11 - Ocklawaha to SR19

     

Put In: Lat/Long 29°30’22”/81°48’25”

            Southwest corner of Rodman Dam

Take Out: Lat/Long 29°28’33”/81°44’20”

                 Southeast end of Oklawaha Bridge on SR 19

Distance: 7 miles

Planned Stops:  Stop at Davenport Landing for a break. (approx. 2/3 distance)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Estimated Time:  4 hours

Narrative Description:  This is the lower part of the Ocklawaha River and is as it was hundreds of years ago, in its pristine natural beauty, totally unmarred by restaurants, marinas, gas pumps or waterfront homes.  The put-in is a dirt ramp.  There are restrooms at the put-in but not at the take-out.  There are two places to rest and swim on the route.  The river is narrow and there may be motorized boat traffic so pay attention to the noise and move to the side.  The take-out is located ¼ mile off the river on a channel directly underneath the HWY 19 Bridge. Wind is not a concern and you will be paddling downstream the entire way.  Davenport Landing is on the right four miles downstream and a perfect place to lunch.

Dead Creek takes off to the left about ¼ from the intersection of the original channel and the spillway channel.  It is the same size as the river.  Stay to the right.

The natural landscapes are mostly hydric hammocks and flatwoods, with scrub pine ridges and sugar sand banks. This is the most beautiful of Putnam County’s Paddling Trails. The river flows steadily and there is turn after turn to keep paddlers alert. The trail is the most paddled waterway in the county. The Ocklawaha is teaming with wildlife including alligators, snakes, and hornets. There are several sandy beach landings along the river including the historic Davenport Landing. The Ocala National Forest manages a campground here. Seven miles downstream down is the Highway 19 Bridge and Johnson Field boat ramp. 

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