Blueways Paddling Trail - Map 8

 

 

	Points of Interest			Go to Map Coordinates

 

	Beach Shower		Motor Boat Launch		Restaurant
	Camping		No Landing		Restrooms
	Canoe/Kayak Launch		Parking		Wildlife Observation
	Canoe/Kayak Rentals		Pay Phone		BBQ Grill
	Concessions		Picnic Table		Water Fountain
	Grocery		Point of Interest		Shelters
	Hotel/Motel		Post Office

 

	Marked Paddle Trails
	Unmarked Paddle Trails
	Florida Circumnavigational Salt Water Paddling Trail

 

 

44. ALLEN’S CREEK Coordinates

 

Public access is no longer available at the Allen's Creek launch point.

 

45. MYRON A. SMITH BAYVIEW PARK Coordinates

 

 

Located immediately west of the north end of the Bayside Bridge, this City of Clearwater Park was designated for passive daytime recreational use. Amenities include limited parking, a small sand beach about 100 yards from the parking area, a drinking fountain, benches, trash cans and a one-half mile scenic walking trail with two shade shelters and many large oak trees. The area is tidally influenced and may be more difficult to access during low tide. From here, paddle east and north along the coastline, passing under the Bayside Bridge and the Courtney Campbell Causeway to enter Upper Tampa Bay for access to Safety Harbor and Oldsmar. Parking is available in Bayview Park during daylight hours only.

 

City of Clearwater Parks & Recreation.: (727) 562-4800.

46. COOPER’S BAYOU Coordinates

 

 

The City of Clearwater developed this park for passive recreation along the waterfront, with few amenities but many scenic views. Launching is available on the hard mud surfaces along the waterfront where there are breaks in the mangroves, in the north and south portions of the park. The sides of the bank are steep towards the north. Launching from the park puts you right in the middle of Cooper’s Bayou. This area is a tidally influenced body of water that is lined with mangroves and rich in biodiversity. A number of fish inhabit the waters here and shorebirds thrive along the water’s edge. Egrets, hawks and stingrays have all been known to frequent the area. From here, paddle north along the coastline for easy access to downtown Safety Harbor and Upper Tampa Bay. Along the waterfront are vast expanses of seagrasses, so keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins in this area. South of this bayou is the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Paddle under the causeway and follow the shoreline to the west and south to access Allen’s Creek. Parking is available during daylight hours only.

 

City of Clearwater Parks Department Telephone: (727) 562-4800.

 

47. SAFETY HARBOR MUNICIPAL MARINA Coordinates

 

 

Owned and operated by the City of Safety Harbor, this marina offers both boat ramp and a sand/rock launch access to Upper Tampa Bay and Safety Harbor. Located at the east end of Main Street in downtown Safety Harbor, this launching site is within a close distance to a number of restaurants, stores and the historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. In Upper Tampa Bay and Safety Harbor, keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins. Also, a wide variety of fish and shore birds inhabit this area as it is rich in seagrasses that sustain the wildlife population. Paddle north of the launch site and follow the coast to reach Philippe Park. From here, you can circumnavigate the harbor or cross the water to the Mobbly Bayou Preserve. Overnight parking is available with a free pass from the Community Center. A post office is located within walking distance at 303 Main Street.

Marina Telephone: (727) 724-1572.

 

48. PHILIPPE PARK Coordinates

 

 

Boat launch at Phillipe Park

Pinellas County owns and operates this 122-acre park, shaded by large oaks and other hardwood trees. Offering direct access to Old Tampa Bay, Philippe Park has both sandy beach and boat ramp access to the water. An ancient Indian mound is located in the south of the park near the beach launching area. Across the water is the Mobbly Bayou Preserve. This preserve is home to a number of species of animals and plants and provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. In the Bay you can often find manatees and dolphins, and pelicans are almost always perched on the electricity towers crossing the Bay just south of the Park. Near the shore, keep an eye out for stingrays and jellyfish. Parking is available during daylight hours only within the park. The City of Oldsmar operates two parks on the other side of the Bay, one is passive, and the other (R.E. Olds) has restroom and water facilities and is available as a resting place. Look for the blue roof of the gazebo.

49. MOBBLY BAYOU PRESERVE Coordinates

 

 

Maintained by the City of Oldsmar, this Preserve offers two floating docks for launching and access to Mobbly Bayou Preserve and Safety Harbor. This Preserve is home to a variety of animals, including fish, shorebirds, raccoons and rabbits. Manatees and dolphins are a common sight in the Bayou, with mangroves lining the waterfront. The Preserve is still under development and future improvements are planned. Paddle along the canal and enter the Bay on the eastern-most part of Pinellas County. Follow the coastline to the south to skirt the Preserve, entering Safety Harbor after rounding the point. Here, you can circumnavigate the Harbor, or cross the water to reach Philippe Park or downtown Safety Harbor just a little to the south. Parking at the Preserve is available during daylight hours only. The surrounding waterways are very tidally influenced.

 

Park Telephone: (813) 749-1263.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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