Paddle Through Trail Ridge (February)

JOIN ST. MARYS RIVERKEEPER AND EARTH KINSHIP to experience and learn about the connection between Trail Ridge, Okefenokee Swamp, and the St. Marys River for yourself! It is a long trip and you will feel it the next day, but it is worth every minute!

Arising from the Okefenokee Swamp, the St. Marys River flows 130 miles to the Atlantic Ocean at Cumberland Island National Seashore. The shape of the St. Marys River is defined by Trail Ridge, a 100-mile ancient earthen dam, and this paddle takes you through the only gap. Water levels in the Upper St. Marys is determined by the rainfall in the Okefenokee Swamp with the river having zero flow during the drought season and boaters traveling amongst the treetops during the rainy season. This stretch of river is truly unique. With very little development along the waterfront, you can go 4 miles without seeing a single home! With blue skies, green trees, white sandy shorelines, and the darkest blackwater, you cannot help but be in awe in the beauty of this spectacular place.

It is strongly advised for intermediate paddlers to participate due to the remote location, large number of strainers (down debris), steep embankment of launch site, and length of the paddle – this is an 11 mile paddle! Not a leisure paddle trip! More information will be provided upon registering.

Suggested donation: $45 per person

You are welcome to bring your own kayak or canoe. If you need to rent, please reserve your kayak through Earth Kinship HERE or by calling 904-477-5669. Be sure to mention Paddle through Trail Ridge event with St. Marys Riverkeeper. $55/ single kayak, $110/tandem kayak. Our partnership with Earth Kinship provides a certified and trained American Canoe Association Guide to help with create a safe and fun kayaking experience. St. Marys Riverkeeper is not responsible for reserving kayaks or canoes.

 Register HERE

Paddle information:

Duration

• Getting on the Water: 1.5 hours (setting shuttle, introductions, paddle instruction, and launching boats)
• Paddle: At MOST 6 hours (depends on water level), includes our lunch break.
• Getting off the Water: 30 minutes (Someone shuttling people back to their cars)

Launch and Takeout

• St. Marys Shoals Park (MAP)
• St. Marys Cove (MAP)

Recommended Skill Level

• Intermediate due to the length of trip, large number of strainers, and potential speed of water flow.
• There are no amenities at the river’s edge at the launch site or at the takeout.

What to bring

• Safety gear: lifejacket, spare paddle, water pump
• Sunscreen, bug spray, hat
• FULL (Reusable) water bottle. I suggest 2
• Lunch and snacks. PACK IN, PACK OUT!
• River etiquette!

See pictures from our last Paddle through Trail Ridge event