Enjoy a lazy day enjoying nature

Looking for a scenic, easy day of paddling along a spring fed creek? Head over to Marianna in Jackson County and enjoy the clear waters of Spring Creek. This beautiful, sandy bottom creek winds its way from Merritt’s Mill Pond to where it opens out to the Chipola River. The headwaters are Blue Springs in Merritt’s Mill Pond, with the water flow controlled by a dam at U.S. Hwy. 90.

This fairly shallow creek offers and abundance of wildlife viewing providing a feast for the nature lover. Trees provide a comfortable canopy of shade for part of the journey and provide excellent habitat for wildlife. Pond cypress, green ash, loblolly bay, swamp gum, sweet bay, tupelo gum, water hickory are some of the species that line the creek and river.

The 4 mile trek is an easy paddle suited for the entire family. It is very busy with tubers on the weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. The last portion of the paddle takes you on the Chipola River with the take out at Magnolia Landing.

Spring Creek access is located just east of Marianna near U.S. Hwy. 90. There are two locations to put your vessel in the creek, Spring Creek Park on the south side of Hwy. 90, and Turner’s Landing which provides a flat, sandy spot to launch. To reach Turner’s Landing, turn onto Turner Landing Road from Hwy. 90 beside Eastside Baptist Church (large brick building). Follow the pavement a short distance to a large paved parking lot. Go through the concrete erosion barriers to the creek. ::MAP::

Kayak, canoe and tube rentals area available at Bear Paw Livery.

Learn more about places to paddle on the Chipola by clicking here.

Some information in this article provided by Green Wave Forum.