Use the map below to locate ramps and view lanes, hours, fee, and contact information. Non-Jefferson County residents who have been barred from accessing the Wacissa River boat ramp for a little more than a month will find that they are now welcomed again at the ramp. Located one of the prettiest spots on the river. Visit the SOBA website for more information. Ian, my rope swing loving kid, had a blast jumping off the tree ladder. Fashion Shows & Tours Water Sports. This waterway has one of the deepest freshwater cave systems in the country. Note to self: next time print out a map before heading out! The following article published on 11 August might give you an idea of the damages and the recovery work entailed and future hazards. Get a bird's eye view of Florida's springs. Jensen Beach. People who live in Wulai are also able to reach their homes on foot, which takes around an hour, said the reports. Facing the spring basin and looking right, you see what looks like a river coming into the spring basin. . Park exploring, trail hiking, hot spring, waterfall, local cuisine restaurants, all in one experiences not only make Wulai a perfect place to visit, also an excellent example to demonstrate unique geographic mountain views in Taiwan and original inhabitants culture! NOT ALL SPRINGS IN FLORIDA ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Submit Boat Launch. We are also currently working on a proposed Silver Springs Environmental Center at Silver Springs State Park! The same problem is affecting the 3,100 who were trapped. Key Largo. Photo by John Moran. Ebro. Hollywood. Stay on Gamble Road straight South after Highway 59 turns off to the right to continue to the head spring boat launch and parking area. While the rivers shoreline is mostly natural, the headsprings area contains a small marina with a public boat ramp. Frostproof. Otherwise, use whatever works for you! Crestview. Green Cove Springs. Northwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act. (For the record: I have no affiliation with or affiliate relationship with Wacissa River Canoes, Ive just met some of their people and theyve always been helpful and several of my friends have used their services and were pleased.). Crawfordville. Love the fact that the glowing blue azure hot springs here contains pH-neutral sodium bicarbonate water that's great for skin hydration (different types of hot springs serves different purposes!). Ashepoo River. Park Menu. Southwest Florida offers boaters many public ramps from which to access area waters. The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is located in a historic building in downtown High Springs, Florida. This lot is near public boat ramps, Bayside Marina, Beaches and amazing local eateries. Gift Natural Atlas. Most sites are open 24 hours a day. . Cape San Blas. Its a certified hotspring area with many hotspring homestay. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It is located on end of Goose Pasture Road in the city of Wacissa. Up in the mountain, you can take bus 849 outside Xindian station ( Green line). pristine in the state, earning the system a spot on the list of OFSs despite none of the individual springs Panama City Beach. The Interactive Florida Springs Atlas was produced with generous support from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Along the run, large patches of coontail compete with beds of hydrilla beneath the clear water. This dive site has an average rating of 4.00 out of 5 from 2 scuba divers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Chipley. Water access areas. For an early birthday present, I picked out my first kayak to support my growing love of paddling. Below, you will find links to reports, data, as well as maps and information from the Florida Springs Institutes Blue Water Audit project about this particular spring or spring group. Wulai is about 35 km (21.8 mi) from Taipei Station by car. Carrabelle. Wacissa Springs Group is accessible by car and boat. How to Take a Tour. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Under the headings for each river, the parks are listed in order from upstream to downstream. All or a portion of your donation may be tax deductible. Just a short bit down the river there was another stream entering from the left, so we decided to try paddling up that one to investigate. The Wulai region became isolated for a period of time due to extensive landslides and collapses on the Xinwu Road (), the only transport link connecting Wulai to the outside world. Nightly rate based on last price paid. The one above is great or there are several in the publications I link to at the bottom of this post. Ive also been told they have river maps which would be helpful on this river (as youll see below) so I need to pop