1.  Peace River: Zolfo Springs to Port Charlotte: 
            (Voted Best River/Lake to Paddle 12 years running!)

Passing through thatches of palmetto trees and live oaks festooned in Spanish moss, the Peace River meanders over 100 miles from headwaters to its harbor escape in Port Charlotte. Although its headwaters lie in the Green Swamp, and its major tributary is Horse Creek, the river officially begins at Lake Hancock. The Peace runs south and southwest for over 100 miles to Charlotte Harbor, and offers fossil hunters a myriad of prehistoric artifacts. And if digging for mastodon and mammoth fossils is not your goal, then kick back and leisurely float along while keeping an eye out for otter and alligators, as well as protected species like the scrub jays, sandhill cranes, little blue herons, indigo snake, tortoises and for the lucky few, Florida panthers.

2.  Withlacoochee River:

Aptly meaning either ""little great river" or "crooked river," depending on which local lore you ascribe, Seminole Indians distinguished this meandering 157-mile waterway with the name Withlacoochee . . Springing forth at an elevation nearly 120 feet above sea level the Withlacoochee River begins its Green Swamp exodus by descending northbound at a downward slope. One of only a few waterways in Florida that flow from south to north, the Withlacoochee River eventually bends westward creating the boundaries between Citrus and Hernando Counties before discharging into the salt-laced Gulf of Mexico near Yankeetown.

From the cypress marshes and hardwood timberlands of the Green Swamp to the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Withlacoochee is a relatively remote and undeveloped river. Occasionally passing a few private homes or parting for a cluster of rocky shoals and sandbars, the Withlacoochee River encourages one to welcome the solitude and witness Mother Nature at her best.

3.  Chassahowitzka River:

The Chassahowitzka River, accessible only by canoe, kayak, or boat, offers endless wildlife viewing and the chance to cool off in gin-clear springs. One of the state's Outstanding Florida Waters, the "Chass" is one of the most pleasurable paddle trips in Florida. At 12 miles in length, the spring-fed river borders the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and offers solace to migrating and wintering birds. So, grab your paddles, pfd’s and a pair of binoculars for a fantastic journey through springs, salt marshes and coastal swamps.

4.  The St. Johns (Saint Johns) River:

The longest river in Florida and the United State’s second longest northerly flowing rivers, the 310-mile St. Johns was designated in 1997 as one of the American Heritage Rivers. Flowing from its headwaters in marshes southwest of Cape Canaveral, the river evolves into a series of lakes before spreading out to nearly two-miles wide for its final destination into the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Jacksonville. Prior to train rails and paved roads, the St. Johns was once the tourist destination for Florida bound travelers. Today, sportsman and sightseers flock to the St. Johns and its many tributaries for its abundant wildlife and captivating scenery.

5.  Suwannee River:

Like many things now Floridian, the 280-mile Suwannee River originates from somewhere outside of Florida, Fargo Georgia. The Okefenokee Swamp, nearly as famous as Florida’s State Song: "The Swanee River" feeds the Suwannee River before it begins its looping 210-mile path through northeastern Florida. While paddling the river, explore the white sandy riverbanks for traces of deer, river otter, wild boar, turtles, and of course alligators. 

For a partial list and brief description of additional Paddle and Path sites, Click Here