Secrets of the St. Marks

Join CPI President Ryan Means exploring the wild Upper St. Marks River. Most paddling enthusiasts have experienced the lovely lower St. Marks River both above and below Newport, however, the uppermost navigable portion of it is far less traveled, wilder, and provides a stellar exploration opportunity. Ryan just scouted it in April, and it is fabulous.

We will paddle upstream for a few hours for 3.5 miles, to an eventual destination of Horn Spring. Horn Spring an artesian spring fed by the Floridan Aquifer, and flows a short distance into the eastern side of the upper St. Marks. We will explore it and swim. There may be a few trees or overhanging branches to have to navigate during our tour, but Ryan will happily assist all paddlers as needed in making safe passages. After we check out Horn Spring, we will point our boats back downstream and cruise back to our starting point. We will have paddled 7 miles total.

We will talk about the region's natural history, cultural history, and ecology. We WILL experience the following things close-up: alligators of all size ranges, terrific turtles, wiggling water snakes, and what might be one of the nicest river floodplain swamp forests loaded with humongous cypress trees.

Trip is limited to 8 people. Price includes guide, shuttle service, canoe/kayak and safety gear. Please pack your own lunch and personal belongings, dry bag, etc. We will supply complimentary extra water and drinks. We will meet at 9:00 am at the entrance to Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, where the entrance fee is paid. Please keep in mind that there is a $5.00 per vehicle fee that attendees must pay in order to enter and park within the state park. Ryan will be in his silver 4-Runner, toting the canoe/kayak trailer. When everyone shows up, and pays entrance fee, we will travel a short distance to where we will park our cars, and launch our canoes/kayaks.

Please do not attend if you are feeling poorly or have any possible COVID symptoms. We will put those that have registered, but cannot attend, on a waiting list. Trip may be cancelled if weather looks really bad, or if minimum number is not reached. If we fill up, please still contact Ryan, and he will put you on a waiting list for the next trip!

All ticket proceeds go towards our efforts to preserve the incredible biodiversity of the southeastern Coastal Plain.

Please contact Ryan with any questions: ryan@coastalplains.org (850-544-5661)