in next time were down there and check out their map selection. About Jobs - We . Palatka. along the river. I always enjoy the dirt road drive to the launch from Hwy 98. Salt Springs. Wacissa Springs is a major tributary to the Aucilla River and consists of at least 12 known springs. Public Boat Ramps. Redland. March 28, 2021 at 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | $10. Discover horseback riding, bird watching and more in Lafayette Blue Springs! Carrabelle. My friends and I shared stories about work, travel, and family while paddling, and at one point I just stopped talking. It is suspected that the mountains around Nanshi River () were over-developed, damaging soil and affecting water conservation in Wulai's slope lands. Amelia Island. Next time, water shoes. Port Charlotte. Bonita Springs offers alternatives for boaters with many well places public boat ramps and county/state parks. Okeechobee. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Merritt Island NWR. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I wondered if that was the spring head below my feet. There are six springs within Merrits Mill pond that can be explored. Photos, Maps and Videos! Dive Center 1988 Diving Training Center. Wacissa Springs Group is currently one of twenty four Outstanding Florida Springs or Spring Groups that is considered impaired. flowing at the first magnitude. Wacissa snail, 2015. To find out more about the Blue Water Audit project and to learn how this tool was developed, visit Blue Water Audit. We also tried the bamboo rice and our favorite "grill Mochi stick", please must try also other street foods there. Wakulla. These were caught in January last year in less than a foot of water in weeds right by the shoreline that was iced over just a few days prior. Before you get to the outflow of Big Blue, youll pass Cassidy Spring and Little Blue on the opposite side of the river. South Walton. Super relaxed. Wekiva Springs consists of two larger vents and is home known for plentiful wildlife within the area. Boating Access Sites Brochure. 0 Reviews. Diving is permitted through Ginnie Springs, Devils Eye, and Devils Ear. Canyoning & Rappelling Tours Adrenaline & Extreme Tours. $19.95 + tax & shipping. Aquatic plants provide shelter for snails, crawfish, and fish. Wacissa River Springs - Known as North Florida's most lively and diverse body of water, the Wacissa River and its springs are a must-see when in Jefferson County. $24.95 + tax & shipping. Since our inception in 2010, the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute has been dedicated to educating the public about Florida springs through our educational programs and events. Allen the "Canoe Man" ( (850-997-6030 or Mobile 850-510 . Big Blue Spring on the Wacissa River is located about 30 minutes east of Tallahassee in Monticello. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. East Coast Greenway. Sad back story for a beautiful mountainous tourist town. Pahokee. The Chassahowitzka is made up of a few different springs, including Seven Sisters and the Crack. Cedar Key. . Willford Springs is located in Econfina State Park and was often used by Native Americans for fishing and hunting. Big Blue Spring (Wacissa Spring Group) is a boat accessible fresh water dive site, located at 286 Wacissa Spring Rd, Lamont, FL 32336. Boat ramp there too. Waccasassa River Boat Ramp 29.214050, -82.763564 CR 326 Inglis FL 34449 Get directions. water. Monticello. The Boat Ramp Finder provides descriptive information, maps and photographs for hundreds, Since 1992, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute has been producing a statewide series of educational. Park Pond Boat Launch Ramp. To learn more about the Wacissa River check out theWacissa River Padding Trail Guideor for an in-depth history and description of both the Wacissa River and the Aucilla River, as well as the Slave Canal connecting the two, check out a beautiful Tall Timbers publication here. . Camden, South Carolina 29020. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. DeBary. Wulai is ideal for bathing, camping and boating. Running Springs is great for snorkeling and swimming. But, if you dont have your own canoes or kayaks, Wacissa River Canoe and Kayak Rentals is located right before you arrive at the boat ramp/swimming area and offers canoe, as well as single and double kayak rentals. Gainesville. Dive deeper and learn about the threats our springs face and what can be done to protect them! Hunter Springs is renowned for its history in addition to its natural beauty and animals. Back the trailer up, so two-thirds of the rollers and bunks are in the water. Jefferson County's Wacissa Springs Park has a public boat ramp allowing for easy access to the core of the spring cluster. Type