Chassahowitzka River - Homosassa, FL - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

The Chassahowitzka River is a pristine spring fed river located in southwestern Citrus County, Florida. The river is home to hundreds of species of birds including the Bald Eagle, and is a common refuge for the West Indian Manatee. In 1941, approximately 31,000 acres (130 km²) of its saltwater creeks, freshwater tributaries, and hardwood hammocks were recognized as a National Wildlife Refuge. The public campground located walking distance from the river offers camping, fishing, and canoe rentals.

The main spring located upstream of (and visible from)the campground dock is a first magnitude spring, and a group of smaller sister springs are located in a creek just up from the main vent. Several of these sister springs are connected via underwater caves that snorkelers can dive through while holding their breath. Similar freshwater tributaries feed into the Chassahowitzka River further downstream, some of which mix with salt water as the river weaves its way toward the Gulf, creating brackish creeks and bays where it is quite common to catch fish species such as Spotted seatrout, Redfish, or Common snook to name just a few. Other staples of the river include Striped Mullet, which can be seen in schools through the clear water or at times leaping out of the water, and the Blue Crab which is often netted or trapped by local fishermen. It is very common to see several species of herons and egrets, including the Great Blue Heron and the occasional large alligator, although they are often seen some distance from springs and boats. The river is well known for its navigational hazards, mainly due to large rocks hidden from the sight of fast moving motorboats that venture outside the narrow channel.

from Wikipedia

Parking/put-in/launching information: $2 parking fee Paddling conditions to be expected: Class 1 with tidal currents at times Difficulty of the trip: easy Length of trip: 6 miles to Gulf of Mexico Portages: zero Permits required: camping is $20 per night, more for electricity and full hook-up Type of trip: 12 miles to the Gulf and back. There are many side creeks to explore. Other information: Lots of wildlife to see: alligators, manatees, raccoons, otters, deer, and many species of birds. 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.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.