turner river kayak tours

Turner River kayak trail: The best in the Everglades

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: January 7, 2024

The Turner River is one of the most popular kayak trails in the Everglades for a good reason – it’s the best.

I haven’t paddled every trail in the Everglades, but I’ve done a lot of them. So far, the Turner River wins out because, unlike most trails, where you choose either cypress swamp or mangrove or sawgrass environments, the Turner River takes you through it all – with over-the-top scenery and wildlife too.

Starting at the Tamiami Trail a few miles east of Everglades City, it begins in an achingly beautiful freshwater cypress forest of Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge. Then the giant cypress trees, maples and pond apples give way to saltwater-loving mangroves and you make your way through mangrove tunnels too tight for paddles: We pulled our way through branch-to-branch, feeling vaguely like Tarzan. Finally, the trail continues through open sawgrass marsh.

The scenery, the abundant wildlife and the trail’s proximity to cities (it’s eight miles to Everglades City; 75 to Miami) have made it a favorite among kayakers and kayak outfitters, who offer one-way trips with livery service allowing you to paddle from the Tamiami Trail all the way to Everglades City in a five to six hour trip. (Details below.)

One kayak outfitter with whom I spoke said he had stopped running trips there because of crowds.

But when we arrived at 9 a.m. on a winter Sunday with perfect weather, we were the only people in the parking lot and we saw not a soul on the Turner River for several hours. Even then, we passed only a handful of kayaks and canoes. However, when we returned, the small parking lot on the Tamiami Trail was completely full.

Two weeks later, we returned, paddling the river on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. The river was just as lovely and full of wildlife, but we passed three or four guided kayak tours, each with five or six boats, so we rarely felt alone in the wilderness.

My conclusion: The Turner River is popular for a good reason. Give it a try, but plan and prepare accordingly. If you can, start early or go on a weekday.

Ways to kayak the Turner River

There are many different ways to kayak the Turner River. Here are a few options:

• Bring your own canoe or kayak, put in at the launch on the Tamiami Trail, paddle north and/or south and return to your car. (There’s not much current so paddling upstream is not an issue.) If water levels are high, you should still be able to paddle 45 minutes to an hour downstream and then back. NOTE: Long or inflatable kayaks are not recommended . A Florida Rambler community member commented that a below-water mangrove root punctured one of his kayak’s three inflatable chambers. As he and his wife paddled back, they were thankful the alligators were all shy.
• Bring your own canoe or kayak. Arrange to be picked up at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at Everglades National Park, shuttled to the launch site and then paddle back to your car. You can make these arrangements with outfitters, including EvergladesAdventures.com , which operates out of the Ivey House Everglades Adventure Hotel in Everglades City. If you consider paddling to Chokoloskee, please see a note of caution below about water levels.
• Rent a kayak or canoe from one of several outfitters licensed to provide service in the wildlife refuge.
• Go on a guided adventure with an outfitter. (Same list as above.)

We chose to explore the Turner River from the launch site, paddling both north and south and then returning after several hours to our own car – an approach I recommend if you have your own kayak. The advantages to us: Nobody to pay, we could launch at our own schedule and paddle a trip of whatever length we wanted.

On some trips, we headed north first into a beautiful less-frequented stretch of the river. When water levels are high, you can paddle quite a distance and the scenery is lovely.

Southbound, the first section you paddle is often full of wildlife – small alligators and all sorts of birds. The vegetation is spectacular: The trees are packed with airplants that cover every available surface; there are beautiful groupings of water lilies and swamp lilies.

After about 45 minutes, the first mangrove tree appears and then you plunge into a shadowy mangrove tunnel. That tunnel opens up to placid pond, and then it is mangrove tunnel No. Two. This one is tighter and longer. We tuck our paddles into our canoe and pull ourselves through it in a form of hand-to-hand combat, ducking constantly to limbo under low branches. (Don’t try the second mangrove is water level is high; there might not be enough clearance.)

The open marsh that follows rewards us with birds – flocks of storks, squawking, grunting ibis, herons voicing their annoyance, kingfishers with their rattling call.

In this section, you find the only landing spot on the trail, a little section of ground with a few palm trees and several picnic tables. It is a perfect places to stretch. It comes about 1.75 miles into the trail, so watch for it and stretch your legs.

The paddling guide provided by Everglades National Park (alas, no longer available online) has helpful points marked on the map, including the junction with the old Turner River Canal, which is plugged to restore water to the Turner River.

