Jefferson County lakes and rivers offer outdoor
activities for adventurous families
Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
COVID-19 can't ruin the natural beauty of North Florida's panhandle region.
While theme parks are limiting activities or staying closed, even though movie theaters aren't open to cinema-lovers and despite the fact that most organized events for families have gone virtual, there are still things that families can get out and do, despite social distancing.
How better to socially distance your family then to spend a day on the water? Jefferson County families have the beautiful Wacissa and Aucilla rivers right in their backyards, and it is only a short drive to Madison County's remarkable Blue Springs.
With these bodies of water easily accessible to local families, what is keeping you from a day of kayaking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching and snorkeling in these local waters or picnicking on the riverbanks?
Wacissa River:
Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2012 by AmericanTrails.org, the Wacissa River is the perfect locale for families who want to get out and enjoy some fun in the water this summer.
The river offers the opportunities for active kids and parents to swim and snorkel in the cool, flowing waters of one of Florida's pristine rivers.
The river is also a magnet for boaters and anglers, and offers a beginner experience to kayak paddling.
While leisurely paddling or boating along the Wacissa River, keep your eyes out for a variety of wildlife, such as turtles, wading birds, fish and river otters. Of course, as with any body of water in Florida, you may catch sight of an alligator or water snake, but give the reptile a wide berth and don't disturb them, and both you and the water-dwelling reptile can go on your separate ways.
The water current is a slow average at about two or three miles-per-hour, making these waters perfect for families who want to try their hand kayaking or canoeing.
Aucilla River:
Is your family experienced in the water? If you or your family are looking for a bit more of a challenge this summer, the Aucilla River can provide an experience on the water that will present a challenge for experienced canoeists and kayakers.
The Aucilla River has a swift current, shoals under the water surface, rocky remains of two old dams and current man-made dams that make this flowing body of water a challenge, especially during periods when the river is low.
The waters of the Aucilla River are stained darker by tannins from the dissolved organic carbon of wetland plants growing in and around the river.
During your trek, you may see river otters, hawks and various wading birds.
While the river technically flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, those who hope to paddle out to the Gulf may be disappointed: the Aucilla River flows into underground sinkholes several times before re-emerging and continuing towards the gulf.
Proper safety measures are advised for brave paddlers and explorers who want to undertake this 19-mile challenge.
Lake Miccosukee:
While not an ideal swimming location, Lake Miccosukee offers much to families who hope to spend some time near the water this summer.
Lake Miccosukee is located directly on the border of Leon County and Jefferson County and is controlled by an active sinkhole near the north end of the lake.
The Miccosukee is a natural prairie lake, which is a low level, shallow body of water that will occasionally dry up during spells of dry weather. This allows plants to grow in the nutrient-dense soil of the drying lakebed.
Florida only has four large prairie lakes, including Lake Miccosukee as well as Lake Lafayette, Lake Jackson and Lake Iamonia.
While the lake is shallow and home to plenty of alligators, Lake Miccosukee also offers a prime hunting location for ducks and is a hot-spot for local fisherman.
Interestingly, Lake Miccosukee is also home to an endangered species of plant – Miccosukee Gooseberry – which can be found in only three places in the world. The lake has two places on its shoreline that is home to the endangered gooseberry.
There is an easily accessed fishing dock and boat ramp for the lake located on US 90, only a short drive west from the City of Monticello.
Madison Blue Springs:
Located in Lee, Fla., at 8300 NE State Road 6 in Madison County, Blue Springs has been voted as a #1 Swimming Hole by USA Today.
Whether you want to get out and enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, or just want to enjoy a leisurely day of swimming, bird watching and tubing, Blue Springs has got you and your family covered. The grounds at Blue Springs have areas for picnicking, and pets are allowed on the premises.
Blue Springs flows from a 25-feet-deep cavern and into the Withlacoochee River. To date, 26,000 feet of extra caverns have been explored by professional scuba cave divers (don’t try it yourself).
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year, and a $5 vehicle entry fee (2-8 people per vehicle) will likely be charged.
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