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There are two different Withalacoochee Rivers, here, I'll be describing the south river. The north river is located upstate in the panhandle. The Withalacoochee River South runs about 140 miles where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. The river flows north. This trip, I launched at the Withalacoochee River Park just east of Dade City. There is a kayak/canoe launch area with a wide boardwalk going down to a dock designed for canoes, but usable by kayakers as well. There is a self pay station for parking which costs $ 2.00 (cash only).
This is such a long, extensive river that I can't cover it in just one trip, but for now, I'll describe this short little paddle. After launching at the Withalacoochee River Park at Dade City, I paddled north with the assumption that I'd be heading upriver against the current so that I'd be returning with the current in my favor which is always the wisest choice in case of fatigue, cramps, or numb hands. A person can get in trouble underestimating the rigors of paddling back against current. This river, unlike most, flows north. The current was light however, but judging by the high watermarks on the trees, could get fairly heavy in times of high water. After paddling 2.5 miles, I reached my halfway time of 1.5 hours and got ready to turn around. Just as I got to a sharp bend in the river, a large alligator got spooked by my presence and splashed into the water with a loud, sudden noise. I was just as spooked by him I think. Alligators scare me, especially in rivers where there's not a lot of room. I reached down and felt for the reassuring bulge of my .380 semiauto pistol in my pocket. Usually, I like to carry a more powerful pistol, but the .380 is more easily concealable. Open carry is illegal in Florida, but I have a concealed weapons permit which is like a stay out of jail free card since it is so easy to inadvertently break one of the many confusing laws about firearms possession. In a kayak, anywhere you could possibly keep a gun would be concealed. There is a state law which allows a non-permit holder to carry a firearm while hunting or fishing, but it can be a legal grey area as to whether the gun can or must be concealed. So if you want to carry a gun while on the water, either to protect against snakes, alligators or deliverence men ( for those of you under 30, that's a reference from a movie called Deliverance), do carefully check the laws regarding your situation, and if you hear banjos paddle faster.
Withalacoochie River in Citrus County:
At State Road 44, east of Inverness, there is a boat landing where the public can launch and paddle upstream against the gentle current. The river splits into a lot of channels that can be confusing, so it would be good practice to print out a satellite map and put it in a large plastic baggy. Verizon cell data reception is good here, but I can't say if other carriers have good signals. Going through the splits requires some caution as airboats often travel this section of the river. Keeping to the side of a channel, especially in blind corner areas is recommended. The river is shallow and can be weedy at times of low water. During the summer, water levels are higher. I haven't seen large alligators here, but they are probably around. Since the river is wide in these parts, you have less chance of coming into conflict with them compared to most other places. This river has otters and every type of fresh water bird you can imagine. There are more smaller alligators than large, and they are harder to spot, hiding in weed pads or occasionally sunning close to shore. Some areas are underwater forests of cypress trees that can be paddled into when the water levels are high. About one and a half miles on the N/NW side, you'll find a small spring adjacent to private land. While you cannot legally land there, you can paddle into the spring. Keep going upstream and you will find the Wysong Dam. It is possible to keep going past the dam, but there is a place called "The Dam Pub", AKA "Hidden River Resort", where they have good restaurant food, liquor, and live music on certain days. After eating and drinking, the ride back is with the current.
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