Lots And Land Sub-Type Other Lot Size 0.11 Ac MLS Number 355764 Zip 32327 School District Wakulla County School District Ocean to Lake Greenway. Depending on the tide, the depth of Jurassic Spring can range from around 15 to 20 feet deep. Thanks. Boat rental. The largest spring, Big Blue, is about 25 ft feep and a basin of 200 ft. Longwood. Upgrade. Palm Bay. Turn south (right) and go 4.6 miles to park. Pine Island. Winding through a geologically weird and archaeologically significant part of Florida, the most fascinating segment of the Florida Trail is the Aucilla Sinks, Category: Canoe & Kayak Rentals, County Parks, Launch Points, Northwest Florida, Places, Springs, WaterwaysTag: Best Paddling, Monticello, Rivers, Tallahassee, Wacissa River, NORTHWEST FLORIDA OVERVIEWFlorida Trail Apalachicola. The most current source of information about the springs is Springs of the Aucilla, Coastal, and Waccasassa Basins in Florida by Hornsby & Ceryak (2000, pp. Another 3,100 people who were trapped were reported safe and 100 others who were missing were also found, the center said yesterday. The ebony jewelwinged damselflies grace the banks of the Wacissa . Company. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Back in 1970, researchers were able to track at least 14 manatees within the run. Depending on the time of year, there may be a portalet over near the recycling bins. This is a 3-bed, 2-bath, 1,440 sqft property. Overall, a beautiful day to spend a birthday off of school! Punta Gorda. Cassidy springs, 2011. Those in North Florida and Central Florida tend towards 70F and 72F. Cape San Blas. containerEl: '#fd-form-63b8a5a6d4043cac46b33e19' In the center of the spring, I looked down to see a sandy bottom between rock walls maybe 50 feet down, with the sun's golden light streaking through the water all around me like "God rays.". This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The neighboring Wulai is one of the few districts in Northern Taiwan with indigenous culture. Trenton. St. Marks NWR. This spring can be found within Crystal River and is a frequent sanctuary for manatee during the manatee season. Niceville. It is famous for its waterfall and Aborginal tribal village. Our laughs and hollers filled the air as each of us got up the nerve to submerge into the 72-degree spring water. This freshwater spring pumps 45 million gallons of water daily and is a perfect spot for your summer days. Sebring. Learn about the water cycle, the Floridan Aquifer, springs flora and fauna, threats to Florida springs, and whats needed to protect them for current and future generations. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. The Wacissa Headwaters Park & Public Boat Ramp (Small Boats Only) is located in Jefferson county in the 32344 zip code in Florida. Topo Public Lands Satellite Topo Geology. There are four springs within a few feet of the parking area and boat launch ramp: Operated by Franklin County Water District (903) 537-4536. The Wacissa Spring Group lies at the northern end of the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson There is also pretty awesome rope swing that is popular with just about everyone (kids and adults alike) that swings out over one of the smaller springs. Beautiful scenery, birding (Egrets, Ibis, Heron, Eagles, Hawks, Cormorants), alligators so don't put dogs in the boat!!!! . It is the largest district in New Taipei, as well as the most mountainous, and is home to the indigenous Atayal people. As our paddles sliced into the clear water, we saw the bright green eelgrass that swayed with the current, creek banks covered in purple spiky flowers called pickerelweed, and vines that hung from the cypress trees like variegated veils. $0 - $200 avg/night. Kissimmee. Most sites are open 24 hours a day. New Smyrna Beach. Cradled by forest, the massive basin of Wacissa Springs shimmers under clear skies, its open waters and enormous size reminiscent of Wakulla Springs. I told my friends that next time I would bring a mask and a man I barely noticed before in a boat nearby offered to let me use his. , After cooling off in the water and eating our lunch, we headed back to the Wacissa using the other entrance/exit (Big Blue is located at the top of a horeshoe shaped bend off the river). In 2016, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act. These beautiful blue waters have been enjoyed for the last 10,000 years starting with the Paleo Indians. . For paddling on Merritts Mill Pond, you can put in at two public ramps to find your way to beautiful springs like Shangri-La and Hole-in-the-Rock, or use a fee ramp at Florida Caverns RV Resort along US 90 in Marianna. Sopchoppy. Explore river bottom forest around the St. Marks River on a network of old forest roads that traverse St. Marks River