as necessary.

·       At the End of Week #2, we will run vans from Apalachicola to Chattahoochee, Columbus and Buford.

 

Shuttles for the day trip participants will be handled by power boat that will run the participant back up to the put in point where they joined that day.  Day trip participants must either return at the end of the day or continue the paddle all the way to the finish in Apalachicola.  There will be no shuttle vans supporting day trip participants since they will be returned by boat. 

 

Gear Planning- What we provide

 

We provide camping tables & chairs, portable fire pit, rain tarps for foul weather, lanterns, shovels, axes, hatchets and saws.  When we provide the kayak or canoe, we also provide a paddle and PFD.

 

Gear Planning- What you will need to provide

 

You need to bring clothing, personal rain gear, tent and sleeping bag, dry bags as necessary to transport you gear and a spirit of adventure.  Overnight accommodations consist of camping on the sand bars, bluffs or designated campgrounds along the river.  Use the Suggested Gear List  for more information on what to bring.

 

 

Trip Schedule and Charts

 

The following chart provides a summary trip schedule.  Below that is a more detailed description that progresses through the trip on a day by day basis providing a chart and individual daily agenda.

 

 

2012 River Trip Schedule

Description

Departure point

River Miles

Week 1 – Columbus to Chattahoochee

Day #1

Columbus City Docks

25

Day #2

River Bend Park, Cusseta

30

Day #3

Florence Marina State Park

15

Day #4

George Bagby State Park

20

Day #5

Smith’s Landing Sandbar

15

Day #6

Coheelee Creek Public Use Area

20

Day #7

Neal’s Landing

20

 

Week 2 –Chattahoochee to Apalachicola

 

Day #8

Chattahoochee Landing

10

 

Day #9

Blue Spring Run

14

Day #10

Alum Bluff

14

Day #11

Estiffanulga

21

Day #12

Gaskin Park

19.6

Day #13

Owl Creek

13.7

 

Day #14

Bloody Bluff

10

 

 

Each day is described with a brief narrative of the logistics of where we will go and what we will do with some of the highlights of what you will see along the way.  Following this narrative is a chart that identifies key landmarks and stops along the way and the mileage to be traversed.  There are mile markers along the entire river course that are maintained by the US Coast Guard that will help you keep track of where you are. 

 

Some elements of the schedule may change as the trip nears so you should plan to access this web page just before departing for the most up to date information.  You can click on the chart thumbnail at start of the start of the narrative for any day to get an enlarged chart.  Note that this is a 12 MB file which may take some time to load.  We will provide a laminated chart set and schedule to each participant.

 

Week 1 – Columbus to Chattahoochee

 

Introduction – We are still working on the detailed arrangements for the first week of the river trip. We have identified a preliminary schedule of the overnight points along the way, but the educational sessions and points of interest are still being developed.  The crew and volunteers are working diligently to bring the additional details together and will be doing an exploratory run on May 25th with trip leaders.  Stay tuned to this web page for updates. 

 

Arrival and Orientation Day – Plan to arrive at the Columbus City docks on Friday, 10/21,  before the trip begins to help ensure we have as much preparation done so we can leave early on Day #1.  If you are taking the shuttle from Atlanta, the departure site is The Dam Store at 1250 Buford Dam Road.  You may also coordinate directly with trip staff to arrange for a pickup along the I-85/185 corridor on the way to Columbus.

 

 

 Day #1 : Columbus City Docks  to River Bend Park (25 Miles) – This day will begin just below the last historic mill dam on the Chattahoochee River.  Much of the river along this stretch is part of the Fort Benning military reservation.  Lake Eufaula actually backs up water all the way to the mill dam when the lake is at full pool, so there is not much of a river flow.  As you paddle this streatch of the river you will watch it transition from the high banked and deep valley of the Columbus fall line river course into the broad flood plain and alluvial sedimentation area near River Bend Park.  There are many interesting geological features notable during the transition from the fall line into the coastal plan.  And don’t worry about the length of this paddle run and the absence of moving water, as we have our fourty USCG certified 40 passenger catamaran, the Starfish Enterprise, to provide a break for any paddler that would like to hop a ride and put the kayak in tow.