There were so many birds in the old canal, however, that we decided to divert from the trail to see how far it extended. At what appeared to be the end of the canal, we found a narrow access points where we could paddle into another basin. This discovery was perhaps our favorite: This hidden, off-the-trail body of water was packed with wildlife, from alligators to schools of fish visible in the clear water to all sorts of birds. Except for the sound of our paddles and the birds, there was complete silence.

We paddled downstream to the next mangrove tunnel and turned around, retracing our path.

How long did it take? In the trip that included heading north and also exploring the old canal, our total paddle time was perhaps four or five hours. In a 2017 return trip, where the northern stretch was too thick with hydrilla and we did not explore the canal, the trip was somewhere between three and four hours round trip.

Water levels are critical to Turner River kayak trip

Summers around here are miserable — swarms of no-see-ums and mosquitos will greet you. The best times to kayak the Turner, then, is November to April, when the heat, humidity and insects are less of a problem.

But you have to check if the water is too high or two low. Either condition makes the trail impassable.

For example, as I write this in mid-November 2021, I just returned from a morning on the river when the water level was quite high. To get under the Tamiami Trail bridge (right at the start), we had to lay flat in our canoe and pull ourselves under the bridge. We had to turn around in the middle of the second mangrove tunnel because we couldn’t clear the lowest branches.

In addition to the clearance issue, high water means the alligators and birds have lots of options, so not as many gather in the river and wildlife viewing may not be impressive. (These conditions are also likely in summer.)

Conversely, the Turner River is impassable when the water gets too low, which often happens in spring. One March, we had tried to do the Turner, but it was too late in the season and too shallow. (We ended up paddling the nearby Halfway Creek trail.)

Check the water levels at the Big Cypress Visitor Center nearby or call the Big Cypress Visitor Center (239-695-2000) to inquire.

Tips for kayaking the Turner River

• Turner River trail from National Park Service.
• Map of Turner River and Gulf Coast trails in Everglades National Park/Big Cypress.
• Canoes or kayaks over 16 feet long will have a hard time maneuvering the mangrove tunnels.
• There is no overnight parking at the Turner River lot. There is a restroom and picnic tables.

Your visit to Everglades City area

We love visiting Everglades City. It’s a small fishing village with fresh seafood, historic buildings and access to many outdoors adventures.

• A great saltwater kayak trail nearby is Sandfly Loop, which gives you a taste of the Ten Thousand Island.
• Halfway Creek is another kayak trail quite close to the Turner River. It’s where we kayaked the time water was too low in the Turner River.
• There are two good  boat tours offered at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
• Everglades City is the base for many stone-crab fishermen, so it’s a good place to indulge in the seasonal seafood. Here’s  where to eat stone crabs in Everglades City  plus general background on the city.
• Visit one of our favorite, off-the-beaten-track stops,  historic Smallwood Store  on Chokoloskee, just four miles away. (Its docks are a lovely place to watch the sunset and there’s a barbecue food truck now operating from there, serving food at picnic tables with an incredible waterfront view.)
• We’ve stayed at Ivey House Everglades Adventure Hotel  in Everglades City, which also operates a kayaking outfitter.
• Nearby  Ochopee Post Office     on the Tamiami Trail is the smallest in the US. And cute.
• Our guide to the s cenic drive across Florida via Tamiami Trail  is full of good places to hike, picnic and explore.
• Shark Valley area of Everglades National Park : Excellent trail for bicycling and wildlife viewing in Everglades National Park.
• Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery : It’s always a thrill to view his large-format black-and-white photos of Florida’s wilds.
• Big Cypress National Preserve : Six ways to explore the Everglades
• Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park : Big wild and good for hiking.

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law. Read more: floridarambler.com/licensing

This page may contain affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality journalism about authentic Florida at no cost to our readers.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

james jordan

Sunday 7th of January 2024

Long and/ or inflatable kayaks are not recommended for this trip. We had excellent water level, but the tunnels make for cramped conditions for our 13' Sea Eagle that we take pretty much everywhere. And we popped one chamber (out of 3) on a below waterline mangrove root, right after my wife suggested turning around in the middle of a tunnel. Luckily, I always pack a repair kit and we limped back to the launch, surrounded by lazy (again lucky) gators. Next time, we'll book 2 single hard shells from Skunk Ape Headquarters, because the river environs were beautiful.

Bonnie Gross

Thanks for your helpful comments, as always. I'm glad you thought the river was beautiful. I will add a note that inflatables are not recommended!

Sunday 14th of November 2021

looks like fun adventures

Tuesday 25th of May 2021

This is great and information and quite concise. If you douse yourself in bug repellant, is Turner River in June/July enjoyable?

I think the water level is too low most years, Russ.

Wednesday 3rd of February 2021

Florida Rambler, and Bonnie, I can't thank you enough. Turner River was beyond incredible, and the details on so many florida kayaking opportunities are priceless.

Thank you! I want to hear all about your Turner River experience! How far did you paddle? What did you see? You can post comments here or email me at [email protected] .

• Everglades Florida
• (239) 695-3633
• [email protected]

Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour

Great for all Ages Safe and Easy

Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour

Our Most Popular Tour Best for viewing wildlife.

Everglades Alligators and Orchids Tour

Everglades National Park Sea Kayak Eco Tour

See Dolphin, Manatee, Osprey and Egrets Do something different...

Welcome to EvergladesKayaking.com.

We have taken the Paradise Pledge... Learn More...

Come have some fun and let us share our passion!

MANGROVE TUNNEL KAYAK TOUR

Everglade's original kayak tour....

Advance purchase required!

BOAT ASSISTED KAYAK ECO TOUR

Boat assisted kayak eco tour combines the best of a boat tour, a kayak tour and a walking tour..., alligators and orchids tour, great for all ages and experience levels..., about everglades kayaking | frequently asked questions | directions and maps | photos and videos boat assisted kayak eco tours | mangrove tunnel kayak eco tours | everglades alligators and orchids tours turner river to chokoloskee kayak eco tour | camping kayak tours | outfitting & rentals book a tour | contact us | everglades kayaking home page.

Discover the beauty of the Everglades with our Pedal Assist Kayaks

Explore stunning landscapes from a unique perspective.

Guided Tours / Rentals available daily

Book Your Tour

Chokoloskee Explorer: 2-Hour Island Kayak Tour

2 hrs | $80

Everglades Explorer: 4-Hour Everglades Kayak Tour

4 hrs | $120

Mangrove Explorer: 6-Hour Coastal Kayak Tour

6 hrs | $200

What to Expect: Kayaking in the Everglades

Dress for the occasion.

 We're talking lightweight, breathable clothing that can handle a splash or two. Opt for long sleeves and pants to ward off the sun and those pesky bugs. 

Bug Battle Plan

 Mosquitoes, noseeums, you name it – they call the Everglades home. Arm yourself with bug spray and consider donning some bug-resistant gear to keep those critters at bay. 

Hydration is Key

 Florida's sun can be relentless, so make sure to pack plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout your adventure. Trust us; you'll thank us later! 

Slather on the Sunscreen

 Don't let those sun rays ruin your fun. Slap on some sunscreen with a high SPF rating and reapply as needed to avoid those painful sunburns. 

Shades and a Hat

 Protect your peepers with a trusty pair of sunglasses and throw on a hat to shield your face from the sun's glare. Fashion meets function, right? 

Snack Attack

 Keep those energy levels up with some handy snacks. Think trail mix, granola bars, or whatever floats your boat (pun intended). 

Wildlife Watch

 Get ready for some close encounters of the wild kind! Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, birds, and other critters that call the Everglades home. Remember to admire from a safe distance – they're the locals here! 

Safety First

 Listen up to your guide's instructions and make sure you're rockin' that life jacket like a pro. Safety's no joke, folks! 

Discover Turner Eco Expeditions

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Welcome to Turner Eco Expeditions, your gateway to unforgettable experiences in beautiful Chokoloskee, Florida. We're not just your average tour guides – we're a dynamic husband-and-wife team, passionate about sharing the magic of the Everglades with you. Picture us as your personal adventure buddies, ready to lead you on an epic journey through the mesmerizing waterways. And when it's time to kick back and relax, our cozy base camp has got you covered, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable. So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive into the Everglades and create some incredible memories together! 

Drop us a line!

Sign up for our email list for updates, promotions, and more.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Better yet, see us in person!

We love our customers, so feel free to call during normal business hours.

Turner Eco Expeditions

1180 Chokoloskee Drive, Chokoloskee, Florida 34138, United States

[email protected] 239-428-8699

Copyright © 2024 Turner Eco Expeditions - All Rights Reserved.

Kayak Tours In The Everglades

Tour information.

• Location This Is The Real Everglades!
• Duration 3.5 hours
• Reviews 0 Review
• Adults Unlimited
• Children Unlimited

239 260 4577

[email protected], – 3.5 hour private kayak tour –, – $99 per person –, – $70 children 15 – 6 , – children 5 and younger free –, *traveling alone no problem*,    just you and a guide – $125.

