Welcome to Paddler’s Paradise: We’re Open for the Business of Paddling!

Whether your preferred mode of arm-powered transportation is kayak, canoe or paddleboard, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is every paddler’s paradise! In fact, 80 percent of Franklin County’s 545 square miles are publicly owned, preserved wilderness areas.

Our area is home to hundreds of miles of unspoiled rivers, creeks and coastal shallows just waiting to be explored by passionate paddlers. Do you enjoy floating on calm, pristine rivers by canoe? Or do you prefer the challenge of a long-distance sea kayak adventures along remote coastlines? No matter what “floats your boat,” the Forgotten Coast has something for every paddler!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle and hit the water trails!  

Paddling Trails on the Forgotten Coast

There are more than 40 designated State Paddling Trails across the state of Florida. These interconnected trials wind their way through the Sunshine State’s rivers, lakes and along the coastal shoreline.

Most of these trails are part of a bigger trail that connects to an even larger, more ambitious paddling adventure. One of these paddling links—the Apalachicola River Paddling Trail—runs through our very own Franklin County.

Keep reading to learn more about the Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and others across the Forgotten Coast:

Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System

The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System is made up of 11 separate smaller trail sections. Whether you’re a paddling pro or rookie, you will enjoy exploring these various canoeing and kayaking trails. These trails encompass nearly 100 miles through the swamps of the Apalachicola River. If you prefer a short, easy paddle, a multi-day river trip flowing into open bays of the Gulf of Mexico, or something in between, the Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System offers it all!

The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (The CT)

Known as The CT for short, The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail is the premiere, 1515-mile Florida thru-paddling trail, often known as “sea kayaking paradise.” The trail includes 26 segments, beginning at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, extending around the Florida peninsula and Keys, and ending at Fort Clinch State Park near the Georgia state line. Franklin County’s portion of the CT is located in sections 4 and 5, the Forgotten Coast and Crooked River.

Ready to explore the Forgotten Coast by paddle? Great news: You don’t have to bring your own kayak, paddleboard or canoe. There are plenty of paddling rental businesses across Franklin County!  Visit our paddling page to learn more about our area’s beautiful water trails, safety tips and local paddling rental stores.