 

 

Day #2 : River Bend Park to Florence Marina State Park  (15 Miles) – This day will take us from the alluvial area at the very beginning of Lake Eufaula into the main body.  You will paddle past some very interesting limestone bluff areas with deep ledges going into the water and notice meandering tributaries that are backed up with lake waters.  During the days of gravel operations, much aggregate extraction came from this area which was transported via barge down to the Chattahoochee gravel operations. 

 

We are hopeful that, given the season, we will get a nice Northwesterly backing wind for this stretch of the paddle trip as lake paddles can be very demanding in the event of a head wind.  Either way the Tiger Lilly will offer a break from the rigors of an open water paddle should it be necessary.  Florence Marina is an attractive state park with nice facilities for the evening we will spend there.  A truly picturesque little marina store and a boat basin with many wooden classics.

 

 

Day #3 : Florence Marina State Park to George Bagby State Park (30 Miles) – This day takes us through the main body of Lake Eufaula where we will traverse past the mid lake ridge and by the large bluffs on the Western shore where the city of Eufaula is located.  The lake passage is a beautiful one with mostly wooded shores, beaches and lots of wildlife.  George Bagby park is another very nice facility with nature trails and nice accommodations.  This is very close to the dam and locks and the historical river crossing at Ft. Gaines.

 

 

 

 

 

Day #4 : George Bagby State Park to Smith’s Landing Sandbar (20 Miles) – This day will transition our adventure from a lake trip back to a steep bluffed river corridor.  Going through the locks will drop us 88’ from the lake level to the river.  This is the longest lock drop in the Eastern US.  Upon emerging from the locks into the river basin, the steep vegetated banks provide a stunning variety of plant and animal life.  This portion of the river is subject to changing river levels due to the power generation at the dam.  We will traverse a good distance down river where the rises and falls are somewhat moderated and camp at Smith’s Landing sandbar.  This landing was a significant stopover on the riverboat passages as it provided a safe mooring and enjoyable leisure area.  It has been owned by the same family since those times and is still place for an afternoon or evening stay.  There is at least one of the old paddle wheel boats sunken in the bend across the river.

 

 

Day #5 : Smith’s Landing Sandbar to Coheelee Creek Public Use Area (15 Miles) – This day will continue our southward trek through the river corridor where we will pass many of the historical riverboat junctions and landings.  The river banks are sparsely populated with only an occasional cabin along the shore.  Most notable along this stretch is the abundance of nature in the river basin.  Around mid day we will pass through the shortest “lake” along the river trip where the George Andrews lock and dam raises the river level over the rapids that once made this river treacherous for steam boat traffic. 

 

 

 

 

Day #6 : Coheelee Creek Public Use Area to Neal’s Landing (15 Miles) – This day will take us past the Georgia, Alabama, Florida tri state border and into Florida.  The river at Neals’s Landing is just beginning the transition into Lake Seminole.  Another day of incredible natural beauty and easy river paddling, this is a river day to enjoy the ever broadening Chattahoochee as she meanders on her way to Chattahoochee.

 

 

 

 

 

Day #7 : Neal’s Landing to Chattahoochee Landing (25 Miles) – This day will take us through Lake Seminole and the confluence of the Flint River.  We will stop off at one of the fish camps along the way for a luncheon in what was once a Corps of Engineers construction camp when the lake was being built.  Lake Seminole is a broad and very shallow lake where you will see huge broad pans of water lily and forests of stumps in what was once a forest of pine and live oak.  We will pass through the lock on Lake Seminole and emerge into the Apalachicola River where we will make the brief paddle to Chattahoochee Landing.

 

This is our last day on the Chattahoochee River and the start of the Apalachicola River, which is formed by the confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers at approximately the center of Lake Seminole. The Jim Woodruff Dam and lock were part of the 1950s era project that established the shipping channel which extends all the way to Columbus, Georgia. 

 

Everyone will boat across Lake Seminole aboard the Starfish, with options to either remain aboard the Starfish or paddle through the lock to Chattahoochee Landing.

 

This day concludes the first week of the river trip with participants reaching Chattahoochee Landing to meet up with folks joining us for the second week of the trip.  After arriving at Chattahoochee Landing, we will tour the Jim Woodruff Dam at Lake Seminole and the historic city of Chattahoochee. For those ending the trip here, a van shuttle will return you to Apalachicola, Columbus or Atlanta.