State Park, between Tallahassee and Wacissa. Eutaw Springs Boat Ramp Location. Fort Lauderdale. The road is well maintained, as is the launch area. Madison. The Ministry of Defense said it has sent a total of 376 people, two shovel loaders and one excavator, among other equipment, to assist in the rescue of locals in Wulai and the recovery after the disaster. Wota. Merritts Mill Pond is a gorgeous 202 acre spring-fed body of water. Taiwan Hidden Hiking Tour. THE FLORIDA SPRINGS INSTITUTE DOES NOT CONDONE TRESPASSING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY TO VISIT SPRINGS INCLUDED IN THIS MAP. Port St. Joe. Click a location name to expand the list of boat ramps for that reservoir. The springs themselves are not too noticeable, but the area is picturesque and a canoe ride in the lucid water might be very interesting, especially if one is interested in the rich wildlife in the surrounding . Who is in charge of managing the health of Floridas springs? It was a smaller trail that required paddling over some vegetation but was still entirely navigable. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Plan your visit today! The landslides not only shut down communications and trapped villagers, but also affected hot spring businesses in the region. Royal Springs has a great park area right under an oak tree which provides shade, but there are also covered picnic areas and grills available. Dunnellon. In the late 1870s, a gentleman named Phillip Morrell added a piece of glass to the bottom of his rowboat and created magic for years to come. New Bern, NC 28560 GPS 35 11' 33'' N 77 05' 01'' W This wild launching site is located on the . Many of them are good places for launching boats, canoes, rafts, and inner tubes into the rivers. Swimming at Wacissa River Boat Ramp . Bunnell. We passed a few gators with their jagged backs poking out of the water and then spotted two more sunning along the banks, minding their own business. Upgrade. Turtles were stacked on logs as usual, and a gator swam along with us for a while. Wulai itself is a very beautiful area, loaded with history and culture. In addition, communication services were also cut off as Chunghwa Telecom's nearby base stations were damaged. This incredible photographic library provides a window into the historic spring landscape, documenting changing spring and surface water levels, as well as human use and development in this special location. This waterway is actually a sinkhole but it is open to the public for scuba diving and swimming. Key Biscayne. One of a vanishing breed of old-time swimming holes, Wacissa Springs is the birthplace of the Wacissa River, a wild and remote waterway winding its way to the Gulf of Mexico east of Tallahassee, and home to more than a dozen springs. This dense core contains Log, Thomas, Wacissa #1-4, and Acuilla springs, which together form a large bowl of fast-flowing water. The Wacissa Springs Group flows at the first magnitude and is designated as an Outstanding Florida Spring. Englewood. You can also launch a kayak or canoe from the soggy water-level shoreline and make your way through thickets of aquatic plants to the river and the spring runs that feed it. Lafayette Blue Springs became a state park in 2005 and is about 702 acres of pure beauty. When I arrived, my friends greeted me in the parking lot with smiles, hugs, and offers to help me get my kayak down and to the boat launch. Purchase or Renew Now. The boat ramp is always busy, since this is the most accessible place to get on the river with a boat to go fishing or exploring the many springs that spill into the Wacissa River. iOS. But we had the dock to ourselves so we tied up the boats and ate a picnic lunch while watching the fish swim all around us (we learned that fish like summer sausage but dont care too much for Goldfish crackers smart fish I suppose). The boat ramp is always busy, since this is the most accessible place to get on the river with a boat to go fishing or exploring the many springs that spill into the Wacissa River. Mims. Cassidy Spring, 2011. List of Sport Fish Restoration funded boat access projects. There are six springs within Merritts Mill Pond that can be explored. You can reach her by email at CaraFleischer4Tally@gmail.com. County and forms the headwaters of the Wacissa River. Fanning Springs is located along the Suwannee River and has been around for thousands of years. Clearwater Beach. Lakeland. Vortex Springs was founded by Doc and Ruth Dockery. Silver Springs became a popular tourist attraction back in 1820s. In case youre looking for a longer trip, the Wacissa wont disappoint there either. Melbourne. National Parks Waterfalls Hot Springs. Wacissa Springs Boat Ramp is a boat launch in Wacissa, FL on Horsehead Run in Atlantic Coastal Plain. Very easy to put in. Easy peasy and youve arrived! Farout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles). core contains Log, Thomas, Wacissa #1-4, and Acuilla springs, which together form a large bowl of fast- Over 1,000 Florida Springs in the palm of your hand! Just a short paddle up the spring run, and wed found Big Blue! There is scenic trail, museum and water fall as well as an old food street. Explore them using the Interactive Florida Springs Map. Took pre-arranged transportation down to the MTR and Bus interchange before sunset. Port St. Joe. Deland. