Paddling at Ochlockonee River

Visitors paddling down the Ochlockonee River.

Ochlockonee River State Park offers two 7.5-mile paddling loops – Dead River Sopchoppy Loop Paddling Trail and Bear Creek Paddling Trail. Both trails take paddlers along the river and into the tidal marshes through estuary vegetation and coastal wetland forest. Look for osprey, swallow-tailed kites, herons, turtles, alligator, mullet and white squirrels along the way.

Visitors paddle down the Ochlockonee River.

The Dead River joins the Ochlockonee River a short paddle away, and from there you can venture into almost limitless small creeks and backwaters. A short distance downstream, the Ochlockonee becomes over a mile wide before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.

Maps are provided there and on the park's webpage to guide your adventure and help you decide which direction to go first.

There is an accessible kayak launch available at the boat ramp where boaters or kayakers can launch into a tributary of the Ochlockonee River, allowing easy access for fishing or exploring either upstream or downstream. The launch area also has parking, restrooms, a picnic area and a floating dock.