Experience areas of the Everglades that are only accessible by kayak. Glide through this delicate ecosystem at your own pace on one of our private guided Kayak Tours In The Everglades. Come explore the Mangrove Tunnels , grass prairies, and the Great Cypress Forest of the Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve .  These are the absolute BEST routes in the Everglades with no motorboat traffic, urban sprawl or development….True Nature!

Bring your camera because alligators, turtles, osprey, river otters, bald eagles and a variety of wading birds call this area of the Everglades home. It’s a calm, leisurely paddle in shallow waters that’s great for both first time and experienced kayakers alike. Our goal is to encounter the most wildlife possible so early morning and just before sunset are the best times to go. However, all of our Everglades Kayak Tours are Private so we can be flexible and start at a time that’s most convenient for you.

We supply cold bottled water, fresh fruit, dry boxes to protect your belongings, and insect repellant.  All our kayak tours are led by local guides that conduct tours HERE all year round.  Our Native & Old Town kayaks are strong, sturdy, and very comfortable. You can go in a tandem or single kayak, whichever you prefer (at no extra cost) .  We are one of only five tour operators permitted to kayak Turner River in The Big Cypress Preserve.  We also have a kayak route in a very special section of the Fakahatchee Preserve where only a small number of guests are permitted each day.

Ask About Our Specialty Everglades Kayak Tours 

Sunrise kayak tour.

We call the “The First On The River Tour” because you will be! We’ll meet pre-sunrise and be on the water as the Everglades Awakens.  This is the BEST time for wildlife and we also beat the other big tour groups in and out!

Mangrove Kayak Tour

The Everglades is also home the the largest uninhabited mangrove forest in the world!  We explore this unique ecosystem through the natural tunnel systems connecting the upland areas of the Everglades to the Gulf of Mexico.

Full Moon & Night Kayak Tours

This is a tour you’ll want to book well in advance. We set out just at sunset and paddle into the twilight to watch the full moon rise.  Headlamps are provided as we paddle back in the darkness!  We only do private tours so once the full moon is booked we are full.

   Full Day Kayak Tour

You’ll travel the ancient route used by the Calusa and Seminole Indians to travel from the upland areas of the Everglades to the rich estuaries in the bay.  This is a big day and not recommended for a first time kayak adventure.

Kayak Combo Tour

If you can get an early start you can easily combine a morning Kayak Tour with a Motorboat Tour, Hiking, Swampbuggy Tour or even an Airboat Ride.  Between your tours you can have a nice lunch in Everglades City or even bring a picnic lunch with you!

Sunset Kayak Tour

Watching the sunset is a great way to end any day!  We operate year round but the prime time for the Sunset Kayak Tour is Oct-May. Outside of that we can always attempt as long as the weather cooperates.  Another option is to see the sunset from the 10,000 islands on our Motorboat Tour.

A Day In The Everglades

Many of our guests combine a Motorboat Tour of the 10,000 Islands with their Kayak Tour and make it a full day in the Everglades…Alligators to Dolphins!  You can also combine your kayak tour with a Swampbuggy Tour in the upland areas of The Big Cypress or even a Hiking Tour into subtropical wilderness of The Fakahatchee Strand.  There are a few great, family owned restaurants and other Things To Do in Everglades City & Chokoloskee Island that you should check out as well.

Everglades  City is the perfect basecamp for all of our tours and other exploring.  It is considered The Capital City of the Everglades and is completely surrounded by the Top 4 parks / preserves.  Everglades National Park, Big Cypress Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand and The 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge all meet here.  While staying in Everglades City you can easily visit all these Parks as well as Collier-Seminole State Park and The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (30min).

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Turner river paddling trail.

Beach/Water Access, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

Halfway Creek and Turner River Canoe Trails

Everglades and Big Cypress National Parks

Big Cypress National Preserve , Everglades National Park

You Might Also Like

• big cypress national preserve
• everglades national park
• turner river

Last updated: January 12, 2024

Paddle Florida ®

Over 100 Florida Paddling Destinations

E-Z Maps... Photos... Reports...

You are here > Home > South Florida > The Everglades > Turner River Latest update: December 2022

Turner River...

Paddling in big cypress national preserve.