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. The boat ramp on the opposite side of Wacissa Spring is along another short spring run pouring off Aucilla Spring, which rises in the swamp forest. more, 5-Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tarako Gorge, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei, Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup, Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Taipei Private Tour, Private Jiufen & Pingxi Day Tour with English-Speaking Guide, Private Taroko Gorge National Park Day Tour, The 10 Tastings of Taipei With Locals: Private Street Food Tour, Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi, Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei, Experience Pingxi Sky Lantern and Shifen Waterfall from Taipei, Pingxi and Jiufen Day Trip from Taipei with Sky Lantern Experience, Yehliu Geopark and Keelung Harbor Guided Tour from Taipei. Within a five mile radius there are a handful open to the public, listed below: Imperial River Boat Ramp: 27551 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida. Jurassic Spring pumps 100 gallons of water an hour into Crystal River. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. After launching we decided to head downstream (rather than taking the short trip upriver to check out Horsehead or Log Spring), in search of Big Blue Spring. We havent had a chance to visit it yet, but locals say its a must to visit. Everglades National Park. Ticket Tube and swim in Kelly Park and book a kayak and canoe in the spring run down the road via Kings Landing. You can enter through the park (price unknown) & use their facilities, including a boat ramp, or through the marina which charges $10 to park. 27 Mohawk, Crawfordville, Wakulla County, FL, 32327 For Sale Listed by Kayla Palmer with Timber & Tides Real Estate Jul 10, 2009. In order to dive and explore the area, you must be a member of the NSS/CDS. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. This dense Look for the beautiful Gateway to the Springs mural by Douglas Hancock on the west facing wall of our building! Where are we with springs protection? you may want to bring some meds if you get car sick. Apalachicola National Forest. Jacksonville. Destin. Fish and coontail at the bottom of Wacissa Springs The water is so clear you can watch fish slip through the waving coontail on the bottom of the spring from the grassy shoreline. News. Find out things to do in Alexander Springs and more here! Emerald Springs is located about 100 yards south from Gainer Springs, which is also on the Econfina Creek. Winter Springs. Wacissa Springs is a major tributary to the Aucilla River and consists of at least 12 known springs. Public Land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price. }); Click here to visit our Google My Business Profile. More worth exploring while youre in this area. About 10 miles down stream is Goose Pasture a chance to camp or picknick. A public boat ramp allows for easy access to the core of the spring cluster. All opinions are 100% ours and we would never let an affiliate relationship affect our reviews. You can ease over to the roped swimming area, anchor, & swim . The mission of the Florida Springs Institute is to provide a focal point for improving the understanding of springs ecology and to foster the development of science-based education and management actions needed to restore and protect springs throughout Florida. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. You can park at Wacissa Canoe & Kayak Rentals at 290 Wacissa Springs Road and rent boats starting at $20, or launch your own for $5. Thats the spring run of Horsehead Spring, an outflow nearly a half mile long. Boat Ramp Information. The waterway was named in honor of Juan Ponce De Leon who led the Spanish expedition in search of the infamous Fountain of Youth.. The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 46-1663401) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The springs within Econfina Creek produce some of the most blue waters people have ever seen. When we arrived at the spring ringed with cypress trees, we were comforted to see a few other boats and people swimming, and not a gator in sight. All rights reserved. The term Outstanding Florida Spring (OFS) refers to this list of 30 springs or spring groups. