CONTACT US: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 727-896-8626 http://MyFWC.com/ BoatingGuides Boating_Guides@ MyFWC.com City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation 214 N. Hogan Street Third Floor Jacksonville, Florida 32202 904-630-2489 http://JaxParks.com jaxparks@coj.net This project was funded in part by a grant awarded by the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board and Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport). Additional funding for this project was obtained through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

Below is a list of paddling trails in the Nassau and Duval couty area area. This list contains trails that are promoted by local, county, and state agencies. There are many more areas in the area's coastal water that offer paddling opportunities. Before heading out on any paddling adventure, please follow these safety tips: 1. WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)! Florida law requires a readily accessible Coast Guard approved PFD for each occupant. Children younger than six years-old are required to wear a PFD. 2. FILE A FLOAT PLAN AND LEAVE IT WITH A RELIABLE PERSON. A float plan contains information about your trip in the event that you do not return as scheduled. This includes a description of the vessel(s), names of all paddlers, planned course and stops, and an estimated time of return. Ask the person to notify the Coast Guard or local authorities if you do not return as scheduled. Don't forget to get in touch with your contact person and let them know when you return 3. Know the waterway conditions and be aware of water levels and currents. Tides and winds can significantly affect the difficulty of a trip. Under normal conditions, allow a minimum of two miles per hour paddling time. 4. Bring plenty of food and water. Drinks should be in non-breakable containers . Food and gear should be stored in watertight containers. For day trips, 1/2 gallon of water per person in recommended. For overnight trips, one gallon of water per person each day is recommended. 5. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves and pants even on cloudy days. Long sleeves and pants also helps prevent insect bites. 6. Watch for motorboats. Stay on the right and turn into the boat's wake. Respect anglers by giving them plenty of room. 7. Bring a cell phone or VHF radio. Cell phones are great for staying in communication, but coverage may be sporadic depending on your specific location. 8. Respect wildlife. Do not approach or harass wildlife, as they can be dangerous. It is also illegal to feed them. REGIONAL TRAILS Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail is divided into 26 segments. Each segment is unique, ranging from the remote Big Bend Coast and Everglades and Florida Bay wilderness, to the more urbanized coastlines of Pinellas County and Fort Lauderdale. Two segments of the Florida Circumnavigational Trail follow the coastline of Nassau and Duval Counties. Segment 25 runs from Ponte Vedra Beach to Fort George Island State Park, Segment 26 runs from Huguenot Memorial Park to Fort Clinch State Park. Visit the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail Web site for more information. Segment 25 Jacksonville Segment 26 Timucuan Trails/Fort Clinch Back to Top Florida Greenways and Trails The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) works to establish a statewide system of greenways and trails for recreation, conservation, and alternative transportation. This includes the creation of designated paddling trails . For more information about greenways and trails in Florida, visit Florida Greenways and Trails. The Office of Greenways and Trails, in conjunction with the Florida Park Service, Florida Professional Paddlesports Association, and Visit Florida, has produced a brochure highlighting Florida's paddling trails, Florida Paddling Trails Guide (PDF, 8 MB). Timucuan Trail Waterway Guide For more information about the Timucuan Trail Waterway Guide, visit the Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida's Timucuan Trail Waterway Guide Web site. Jacksonville Intracoastal Salt Marsh Paddling Guide For more information about the Jacksonville Intracoastal Salt Marsh Paddling Guide, visit the Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida's Jacksonville Intracoastal Salt Marsh Paddling Guide Web site. MARKED, MANAGED TRAILS Dutton Island The Duval County area has a marked, managed paddling trail running from Oak Harbor Boat Ramp to Tideviews Preserve, with Dutton Island Preserve at its center. trail map and coordinate sheet (PDF, 480 KB) are available for this trail. This trail can also be found at Timucuan Trail Waterway Guide (PDF, ) If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this Web site, please e-mail us at Boating_Guides@MyFWC.com. Would you like to receive notices of changes to this Web site and the Boating and Angling Guide to Nassau and Duval Counties? If so, please e-mail us and include SUBSCRIBE-DUVAL in the subject line.