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The Trip

Created in 1937, Okefenokee Refuge covers more than 600 square miles and contains nearly 354,000 acres of designated wilderness. A number of fresh water springs feed the refuge, which in turn gives birth to two well-known rivers, the Suwannee and the St. Marys. Though pure and clean, the refuge's waters are dark due to the tannic acid in decaying vegetation. Species abundance is breathtaking: black bears, otters, sand hill cranes, ospreys, alligators, bald eagles, yellow-fringed orchids, and pitcher plants all find homes in the Okefenokee. The Suwannee runs unbridled from Fargo to the Gulf of Mexico for more than 200 miles. With the state's highest protection, it is one of the cleanest waterways in the U.S. It's no wonder many have returned here again and again to paddle this dark mysterious water.

Itinerary

Day 1: We meet at the canoe/kayak outfitter near White Springs, Florida on February 17 at 9 a.m. Our adventure officially begins in Fargo at the put-in at noon. Our total trip will be 65 miles, starting from the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp, crossing into Florida, and ending at the Sprit of the Suwannee Music Park. On this first day, as we launch our boats, the leaders will talk about what you can expect from the river and help you get comfortable with your boat. The trip on the first day offers us a fantastic backdrop of twisted tupelo, ancient cypress, live oak, and perhaps a few swamp inhabitants. After paddling a few hours we will take a break for a stretch and a swim. With our tents set up, our first night on the river will be spent staring at the stars by the campfire. Each night you can expect a new and beautiful primitive campsite next to the playful river.

Day 2: After a spectacular sunrise we break camp. The Suwannee is flat and smooth on the section we are paddling. Depending on the water level it may bounce a bit. As we drift downriver, subtle changes occur. The riverbanks become steeper, and white sand beaches seem to appear around each bend. Each day we stop to eat lunch, swim, and take time to explore.

Day 3: Today is our first sign of civilization as we float under the Highway 6 bridge. This quickly fades as we paddle downriver. Soon a seemingly magical limestone wall appears on river left. Little waterfalls and crystalline droplets seep from the stone and drop to the to the black water below.

Day 4: Whitewater! Yes, believe it or not there is whitewater in Florida. A long morning paddle through deeper water with steeper banks drops us at the most extraordinary location on the river. Big Shoals is a place where the reef that created Florida protrudes to the surface. Here the river is turned into a bouncy class III rapid. Our camp is on the portage on river left. Yes, we will be portaging the rapid. This is a magical place. Time to swim, play, and hike. A secret spring nearby creates a waterfall and a great place to get a shower. It is easy to drift off to sleep with the visions from the day and the sound of Big Shoals in the distance.

Day 5: After we paddle away from our camp, we have few small shoals (bouncy water) to ride as we make our way into the historic town of White Springs. Today's lunch is a classic southern buffet at the Teleford Hotel. Full of good home cookin', we'll drift a short distance to the Stephen Foster Cultural Center. This State Park was donated by a group of Steven Foster music enthusiasts. It is unique in many ways, from a carillon tower to a gift shop filled with locally made folk art and food.

Day 6: Today is a fun, easy day with lots of drifting, dreaming, and picture-taking. We'll notice higher banks that begin to form -- remnants of the ancient coral reef that once stood here. Fossilized sea fans, brain coral, and sea biscuits can be found at every turn.

Day 7: Today we stop by Suwannee Springs for a dip. This spring advertised as "good for what ails ya" will still leave you with a tingle if you are bold enough to jump in! We usually arrive at the Canoe Outpost by noon.

The leaders will make every reasonable effort to meet the goals outlined in the itinerary. Please keep in mind that weather or other conditions beyond our control may cause us to modify the itinerary in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the group.

Getting There

The closest airport is Jacksonville. It would be best to carpool with other participants. Rental cars and public transportation is available from the airport. If you are coming into Orlando, it is about 3.5-hour drive to White Springs.

We meet at our canoe/kayak outfitter in White Springs, Florida on February 17 at 9 a.m. Participants will make arrangements at the outfitter to ride the shuttle to the put-in in Fargo, Georgia. There is a fee for the shuttle (usually around $25). Vehicles will be left at the outfitter’s establishment, where we will be returned after the trip. It is a good idea to stay locally the night before the trip begins. Your leaders will reserve a camping area locally for participants who plan to arrive a day early. Camping accommodations and shuttle cost are not covered by the trip price. If you are staying elsewhere the night before the trip begins, please plan to be at the outfitter before 9 a.m. on February 17th. Directions and a list of suggested items (gear list) will be sent to all participants.

Accommodations and Food

The leaders will prepare all meals, but everyone is expected to help clean up. Meals included in the trip fee begin with lunch on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day. Meals served on the trip will reflect local cuisine. Count on something chocolate for dessert. Our backcountry accommodations will be primitive.

Trip Difficulty

You do not need great deal of experience for this trip -- just be familiar with a canoe or kayak and how to paddle. Some canoeing or kayaking experience would make your trip more fun. As in any outdoor activity, you will enjoy it more if you are healthy and fit. If you have not paddled recently, take some time to get some practice and review in. The leaders are experienced with canoe and kayak paddling, and help and instruction along the way is always included. A willingness to learn and a positive attitude will get you there. The area's cool clear nights at this time of year normally eliminate annoying insects. We will be stopping every few hours for swimming and stretching. There are many places for quick pit stops along the way.

Equipment and Clothing

A detailed equipment list will be provided to registered participants.

References

Books:

• Carr, Archie, A Naturalist in Florida.
• Logan, Bill, Canoeing and Camping the 213 Miles of the Beautiful Suwannee River.
• Larson, Gary, There Is a Hair in My Dirt.

Conservation

As the Southeast grows, water usage grows. Who owns the water and how will it be best allocated? We are entering a new decade of demand on our ever-shrinking water supply. Use less, enjoy more.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Co-Leaders:

Ben Berauer has led outings for many years in the Southwest and in his home state of Florida where he serves as a group outings chair. Ben has led many local and national Sierra Club paddle trips throughout Florida, and enjoys sharing his experience and love for Florida's river and springs with others. He is also the Sierra Club Local Outings Support Committee (LOSC) South-Central / Gulf representative. He is thrilled with the prospect of sharing this beautiful area with you.

E-mail: bfberauer@aol.com

Rudy Scheffer has led many outings in his home state of Florida in addition to outings in Alaska, Montana, Utah, California, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico. He presently serves as a Group Chair, Florida Chapter Chair, and Chapter Outings Chair, and is the national volunteer co-leader of the Outdoor Activities Program Team. He is excited and looking forward to be part of this trip.

E-mail: rudy@adventuresworldwide.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners