CANCELED: Due to very low sign-ups, we are canceling the monthly "Picnic Paddles" and the picnic at Silver Lake Campground. We will reschedule this event in the future outside of the monthly picnics as a longer just-for-fun paddle. Please keep on the lookout for that and other opportunities on the events calendar. Thank you for your understanding.
Yours,
Anthony Sousa & Chris Gray
Silver Lake Picnic Paddle - Lvl 2
Trip leader / co-leader:
Chris Gray, graymatter85@gmail.com, (813) 728-2896
Description:
Join us for a leisurely paddle exploring up Silver Lake and the Withlacoochee River inside the Withlacoochee State Forest. We’ll continue to paddle upriver until we’re ready to turn around and then float/paddle back to the launch in time for the picnic. Plan for 4-6 miles round-trip.
Location:
Silver Lake Campground, 31475 Silver Lake Rd, Brooksville, FL 34602
Schedule:
Meet at the boat ramp in the day-use area at 9:00 for a 9:30 launch. We’ll paddle up Silver Lake to where the Withlacoochee River enters and go until we’re ready to turn back.
Additional information:
While there are restrooms at the campground, they are pit toilets. This is a fee area and the $2 per person day use fee applies to all day users including those with a pavilion reservation. To pay the day use fee, visit the Web Store at ReserveAmerica on the day of your visit.
(Per Chris Gray) If you’ve never paddled on the Withlacoochee River this location is a great introduction. The river exits the lake under I-75 but is otherwise surrounded by forest. It’s in one of my favorite sections of the river.
Difficulty:
This paddle is labeled as a level 2 for the distance. While the current in the river is not normally strong, rain can increase the volume and flow.
Required / suggested / restricted
Boats should be at least 14ft. Participants must wear a PFD. Make sure you bring plenty of water.
See the Skills Self Assessment Chart on the web site and contact the leader with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the web site or RSVP to the trip leader to allow notification of any changes.