The State of Florida, through the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), has embarked on the task of creating a saltwater paddling trail that will circumvent the coastline of Florida, stretching from Big Lagoon State Park in the panhandle, south to the Keys, and continuing north up the eastern coast to Fort Clinch State Park, near the Georgia border. This project is anticipated to take three years to complete and will include comprehensive mapping of the proposed route, including recommendations for lodging facilities, campsites and a complete support network.

Pinellas County, being located on the Gulf coast, will have its own designated segment of this paddling trail. One goal of Pinellas County’s Blueways program is to work with the State OGT to identify, verify and promote the paddling trail. Section 8, the portion of the trail slated for Pinellas County, is planned to begin at the Pasco/Pinellas border in the north and continue on past Fort DeSoto in the south. This trail is proposed to follow both the Gulf of Mexico side of our local barrier islands, and the Intracoastal Waterway side. Staff has also begun mapping the proposed route, in coordination with OGT staff, and highlighting those areas that may be of interest to a sea kayaker traversing the Pinellas County segment of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

The route has been segmented so that those paddlers who do not wish to paddle the entire route in one trip, will be able to easily research their section of interest. OGT hopes that this paddling trail will help to educate paddlers and highlight the diverse environment that Florida has to offer, especially the 37 aquatic preserves through which the trail will pass. Paddlers on the trail will also have access to almost all of Florida’s coastal parks, historic sites and recreation areas, requiring the close involvement of many players in the completion of this project.

For more information, please visit the State of Florida Office of Greenways and Trails at www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/paddling/saltwater.htm. This site provides the most up-to-date information regarding the paddling trail as well as all maps for the completed segments.

Paddle Trail Log Please use this form to tell us about launch points and paddle trails not included in the Guide to Pinellas County Blueways