• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Florida Hikes logo

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

  • Trails
  • Maps
  • Guidebooks
  • Search
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
Weeki Wachee River

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

One of Florida’s most beautiful paddling trips, the Weeki Wachee River rises from first magnitude Weeki Wachee Springs and winds through lush floodplain forests as it is fed by hundreds of smaller springs along this 5.5-mile paddling run.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park  |  Weeki Wachee
( 28.517350, -82.576015 )      5.5 miles

One of Florida’s most beautiful paddling trips, the Weeki Wachee River rises from first magnitude Weeki Wachee Springs.

It winds through lush floodplain forests as it is fed by hundreds of smaller springs along this 5.5-mile paddling run.


Resources

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover Paddlers Guide Florida

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Weeki Wachee
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill
Distance: 5.5 miles
Open: Sunrise to sunset
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 352-597-8484 (rentals and paddling issues), 850-245-2118 (river quality issues)

Restrooms are available at both ends of the paddle. Rogers Park can also be used for access to the river.

Unless you arrange a launch or rental plus shuttle at the state park, you’ll need to launch at Rogers Park and head upstream.


Directions

 
The kayak launch site is on the opposite side of the parking lot and downhill from the main entrance to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which is along US 19 just south of the intersection with SR 50.
 
Follow the narrow unpaved road down to the parking area that adjoins the outfitter. If the parking area is full, you’ll need to park in the main parking area and walk down here.
 
Alternatively, you can launch from Rogers Park, 7240 Shoal Line Blvd, Weeki Wachee Gardens, and paddle upstream.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

An outstanding Florida waterway, Weeki Wachee springs forth from the first-magnitude head spring inside the state park.

It’s where the famed mermaids have been doing their underwater presentations since the 1940s.

From the put-in at the outfitters at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, it’s a gentle paddling run of less than 6 miles to take out at Rogers Park.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River
The river is generally clear with the turquoise undercurrent coming from its many springs

While the put-in is downstream from the head spring and the route that the boat cruise takes up on the broader portion of the river, don’t feel like you’re missing out by launching below them.

This waterway delights with dozens of springs, many of them adjoined by sandbars.

In a handful of places, you’ll even see burbling waterways splashing down into the river from tiny springs in the floodplain forest.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River
Heading into a narrow spot along the river

The trick, however, is choosing a day and time when the river isn’t busy with other paddlers.

Understandably, this is a popular paddling destination. We recommend early mid-week for the quietest time.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River
It’s rare you’ll be alone on the river

Don’t let the parade of paddlers and the line of houses near Rogers Park lull you into thinking this is not a wild place.

We spotted a fair number of herons and egrets, as well as a cottonmouth and a young alligator.

This is a gentle, winding paddling run with lots of curves and a pretty steady current to keep you going. It opens up wider about a mile before the take-out at Rogers Park.

Pay attention to signage along the right bank – where the houses are – so you don’t paddle up a side canal looking for the park.

Also, the current is swift at the take-out, so plan your approach as you get within sight of it.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River
Along the last mile, there are homes on the north side of the river

Although you pass several spots that look like access points between Weeki Wachee State Park and Rogers Park, they are privately owned.

Respect private property and only pull aside along the river on public land.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River
A private community park along the river

Paddling Logistics

Launching from Weeki Wachee State Park, you’ll rent (and shuttle with) Weeki Wachee State Park Kayak Rentals.

Reservations are required in advance. Reserve online or call 352-597-8484 before arriving for your paddling trip. Both kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available.

Launches are limited to 70 per hour, so a reservation is required to launch from the state park even if you plan to use your own kayak.

Bring water with you, but not from the store: no disposable containers are allowed on the river.

Tote along your own refillable water bottles, as well as snacks and a towel in a drybag, where you will also want to keep your car keys.

We saw several smartphones take a dive into the river, so be sure yours is inside an Otterbox or Lifeproof or similar waterproof case if you plan to have it available for photography.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River
Photography stops are inevitable

Make sure you are at the take-out before your shuttle bus departs, or you’ll get hit with a hefty transportation fee on top of the usual rental fee.

It takes about 3 hours to paddle the run. Plan for 4 if you take your time.

Check the website link at the bottom of this page to review all of the rules for paddling this waterway.

Some of the more important ones include no pets, no alcohol, no disposable containers, and do not approach wildlife, especially the manatees you will see along the river.

Launching from Rogers Park with guided trips and/or rentals, you are paddling upstream against a strong current. Plan accordingly.

