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 South Creek - Osprey, FL Posted by:  crackergals
N 27° 10.267 W 082° 28.176
17R E 354405 N 3006241
Launch area located inside Oscar Scherer State Park
Waymark Code: WM61HP
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 03/17/2009
Published By: nfa
Views: 7
South Creek is a tidal black water stream that flows through the park. The Creek begins north of the park and is formed by rainfall and freshwater run-off and eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The creek fluctuates with the incoming tide and is brackish (a mixture of fresh and salt water). Mangrove trees, Giant Leather Fern, and Cabbage Palms are a few of the plant species that can be seen growing along the edge of the creek. Wading birds such as the Great Blue Heron and Little Blue Heron can be seen feeding in the water while Ospreys soar overhead. Occasionally alligators and otters can be seen taking advantage of the creeks' diverse habitat. Ranger led canoe programs are available every Wednesday. ( visit link)
Parking/put-in/launching information:
Park at the South Creek Picnic Area and launch from the dock.
Paddling conditions to be expected:
Tidal Stream with a gentle current
Difficulty of the trip:
Beginner
Length of trip: Your choice
Portages:
none
Permits required:
You can rent canoes from the park for $25 per day or bring your own. Saltwater Fishing Licenses required to fish and can be purchased online at: https://www4.wildlifelicense.com/fl/start.php
Prices vary according to your situation.
Type of trip:
Put in and return to the launch area. There is no motor boat traffic within the park.
Other information:
A large acreage of scrubby flatwoods makes this park one of the best places to see Florida scrub-jays, a threatened species found only in Florida. The park protects scrubby and pine flatwoods that were once widespread throughout Sarasota County. Fifteen miles of trails through these beautiful natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a blackwater stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, but motorized boats are not permitted in the park boundaries. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are available along the creek. Anglers can fish along the shores of Lake Osprey, which is also the park´s swimming destination. Picnic areas along South Creek are equipped with grills; pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has full-facility campsites and a youth/group campground. The park nature center has exhibits and videos about the park´s natural communities.
Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed
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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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