Little Manatee River, FL

This easy 10-mile trip is suitable for beginners and multiple access points allow paddlers to create a trip of different lengths. The sandy river bottom and gently sloping banks create a number of inviting spots to stop and stretch or picnic. The designated trail begins branching just south of the Little Manatee River State Park. It is not uncommon for paddlers to get disoriented here. Paddlers are advised to carry a good map, compass, and a GPS. As a rule of thumb, stay left at decision points, and know that direction of travel is also the direction of flow of the river.

Paddlers can continue beyond the end of the designated paddling trail. The river empties just north of Cockroach Bay and south of E.G. Simmons Park. Both locations are very popular paddling spots. However, boat traffic increases considerably as one paddles closer to the Gulf. Most people do not paddle below 24th Street since the river widens considerably below this point. The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center on 24th Street is open Thursday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Outfitters also offer trips through undeveloped sections of the upper Little Manatee River above the designated trail, launching at Leonard Lee Road or CR 579. This section of the river is more narrow and wild, with tight turns, faster water and a more extensive canopy. It offers several hours of enjoyable paddling, but it is considered more challenging. An old railroad bridge in this upper section marks the spot where the famous “Orange Blossom Special” once crossed the river. It is about 6 river miles to Highway 301 from the CR 579 Bridge and about 10 miles from the Leonard Lee Road Bridge. Contact outfitters for more information about this upper section. - FDEP

For More Information Visit:

Florida's Designated Paddling Trails - Florida DEP

Little Manatee River Paddling Guide (PDF)- Florida DEP