New - Fall on the Peace + Fisheating Creek
November 12-17, 2023
Start: Ft. Mead Recreation Area
End: Fisheating Creek Campground
Total Distance: 57 miles
Full Trip Fees:
Includes camping, meals, and shuttle
$575/Adults
$550/Seniors (65+) and college students
Registration Deadline: October 28, 2023, or when trip capacity of 36 paddlers is reached.
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES – please email janice@paddleflorida.org
Paddling Itinerary:
The Peace River, called Rio de la Paz by the Spanish, lives up to its name with its quiet beauty. Beginning at Ft. Meade, paddlers will thread their way through narrow, deep channels with high banks alternating with broad sections and quiet pools as the river passes through dense woodlands. We will also paddle Fisheating Creek which is undoubtedly one of the prettiest streams in Florida. Tea-colored water journeys swifly through thick cypress swamps and beside hardwood hammocks only to open into small lakes where wildlife abounds. This area, is little disturbed by humans. The 8-mile section we will be paddling on Fisheating Creek is one of the most scenic paddles in the state!
| Day | Lunch Stop | Lunch Miles | Campsite | Daily Miles |
| 1 | N/A | N/A | Ft Meade Recreation Area | 0 |
| 2 | At Camp | 6 | Ft Meade Recreation Area | 6 |
| 3 | At Camp | 13 | Paynes Creek Historic Park | 13 |
| 4 | Crews Riverside Park | 6.5 | Pioneer Park / Zolfo Springs | 11 |
| 5 | Take Out at Gardner Boat Ramp | 19.5 | Fisheating Creek Campground | 19.5 |
| 6 | Fisheating Creek Campground | 8 | 8 | |
| Total Miles | 57.5 |
Evening Programs
Evening programs will include presentations from authors, historians, environmental experts, and one night of live music.
Refund Policy
Due to the financial outlay and costs incurred by Paddle Florida during event planning, any force majeure, which includes but is not limited to water levels, inclement weather, and any other Acts of God not mentioned herein, shall not result in the refund of any fees paid to Paddle Florida. Absolutely no fees will be refunded after 15 days before the event begins. Before each trip registration deadline, requests for fee refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
***You will receive a confirmation email message 7 days before the event with all the latest details on the trip and a link to the online waiver***
Shuttle Details
Paddlers will have a pre-trip and post-trip shuttle and will leave their vehicles at either the trip’s launch point at Ft. Meade Recreation Area or at Pioneer Park.
Boat & Gear Recommendations
For this trip, we recommend sit-in kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks or paddleboards of at least 12 feet in length. This trip is for beginner paddlers, you should also be in moderately good physical condition and know how to swim. If you have any questions about the kind of environment you will encounter on this trip, please contact Janice Hindson at janice@paddleflorida.org
Paddle Florida Policies
All paddlers must attend the trip overview and orientation on the first evening. Paddlers must adhere to the safety guidelines presented.
Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bow line, 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize.
Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
Paddlers under age 18 are the responsibility of and must be accompanied by, a parent or guardian. No more than two children under the age of 12 per adult guardian.
Sorry, no pets allowed.
All paddlers must provide emergency contact information and sign a Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for their children under the age of 18.
People-powered watercraft only.
Paddle Florida adheres to all rules put forth by the public parks we stay in, including the ban on alcoholic beverages.
All paddlers must respect private property along waterways.
All paddlers must have basic paddling and swimming skills
Violations of any of these policies can result in the paddler being removed from the event without a refund.
Trip Itinerary
B to C = 13 miles, C to D = 6.5 miles, D to E = 4.5 miles, E to F = 19.5 miles
Yellow = Campsites Green = Lunch/Rest Stops
Day 1/Sunday, November 12:
Ft. Meade Recreation Area, Paddling Miles: 0
Our trip begins at Ft. Meade Recreation Area, where we’ll camp the first (and second) nights. Paddlers can check-in between 1 - 5 PM and set up tents prior to the kick-off dinner and orientation for the paddling adventure to come.