 

Later in the evening, spend time getting acquainted with new campers and enjoy a cookout at the magnificent 140 acre Chattahoochee Landing Site recently acquired for expansion of the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.  This location has a magnificent view of the river and dam. It is situated on a high bluff overlooking the limestone banks where multiple clear freshwater springs come forth to create the spawning habitat of the endangered sturgeon.  This was a major steamboat junction in the 1800s, and the frames of several of the steamboats can still be seen at the river’s edge.  

 

 

Map1web.jpgChattahoochee Arrival and Departures – For those joining us for the second week of the trip, please plan to arrive early on this day to check in for the trip and get situated at the camp site.  If you are going to take the shuttle bus, be sure to arrive on time.  The departure point for the shuttle from Apalachicola is the Maritime Museum at 103 Water Street.  Alternatively, you can leave your car at the Chattahoochee Landing departure site and plan to take the shuttle back from Apalachicola after the trip.  If you are taking the shuttle from Atlanta, the departure site is The Dam Store at 1250 Buford Dam Road. 

 

Both sites are secure and have no charge.  For those with us on the first week of the trip, we will arrive at Chattahoochee Landing via the river. Plans are to traverse Lake Seminole aboard the Starfish. Those wishing to paddle a portion of this day will have the option to kayak or canoe through the locks and paddle to Chattahoochee Landing.

 

 If you are departing after the Columbus to Chattahoochee section of the trip, a shuttle will return you to Columbus, Atlanta or Apalachicola. If you are continuing the paddle trip, simply find a spot to pitch your tent and get ready for afternoon activities in Chattahoochee.

 

This day concludes the first week for the trip with participants reaching Chattahoochee Landing to meet up with participants joining us for the second week of the trip.  After arriving at Chattahoochee Landing, we will tour the Jim Woodruff Dam at Lake Seminole and historic Chattahoochee. Later that evening, spend time getting acquainted with new campers and enjoy a cookout at the magnificent 140 acre Chattahoochee Landing Site recently acquired for expansion of the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.  This location has a magnificent view of the river and dam and overlooks the limestone banks where multiple clear freshwater springs come forth to create the spawning habitat of the endangered sturgeon.  This was a major steamboat junction in the 1800s, and the frames of several of the steamboats can still be seen at the river’s edge. 

 

Date

Distance

Day

Time   (EST)

River Mile

Location

Points of Interest

Day Trip Access

Notes

Friday

 

7

10:00 AM

 

Apalachicola

Maritime Museum

 

Optional Shuttle for participants/kayaks/gear to Chattahoochee Landing.  The departure point for the shuttle will be the Apalachicola Maritime Museum at 103 Water Street in Apalachicola.

 

 

 

 

12:30 PM

 

Chattahoochee Landing

Camp Site and parking

 

Meet at the Chattahoochee Landing site for lunch, welcome to new participants & shuttle to Jim Woodruff Dam, Nature and Historic Tours

 

 

 

1:30 PM

 

Jim Woodruff Dam

Dam Tour

 

Park in top level parking lot     

 

 

 

3:00PM

 

City of Chattahoochee

Nature Walk and History Tour

 

Local historian will lead historic tour of Chattahoochee; Hiking tour of nature park

 

 

 

:4:00 PM

 

Chattahoochee Landing

Shuttle Departure

 

Shuttle north for Columbus and Atlanta, GA

 

 

 

6:30 PM

 

Chattahoochee Landing

Dinner

 

 Greetings from Chattahoochee Leadership and Cookout

 

7:30 PM

Chattahoochee Landing

Education

Local edible mushrooms

 

 

 

Week 2 –Chattahoochee to Apalachicola

 

Map2web.jpgDay #8 : Chattahoochee to Blue Spring Run (10 Miles) – This first day on the Apalachicola River is a relatively short paddle trip to allow everyone to get introduced to the river and to get settled in for the trip.  The departure point is on Lake Seminole where we will paddle a short distance and then enter the lock to make passage down through to the river level.  This is the start of the Apalachicola River which is formed by the confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers.  The dam and lock were part of the 1950s era project that established the shipping channel which extends all the way to Columbus, Georgia.  After exiting the lock we will paddle to the Chattahoochee Landing Park for lunch and an education session.  We will paddle to Means Creek where the creek along with the adjacent watersheds along the bluffs of the upper Apalachicola River, has the steepest topographical relief in Florida.  In addition, The Nature Conservancy has listed is area as one of six hot spots of American biodiversity with the upper Apalachicola River having the highest biodiversity of reptile and amphibian species in the United States.  Of the rare plant species to be found here, 16 occur nowhere else.  After a hike through the area, we will continue down the river to the Blue Spring Run with a hike to the spring head before setting up camp.

