Small scenic creek in Walton County a quiet journey of natural beauty

Quick moving Seven Runs creek, just north of Bruce, is a scenic paddling experience in Northern Walton County. This short, 2-mile paddle provides a few twists and turns before it flows into the swampy Dead River area near the Choctawhatchee River. Magnificent twisted cypress trees tower out of the forest floor, mingling with varieties of hardwoods, providing a beautiful overhead canopy. The perfect habitat for the songbirds you will hear as you paddle along this tannin stained creek.

As Seven Runs is on the river flood plain, the paddle can be a different experience each time you go. When water levels are low, the creek is fast moving and a bit tricky maneuvering under and around fallen trees. When the water is high, the creek fills into the flood plain, making it a bit easier to navigate.

The put in location is located at Seven Runs Park on State Road 81 in Bruce. The creek runs west to east, with a convenient take out before you reach the river at Dead River Landing. The boat launch offers a picnic area, portable restroom facility and primitive camping with ample parking.

This area is part of the Choctawhatchee River Wild Management area and slated for inclusion in the Florida Forever Conservation program. When funding is available the program acquires strategic habitat areas to protect groundwater resources. During the hunting season, you may happen on a hunter or two camping out at the Dead River boat launch area.

Put-in Directions:
From I-10 take SR 81 South 12.9 miles. Look for Seven Runs Recreation Area on the right. From SR 20, take SR 81 North through Bruce. The County park will be on the left, just past the bridge which crosses over the creek. Adequate parking, picnic and portable restroom are available.
Take out location:
Dead River Road is just South of the Seven Run Recreation area on the east side of the road. The County boat launch is about 2 miles down.
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