Throughout the week, dinner will be served at 6 PM each night, followed by an evening program at 7 PM. Nightly entertainment ranges from musicians to educational speakers who will provide insights regarding the flora, fauna, history, and ecology of the region we’re paddling through. We’ll eat breakfast at 7:30 each morning and launch boats from 8:30 - 9:00 AM
Be sure to bring a camera to capture and preserve beautiful river scenes, wildlife sightings, and campfire memories.
Day 2/Monday, November 13:
Heritage Peace River Landing to Ft. Meade Recreation Area, Paddling Miles: 6.5
After breakfast at 7:30 AM, paddlers will shuttle to the launch at Heritage Peace River Landing and launch their boats onto the Peace River. Today you are paddling back to Ft. Meade Recreation Area, so there is no need to strike camp. On this section, you will experience tributaries that give the river it’s tannin color, light shoals, forested banks and low bluffs.
A to B = 6.5 miles
Day 2/Tuesday, November 14:
Ft. Meade Recreation Area to Paynes Creek Historic Site, Paddling Miles: 13
Today we will strike camp as we will be paddling 13 miles to our evening campsite at Paynes Creek Historic State Park. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive.
The take-out is at the confluence of the Peace River and Paynes Creek, you will see the flag and sandy beach. There is a short walk along the trail to the day use area where we will be camping, which is close to the pavilions and bathrooms. Paynes Creek Historic State Park is located just downstream from where Fort Chokonikla was built in the mid-1800s as the first outpost in a chain of forts established to control the Seminoles. They never attacked the fort, but the Army was nearly defeated by disease-carrying mosquitos. Fort Chokonikla was abandoned in July 1850 and never reoccupied. It is believed that Indians inhabited the area since about 5,000 B. C. Today, hiking trails meander along the park’s historic sites and the natural plant communities. Winter visitors can see numerous migratory bird species, deer, bobcats, snakes, lizards, alligators and butterflies can be seen all year. The new suspension bridge is open!
Day 4/Wednesday, November 15:
Paynes Creek Historic State Park to Pioneer Park/Zolfo Springs, Paddling Miles: 11
Today you strike camp and paddle 11 miles to Pioneer Park with a lunch stop at Crew Park. Little Charlie Creek enters the river about 4 miles south of Paynes Creek Historic State Park. Gentle riffles sliding over the rock bottom occasionally speed up the moderate current. Pioneer Park offers grassy campsites, a museum and hiking trials.
Day 5/Thursday November 16:
Pioneer Park/Zolfo Springs to the take-out at Gardner Boat Ramp, Paddling Miles: 19.5
Break’s over! Today is our longest mileage paddle of the trip, but as always we “go with the flow”…so no worries! Today we’ll experience a v-formation of rocks and a small shoal below the ramp on the river(depending on water levels). Tall bluffs support a forest of palm, oak, and cypress. Small streams flow noisily into the river at intervals. Depending on the water levels, there will be numerous sandbars and shallow pools. Several bigger tributaries intersect the river along this section. Troublesome, Hickory, Oak, and Limestone Creeks enter from the west, and Charlie Creek from the east.
Lunch will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the Gardner Boat Ramp. You will then have a quick shuttle to your vehicle, and drive to Fisheating Creek Campground, where you will set-up camp in anticipation of the paddle the next day.
Day 6/Friday November 17:
Take 9:30am shuttle and paddle 8 miles back to the take-out at Fisheating Creek Campground, Paddling Miles: 8
Today is Fisheating Creek day! Fisheating Creek is undoubtedly one of the prettiest streams in Florida. Tea-colored water journeys swifly through thick cypress swamps and beside hardwood hammocks only to open into small lakes where wildlife abounds. This area, is in an area little disturbed by humans. The 8-mile section is one of the most scenic paddles in the state!
Lunch will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the Fisheating Creek Campground. You will then load your vehicle, taking with you fresh memories of quiet surroundings, and the serene beauty of this place.
Mission Statement
PADDLE FLORIDA is a non-profit corporation that promotes water conservation, wildlife preservation, springs restoration, and waterways protection via fun and educational multi-day paddling trips in Florida’s most spectacular river and coastal environments. The vehicle for carrying out this mission is the staging of the multi-day paddling/camping trips in each of Florida’s five water management districts from October to April each year. Paddle Florida also seeks to promote Florida as an international destination for nature-based tourism in general, and paddling in particular.