 

Date

Distance

Day

Time   (EST)

River Mile

Location

Points of Interest

Day Trip Access

Notes

Saturday

10.0

8

7:00 AM

 

Chattahoochee Landing

Breakfast

 

Breakfast at the camp site

 

 

 

8:00 AM

108.0

Chattahoochee Landing

Gear Check & Safety Review

 

Gear check, safety review, break camp & preparations for departure.

 

 

 

11:00 AM

108 W

Chattahoochee Landing

Historic Steamboat Landing & City Park

Yes

Boats in the water leaving Chattahoochee Landing.  Note that day trippers will be returned to the Chattahoochee Landing site

 11:30 AM

 

105.0 E

 Mosquito Creek

 

Sturgeon & Mussel Habitat

 

Presentation regarding Endangered Species habitat (Sturgeon and Mussels) 

 

 

 

12:30 PM

104.9 E

Chattahoochee Landing Camp site

 

Lunch aboard StarFish while finally preparations are underway

 

 

 

2:00 PM

105.4 E

Limestone Shoals

Sturgeon Spawning area

 

Freshwater springs at river side

 

 

 

 

105.0 E

Mosquito Creek

Mussel Habitat

 

 

 

 

 

 

103.3 W

Jackson Co. Port Authority

Former industrial port

 

 

 

 

 

 

102.7 W

Gulf Power Coal-Fired Power Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99.6 E

Flat Creek

 

 

 

 

 

 

3:00 PM

99.0 E

Aspalaga Landing

Means Creek or Aspalaga Bluffs hike

 

 

 

 

 

5:30 PM

98.3 W

Blue Spring Run

Striped Bass Habitat Restoration

 

Optional Short Hike to spring

 

 

 

6:00 PM

98 E

Sand Bar

Camp

 

 

 

 

 

7:00 PM

98 E

Sand Bar

Dinner

 

 

 

 

Map3web.jpgDay #9 : Blue Spring Run to Alum Bluff (14 Miles) – This day of the trip will lead into the bluff country where the eastern shore of the river is flanked by towering bluffs with a broad diversity of species and home to the endangered Toreya Pine Tree.  Rising more than 150 feet above the river, the bluffs have been shaped and divided by deep ravines that have been eroded by streams throughout the centuries. The park is named for a species of rare Torreya tree that occurs only on the bluffs along the Apalachicola River. This once plentiful tree was nearly destroyed by disease in the early 1960s and may be doomed to extinction. Other rare plants found in the park include the Florida yew tree and the U.S. Champion winged elm. The forests of the park include river swamps, hardwood hammocks and high pinelands. Each community contains a different set of trees, shrubs and wildflowers which offer variety during each season of the year. The bluffs and ravines are forested by many hardwood trees that commonly occur in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia. These hardwoods provide the finest display of fall color found in Florida. Over 100 species of unique and colorful birds may be seen throughout the area. An array of animals commonly found in the park include deer, beaver, bobcat, grey fox and the unusual Barbours map turtle.  Animals were not the only inhabitants known to exist in the area over the centuries. A number of Indian sites have been discovered here by archaeologists. During the first Seminole Indian War in 1818, General Andrew Jackson crossed the river here with his army. 

 

Date

Distance

Day

Time   (EST)

River Mile

Location

Points of Interest

Day Trip Access

Notes

Sunday

13.7

9

7:30 AM

98.0 W

Sand Bar

Breakfast

 

 

 

 

 

9:00 AM

98.0 W

Sand Bar

Break Camp

 

 

 

 

 

 

93.8 W

Ocheesee Landing

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:00 AM

93.5 E

Torreya State Park

Hike

 

Hike & Park History

 

 

 

12:00 PM

93.5 E

Torreya State Park

Lunch

 

 

 

 

 

4:00 PM

88.6 W

J.R.'s Landing

 

 

 

 

 

 

5:00 PM

84.3 E

Alum Bluffs

The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve

 

 

 

 

6:30 PM

84.3 E

Alum Bluffs

Camp

 

 

 

 

