Pumpkin Hill Creek
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member GatoRx
N 30° 28.921 W 081° 29.195
17R E 453298 N 3372299
The kayak and canoe launch for Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, near Jacksonville, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM2K1D
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 11/13/2007
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member nfa
Views: 59

This is the launch into Pumpkin Hill Creek, a tidal river that flows through a scenic salt marsh in Northeast Florida. Much of the area is undeveloped, so the wildlife can be exciting. The tide changes can be quite dramatic depending on conditions and time of the year, so check the local tide predictions prior to your trip.

The water winds north into the Nassau River, which eventually leads to the Atlantic Ocean through Nassau Sound. To the south is more marsh, but care should be taken if venturing this way on a falling tide, as the mud gets thick, and you might find yourself waiting a while for more water to float you out.
Parking/put-in/launching information:
The parking area is unpaved and grassy, and you'll have to carry your gear about 20 or 30 yards to the water's edge. There are some oyster shells near the water, and on extreme low tides can be muddy.


Paddling conditions to be expected:
This creek is highly affected by tides, and a lot of water moves in and out during each cycle. The area is pretty open, so winds can be problematic. Its a tough paddle if you're going against the wind and the tide at the same time.


Difficulty of the trip:
An easy paddle if you time everything right.


Length of trip: Depends on how far you want to go - anywhere from a half hour to all day.

Portages:
None.


Permits required:
None. This is part of a state park though, so the hours are 8 AM to sunset. No entry fee.


Type of trip:
This is a looping trip - you'll need to get back to the launch.


Other information:
Many birds native to marsh habitats are found along the creek and in the sawgrass. Fiddler crabs roam the muddy banks, and blue crabs can be found along the bottom. Large oyster bars are all over, and need to be watched for to keep from getting stuck on a falling tide. Many species of fish can be found in the water, and dolphin have been spotted coming up for air as well. The launch has a couple of picnic tables and a port-a-pottie, which are the only facilities for the trip.


Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
Logging waymarks in this category requires a picture of your boat and your GPS at the given parking/launching coordinates,and a brief description of your canoe/kayak trip.

Additional photos and information and/or suggestions for future waymarkers will be appreciated, but is not necessary.

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