Rentals are available from Kayaks and Attractions, 352-796-2289 or The Kayak Shack, 352-610-4169


Explore More

Nearby Adventures

While you’re in the area and enjoying the springs along this waterway, you’ll want to visit the others nearby. Weeki Wachee Spring is at the beginning of the river.

Jenkins Spring is in Linda Pedersen Preserve, where another paddling trail has its terminus.

Don’t miss the mermaids – and the opportunity to peer down into the massive spring – inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Bayport Coastal Paddling Trail

Bayport-Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail

Following the Bayport-Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail for 1.7 miles through mazes of needlerush along Florida’s Adventure Coast, you’re immersed in the sights and sounds of a coastal estuary.

Linda Pedersen Park

Linda Pedersen Preserve

Offering recreational access to the Jenkins Creek basin and Jenkins Spring, Linda Pedersen Preserve provides fine views and fun activities for families.

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Surrounding a sparkling first-magnitude spring, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has been a draw for tourists since its mermaids first started wooing visitors in the 1940s.

Bayport Park sunset

Bayport Park

Where the highway ends, Bayport Park begins. Perched on the edge of the estuary where the Weeki Wachee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, it offers spectacular sunset views along with its water access.

Official Website

Category: Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Central Florida, Launch Points, Paddling, Routes, Springs, WaterwaysTag: Bayport, Best Paddling, Brooksville, Florida State Parks, Florida's Adventure Coast, Hernando Beach, Opt Outside, Rivers, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Weeki Wachee State Park

Have an update? Contact us.

Primary Sidebar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

CENTRAL FLORIDA OVERVIEW
East Coast Greenway. Florida Trail

Brooksville. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. Kissimmee. Lakeland. Leesburg. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Orlando. Sanford. St. Petersburg. Tampa.

Our Newest Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideOur definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. Full data charts and maps. B&W, 356 pages. $19.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Florida Trail Hikes

Florida Trail Hikes 2nd edition coverFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Discovering the Florida Trail

Florida Trail mini coffee table book cover of trail into palm hammock
A visual journey the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.
Order Now


50 Hikes in Central Florida 3rd edition
Five Star Trails Orlando guidebook
Explorer's Guide North Florida & The Panhandle guidebook

Florida Trail Apps

Farout GuidesFarout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the
Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles).

Explore More

Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Marker 26 at edge of pine woods

Alafia River North Trails

Alafia River North Trails
Sunset in a pine forest

Red Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area

Red Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area
Footpath in shade of palm forest with white blazes

White Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area

White Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area
Lengthy boardwalk heading towards mangrove flats

John R. Bonner Nature Park

John R. Bonner Nature Park

Footer

FIND A TRAIL OR PARK

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Apalachicola National Forest. Blackwater River State Forest. Blountstown. Bonifay. Bristol. Cape San Blas. Carrabelle. Chattahoochee. Chipley. Crawfordville. Crestview. DeFuniak Springs. Destin. Ebro. Eglin Air Force Base. Fort Walton Beach. Freeport. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Madison. Marianna. Milton. Monticello. Mossy Head. Navarre Beach . Niceville. Panama City Beach. Pensacola. Ponce De Leon. Port St. Joe. Quincy. Sopchoppy. South Walton. St. Marks. St. Marks NWR. Tallahassee. Vernon. Wakulla. Wewahitchka

NORTH FLORIDA
Alachua. Amelia Island. Baldwin. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Crescent City. Dowling Park. Ellaville. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Keystone Heights. Lake Butler.Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Macclenny. Micanopy. Olustee. Orange Park. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Starke. Steinhatchee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Suwannee Springs. Talbot Islands. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. Welaka. White Springs. Williston

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

MULTI-REGION
Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Bradenton . Charlotte Harbor. Ding Darling NWR. Englewood. Estero. Fort Myers. Immokalee. Naples. Pine Island. Port Charlotte. Punta Gorda. Sanibel Island. Sarasota. Venice

SOUTH FLORIDA
Arcadia. Basinger. Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Clewiston. Everglades City. Fisheating Creek. Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Lake Placid. LaBelle. Lakeport. Moore Haven. Okeechobee. Pahokee. Port Mayaca. Sebring. South Bay

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

  • Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Springs
  • Ecotours
  • Attractions
©2006-2023, Sandra Friend & John Keatley | Disclosure | Site Index | Work with Us | Advertise with Us
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy | Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Mims FL 32754| Contact