 

7:00 PM

84.3 E

Alum Bluffs

Dinner

 

 

 

 

Map4web.jpgDay #10 : Alum Bluff to Estiffanulga (21 Miles) – We will pass through the limestone shoals where huge granite boulders are located in the middle of the river and clear cold springs feed into the river just below the bluffs.  From there the river flows through the historical Blountstown which was once a vital center of river commerce and the bricks of the old wharfs are still to be found by the river’s edge.  In this section of the river, the bluffs of the Pelham Escarpment give way to the ever widening river flood plain.  Time permitting, we will take a side trip into either Sutton Lake & Bayou or one of the oxbow lakes created by the meandering river known as the Poloway Cutoff, one of the few places where the endangered species of mussels, Elliptoideus sloatianus, can be found.

 

Date

Distance

Day

Time   (EST)

River Mile

Location

Points of Interest

Day Trip Access

Notes

Monday

21.0

10

7:30 AM

84.3 E

 

Breakfast

 

 

 

 

 

8:00 AM

80.5 E

Bristol Landing Park

 

Yes

Day tripper pick up

 

 

 

9:00 AM

84.3 E

 

Break Camp

 

 

 

 

 

10:00 AM

80.5 E

Bristol Landing Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

79.5

Hwy 20 Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78.2 W

Sutton Lake & Bayou

Cypress Swamp

 

Optional side creek paddle & hike in a Cypress swamp that looks like "a bizarre hobbit-land"

 

 

 

11:00 AM

77.4 W

Blountstown (Neal) Landing

Historic Steamboat Landing & City Park    

 

Presentation on River Hydrology by Helen Light, retired USGS 

 

 

 

12:00 PM

77.4 W

Blountstown (Neal) Landing

Lunch

 

 

 

 

 

 

71.1 E

Poloway Cutoff

 

 

Site of the endangered mussel species

 

 

 

5:00 PM

63.9 E

Estiffanulga Boat Ramp

 

 

 

 

 

 

6:00 PM

62.7 E

Sand Bar

Camp

 

 

 

 

 

7:00 PM

62.7 E

Sand Bar

Dinner

 

Presentation on private land conservation by Phillip McMillan, Neal Land & Timber 

 

 

Map5web.jpgDay #11 : Estiffanulga to Gaskin Park (21 Miles) – This day of the trip departs “‘Stiff-’n’-Ugly’ Bluff, the highest bluff on the river between Apalachicola and Bristol and takes us through the ever broadening floodplain with many tributaries including Mary's Slough, Iamonia Lake, Hageman's Ditch and the Florida River eventually ending at the Chipola Cutoff.  During this portion of the trip you will see the impact of dredging of the river where entrenchment of the river bed has lowered the river level leaving many of these tributaries inaccessible because of waterfalls or very shallow water at their junction with the main river channel, except during periods of high flows.  About 4,000 acres of isolated aquatic habitat, mostly tupelo-cypress swamps, with standing water less than 3 feet deep, is present in the floodplain at very low flows.  Large tributary lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the river, such as Iamonia Lake support diverse fish communities.  In a recent study, 44 fish species were collected by the Florida Wildlife Commission in tributary lakes during low flows.  Eighty percent, or 73 of the 91 fish species known to inhabit the Apalachicola River have been collected in river floodplains of the eastern United States and are probably present in the Apalachicola River floodplain during medium-high and high flows.  The day ends at the first confluence with the Chipola River where this major spring fed tannin stained water meets the brown silted waters of the Apalachicola. 

 

 

Date

Distance

Day

Time   (EST)

River Mile

Location

Points of Interest

Day Trip Access

Notes

Tuesday

20.9

11

7:30 AM

62.7 E

 

Breakfast

 

 

 

 

 

8:00 AM

62.7 E

Estiffanulga Boat Ramp

 

Yes

Day tripper pick up

 

 

 

9:00 AM

62.7 E

 

Break Camp

 

 

 

 

 

11:00 AM

59.0 W

Mary's Slough/Iamonia Lake

 

 

Optional Side Trip for experienced paddlers

 

 

 

12:00 PM

55.8 E

Hageman's Ditch

Lunch

 

            Presentation on Apalachicola River by Steve Leitman, Florida State University  

 

 

 

 

45.3 W

Iola Landing

Historic Railroad Landing

 

 

 

 

 