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. The Wacissa Spring Group lies at the northern end of the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson Troy Springs was purchased by the state in 1995 and before that, you could only access it by boat or dirt roads. . Along the run, large patches of Coontail compete with beds of Hydrilla beneath the clear Talbot Islands. Chuluota. Mossy Head. Search by Body of Water: Search by County/City: October 2018 Archives for Coronado Pkwy Florida Accident News and Police Reports Well, my oldest turned nine last week! core contains Log, Thomas, Wacissa #1-4, and Acuilla springs, which together form a large bowl of fast- Android. Thankfully we ran into some other paddlers coming out (Big Blue is a favorite spot and can get quite packed on weekends) and they assured us we were on the right path to Big Blue Spring! Withlacoochee State Forest. The river is a family favorite and can be considered a . Baldwin. All or a portion of your donation may be tax deductible. FWC recommends that you check with local authorities for current boat ramp status. About Jobs - We're . Coral Gables. Boat ramp. Android. Milton. Orange Park. Lake Butler.Lake City. Blackwater River State Forest. The average visibility is 61-70ft/19-21m. Canaveral National Seashore. Address: ST Johns ST. Eutawville, SC 29048 Latitude: 33.4108 Longitude:-80.31 County: Orangeburg Body of Water: Lake Marion Property Type: Public Boat Ramp. Kenansville. Otherwise, you can use the Public Boat Ramp Locator Tool for free. Depending on the bus driver who believes the bus should only stop for a maximum of 1 sec. Learn more about this Single Family Home located at 1720 Overlake Avenue which has 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,112 Square Feet and has been on the market for 4 Days. My body adjusted to the cold after a few minutes and then I felt so alive in the clear blue water. Topic 1: The Many Parts of a Boat. Navarre Beach . Celebrate Fourth of July with patriotic care for environment, Tallahassee 4th of July festivities and fireworks returning to Tom Brown Park for 2021, Embrace the summer dance of armadillos and fireflies in the backyard | Wild Tallahassee, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Marianna. Since neither of us had been there recently, and with no map or river information at the headspring we were sort of sailing, I mean padding, blind. There are many food stores . She told us they thought they saw an alligator near the bank (the far bank with vegetation on the water in the picture) so we stayed much closer to the dock than we usually would. Ding Darling NWR. It is also famous for its spas and hot springs. Description. Wulain is a mountain resort. Nearly 20 springs form the Wacissa River and lie within the first 1.5 miles of its headwaters. Turn right (west) on SR 64 and look for park and boat . Walt Disney World. Crawfordville. Learn more about this Single Family Home located at 14 San Rafael Court which has 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,812 Square Feet and has been on the market for 17 Days. Points of Interest & Landmarks Historic Walking Areas, Wulai Takasago Volunteer Corps Memorial Park, Wulai: Address, Phone Number, Wulai Reviews: 4/5, The atmosphere was very relaxed, and of course the. Chattahoochee. formId: '63b8a5a6d4043cac46b33e19', Cocoa Beach. Gulf Islands National Seashore. There is also a public boat ramp on the river. The small restaurants are interesting, they serve mountain produce such as wild boar. Lot was cleared of major under brush last year. Crestview. It was getting smaller and we didnt want to get stuck in a tight place where it would be hard to turn around and we didnt want to risk tiring the big guys out just by exploring since they were paddling on their own, so we turned around and headed back down to the river. ABOUT WACISSA RIVER/SPRING: Wacissa Springs is a major tributary to the Aucilla River and consists of at least 12 known springs. Open all year. The river itself is actually recognized as a state paddling trail, making it safe, clean and frequented by nature lovers of all kinds, including bird watchers. If youre interested in checking out all the gear we use when out paddling, check out our post on Our Paddling Gear., Paddling the Chipola River, Calhoun County, Florida, Rainbow Springs State Park: Our Hurricane Evacuation Vacation (Hurri-cation), 13 Tips to Make the Most of your Trip to Rainbow Springs State Park, Barnette and Sally Allen Nature Preserve: A Hidden Tallahassee Gem, Cherokee Sink Trail, Wakulla Spring State Park, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park.