TALLAHASSEE, Fla – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails has recently updated its guide to all 26 segments of the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Florida’s longest non-motorized trail begins at Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola and extends to Key West and then up the east coast to the Georgia state line.
The changes made to to the 322-page guide include several changes in overnight accommodations, including Mexico Beach where one motel is set to reopen in 2020 while another will not be rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Michael. Additionally, a new primitive campsite has been added to Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park in Inglis.
“We are very pleased with the update,” said Office of Greenways and Trails Assistant Bureau Chief and paddling trails coordinator Doug Alderson. “It is important to have accurate information available to paddlers as they prepare for the 2019-20 paddling season, which begins in October.”
A handful of paddlers tackle the entire trail each year while thousands more embark on day or weekend excursions.
“Paddling the trail is the best way to experience Florida’s coast,” said Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper. “We are pleased that all of our coastal state parks are part of the trail. State parks protect unique landscapes and historic sites and offer convenient campgrounds for paddlers. We’re committed to the long-term success of the Circumnavigational Trail.”
The guide is available for purchase on Amazon. Proceeds from the guide are directed to the Florida Paddling Trails Association, a nonprofit group that assists with trail maintenance and promotion.
For more information, contact Doug.Alderson@floridadep.gov.
About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails
The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.
Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Outdoor Florida® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.