 

43.1 E

Florida River

NWFWMD Lands

 

 

 

 

 

6:00 PM

41.8 W

Sand Bar

Camp

 

 

 

 

 

7:00 PM

41.8 W

Sand Bar

Dinner

 

 

 

Map6web.jpgDay #12 : Gaskin Park to Owl Creek/Hickory Landing (19.6 Miles) – This day of the trip will continue through the pre tidal floodplain, which at roughly 7 feet above sea level has many tributaries including Swift Slough, Virginia Cut, River Styx, the second and main confluence with the Chipola River, Kennedy Creek and Owl Creek. We will paddle up Owl Creek to our overnight camping spot at Hickory Landing.  We will see the continuing efforts of the Battle Bend restoration project to reopen low flow connectivity to the Battle Bend Slough which had been filled with spoil from channel dredging operations of years gone by.  Time permitting, we will explore River Styx with it’s clear blue green water flows. This river isnamed after the river in Hades, according to Greek mythology, across which Charon carried dead souls, and it is a hauntingly beautiful place of rarely seen flora.  The Apalachicola River continues to broaden through this stretch with enormous sand bars and canopied banks of cypress, oak, palm and tupelo trees.  The paddle trip up Owl Creek to Hickory Landing offers the tour of a unique cypress swamp.    

 

 

Date

Distance

Day

Time   (EST)

River Mile

Location

Points of Interest

Day Trip Access

Notes

Wednesday

19.6

12

7:30 AM

41.8 W

Sand Bar

Breakfast

 

 

 

 

9:00 AM

41.8 W

Sand Bar

Break Camp

 

 

 

 

 

10:00 AM

41.8 W

Gaskin Park Landing/Wewahitchka

Dead Lakes & Chipola Cutoff

 

Apalachicola River Restoration by River Steward Marilyn Blackwell

 

 

 

11:00 AM

40.3 E

Swift Slough

 

 

Reference slough site

 

 

 

 

36.5 W

Sand Mountain

 

 

Dredged material disposal site  - River Engineering

 

 

 

12:30 PM

35.6 W

Virginia Cut

Lunch

 

 

 

 

 

35.3 E

River Styx

 

 

Optional Side Paddle up River Styx

 

 

 

3:00 PM

29 E

Battle Bend

River Backwater Restoration 

 

 

 

 

 

27.9 W

Confluence of Chipola River and Apalachicola River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26.0 E

Kennedy Creek

 

 

 

 

 

 

6:00 PM

22.2 E

Owl Creek

Camp

 

 

 

 

 

7:00 PM

22.2 E

Hickory Landing

 Endangered Red Cockaded Woodpeckers

 

Endangered Red Cockaded Woodpecker Discussion by Chuck Hess, Wildlife Biologist, Apalachicola National Forest

 

 

 

7:00 PM

22.2 E

Hickory Landing

Dinner

 

 

  

 

Map7web.jpgDay #13 : Owl Creek/Hickory Landing to Bloody Bluff (13.7 Miles) – On this day of the trip will enter the tidal region of the Apalachicola River.  During this trip, we will come to old Fort Gadsden.  The site contains the ruins of two forts, and has been known by several other names at various times, including Prospect Bluff Fort, Nichol's Fort, British Post, Negro Fort, African Fort, and Fort Apalachicola. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Fort Gadsden Historic Site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1972.  It was at Blount's Fort on Prospect Bluff, where in 1816 a single, red-hot cannonball landed in the powder magazine, causing an explosion heard 100 miles away in Pensacola and destroying the fort, killing nearly all inhabitants.  Anger at this attack in Spanish territory led to the first Seminole War a year later.  The earthen works of the fort are still visible and provide a look backward into the times when the Apalachicola River was the only means of accessing the inland regions of Florida, Alabama and Georgia; when control of this river meant control of commerce within the region; somewhat setting the stage for the current water wars.

 

Date

Distance

Day

Time   (EST)

River Mile

Location

Points of Interest

Day Trip Access

Notes

Thursday

8.5

13

7:30 AM

22.2 E

Owl Creek/Hickory Landing

Breakfast

 

Prepared on site

 

 

 

9:00 AM

22.2 E

Owl Creek/Hickory Landing

Break Camp

 

 

 

 

9:00 AM

22.2 E

Owl Creek/Wright Lake Nature Trail