This protected hardwood creek in Yulee, Florida allows for a relaxing paddle any time of day. Shaded and shielded from the winds, the creek cuts through the forest and wanders back in time. Paddlers on Lofton Creek may see turtles and alligators sunning on fallen trees — and woodpeckers, Kingfishers and hawks flying through the canopy. Cypress knees rising out of the tea colored waters surround the Bald Cypress trees lining the creek; and a variety of flowers take turns blooming throughout every season of the year.
Winding its way through the trees as it approaches the salt marsh interface, this blackwater creek shelters a wide variety of birds and animals. Paddle at your own pace through towering maple, bay and cypress trees as you listen to the birds and scan for wildlife. Commonly seen along the route are herons, hawks, anhingas, woodpeckers, turtles, alligators, otters and a large assortment of both freshwater and saltwater fish.
Unlike the salt marsh or open water, the trees along Lofton Creek offer protection from the wind, making this a great paddle even on very windy days. The creek is tidally influenced, but the current is very mild and relatively easy to paddle against — allowing us to paddle this trip at any time of day and making it an easy activity to plug into an vacation itinerary.
This is an easy trip suited for all skill-levels and all ages; though, small children may have to ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. Although we don’t usually get wet, we suggest wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Guides will provide water and a snack, but you’re welcome to bring along anything you’d like. We’ll also have a number of dry bags available for electronics (keys; phones; etc…) or anything you may need to bring along and keep dry. Typically, we enjoy two-hours of paddling on this easy year-round trip. The meeting spot and launch site for this trip is the Melton O. Nelson boat ramp in Yulee, Florida — located on A1-A midway between I-95 and Amelia Island.
2 to 3-Hours
$55/person