Ranging from three to six days, trips are open to all paddling skill levels and designed to maximize enjoyment of Florida’s natural environments while engaging and empowering citizens so that they may become involved in the protection and restoration of our waterways.
If you wish to be pampered by professional guides, this isn’t the trip for you. But, if you want to experience a real community brought together under a common goal and by the thrill of adventure, Paddle Florida is the trip for you
The Meal Plan
Your Paddle Florida trip fee covers the meal plan, which provides hearty catered breakfasts and dinners, plus daily lunch snacks of assorted fruits, sandwich items, snacks, and drinks.
General Guidelines
Baggage:
Each paddler is limited to two bags and a total of 40-pounds of luggage. You have to haul your baggage and place it in the gear truck each morning, and haul it back to your campsite each evening of the trip. After paddling all day (about 8,000 paddle strokes per day), a 40-pound bag is really heavy. We recommend you pack as lightly and tightly as possible. This saves your back and the backs of your fellow paddlers. Everyone is expected to assist with the loading and unloading of the truck during the week.
Items we would rather not see in your luggage include bulky chaise lounge chairs, framed bedding/cots, and boxes without tops. Your gear should be packed so that it will not get wet. In the afternoon, your baggage may be removed and placed outside the gear truck where it will be exposed to the elements. Overnight rains may result in gear being packed up wet. A wet tent on top of your clothes bag will result in wet clothes. Plan on inclement weather and make sure you have a bag that will protect important gear in the event of rain.
Please place a label on your luggage with your name on it and make sure your bags are secure.
Suggested Packing Lists
For Water: [Note: Unless you’re wearing it, every item you bring should be secured to your boat. Carabiners and bungee cords can be handy devices for this purpose.]
Boat and paddle. Need to rent? Contact janice@paddleflorida.org
PFD. Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bowline 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize. Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
An extra throw rope in case of emergencies should be stored safely in each boat.
Attach a whistle to your PFD or body to signal for help in case of emergency.
A knife.
Waterproof matches or another fire source in a waterproof covering.
First aid kit—each vessel should bring a first aid kit stored inside a waterproof covering.
Repair kit—each vessel should be able to make its own repairs (i.e., duct tape, sealant, waterproof tape).
Rain gear—be prepared to get wet and potentially cold. Every participant should have access to a lightweight jacket or fleece, rain jacket, and rain pants or kayak skirt.
Dry change of clothes—be prepared to take an unexpected swim. Every participant should have access to a dry change of clothes kept in a waterproof covering.
Appropriate close-toed footwear that will protect your feet from unseen underwater hazards and permit you to walk comfortably on slippery and jagged limestone when launching and taking out. Flip flops do not meet these criteria.
Sun protection—sunburn might be the trip’s biggest hazard. Bring ample sunscreen and wear a protective hat and sunglasses.
Mask and snorkel? You’ll be paddling by springs on this trip. Explore them!
Water—drinking water will be readily available along the Paddle Florida route. Bring sufficient water bottles for the day’s paddle for everyone in your boat.
Food—there is little access to restaurants or grocery stores along the Paddle Florida route. Lunch snacks each day are provided to registered participants. You may also want to bring along your own snacks.
Dry Bag or Ziploc—bring a waterproof bag to protect additional items you don’t want to get wet, like your camera or cell phone.
GPS unit? We’ll give you a map, but a GPS unit might also be handy to note the locations of campsites and springs.
For Land:
Tent
Sleeping bag, pad, and pillow
Camp chair
Clothes to keep you comfortable in temperatures generally ranging from 50-85 degrees. Think layers. You’ll likely be wearing more during potentially chilly mornings, then peeling off layers as the day progresses. Remember dry shoes for when you’re in camp and keep in mind there are often hiking trails available at the parks we camp in.
Bathing suit, plus maybe a mask, snorkel, and/or fins.
Headlamp and/or flashlight.
Toiletries and medications.
Other tent items: reading materials, iPod, earplugs…?
A camera to record the awesome memories you’ll be making!