Located in the Big Cypress National Preserve (adjacent to Everglades National Park), the Turner River meanders through freshwater marsh, mangrove habitat, and sawgrass prairie. The mangrove tunnels can be narrow and sometimes easier to push through than paddle. Smaller kayaks and canoes are the best choice here. Watch for the markers that delineate the main river from side channels. ( Detailed map and photos below. )

Distance: 8.5 miles one way Location: Collier County, Big Cypress National Preserve (Ochopee) Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Tidal: Yes Launch points: U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) at the Turner River Bridge 1/2 mile west of the H.P. Williams Roadside Park; Chokoloskee Island (CR 29 south of Everglades City) ( See map ) Nearby points of interest: The Everglades, Miccosukee Indian Reservation, Ochopee Post Office, Big Cypress Gallery

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Everglades Adventures (tours, rentals) Everglades Adventure Tours (tours, rentals) Shurr Adventures (tours)

Page Summary:

• Paddling on the Turner River
• Upper Turner River - US41 launch downstream to mangrove - Through the mangrove
• Lower Turner River - On the sawgrass prairie - Downstream at Chokoloskee Bay

About Big Cypress National Preserve

More information and resources, paddling on the turner river... comments and photos.

The Turner River Paddle Trail runs 8.5 miles one-way from the put-in on US 41 to Chokoloskee Island . The tides will influence timing, paddle downstream when the tide is going out to take advantage of the tidal flow; paddle upstream when the tide rises. November to March is the best time of year for paddling due to the heat and bugs; tides, wind and the Florida sun make this a challenging paddle. There are no facilities along the trail, bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Upper Turner River

Us41 launch downstream to mangrove.

At US41 it's a short drag/carry from parking area to launch. At the US 41 bridge is an option to go upstream, which can be blocked at low water. Continue downstream under the bridge. Outfitters, tours launch here.

Through the mangrove

There are three mangrove tunnels, separated by small lakes. The tunnels are very narrow, we broke down our paddles.

Watch a video of paddling through mangrove on our Facebook page .

Lower Turner River

On the sawgrass prairie.

Paddling through the open marsh there's no shade, but lots of birds.

Downstream at Chokoloskee Bay

The river is wider and more affected by tide closer to Chokoloskee Bay. Motorboats are more common in this area. There are several boat ramps, or launch off the causeway along Smallwood Drive.

An interesting stop is the Calusa Indian shell mound, c. 400-900 AD. 28 mounds over 30 acres along the river.

Much wildlife to be seen, and scenery to enjoy... many birds, alligators.

Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the few remaining habitat of the Florida panther; activities in addition to paddling include hiking, camping, biking, and fishing. From the Turner River launch on US41, take a short ride west on US41 and watch on the left for the Ochopee Post Office , the smallest post office in the United States. Also worthwhile is a stop at the Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee to view the photography of Clyde Butcher, a foremost chronicler of The Everglades and the American wilderness.

Nearby Paddling:

Everglades National Park (Area Overview) See FL South Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Bicycling in The Everglades

Related Resources:

National Park Service - Big Cypress National Preserve National Park Service - Canoeing/Kayaking in Big Cypress National Preserve

 View great paddling by FL Region or Listed A - Z

PaddleFlorida.net... Find Florida's Best Recreational Paddling, by Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard too.

HOME FL Paddling by Region FL Panhandle North FL

East-Central FL West-Central FL South FL Florida Keys

Find Paddling A-Z About Us Site Map

Other Websites: 100FloridaTrails.com BikeOrlando.net StJohnsRiverEats.com

Copyright © PaddleFlorida.net. All Rights Reserved. Paddle Florida ®

Turner River Paddling Trail

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Turner River Paddling Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Alligator and Orchids Kayak Eco Tour

longdriftoutfitters

Guided Fly Fishing & Float Trips

Kootenai river, id.

All of the fish, none of the crowds!

Float Trips

Enjoy a relaxing float on the scenic Kootenai River. Experience gorgeous views, wildlife, and leave the crowds at home! CLICK TO BOOK NOW

Fly FishingTrips

Check out our expert guided fly fishing trips! The Kootenai River is a hidden gem for fishermen in North Idaho and is a classic dry fly fishery. CLICK TO BOOK NOW

Paddle Board Trips

Grab your family or some friends for a paddle board adventure through gorgeous Idaho. Experience gorgeous views, wildlife, and leave the crowds at home! CLICK TO BOOK NOW

Book your trip today!

Amazing fishing without the crowds.

  The Idaho section of the Kootenai flows through a beautiful canyon with virtually no access except by boat. The seclusion and isolation of the river adds to its Idaho ruggedness and beauty. Most days you have the river to yourself. Come see what has been hiding in north Idaho, and book your next trip with Long Drift Outfitters.

Whether you’re curious about booking, weather, or preparation, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

• Wilderness Waterway

shuttle for 1 or 2

daily per boat

Prices vary with demand, boat type, and shuttle seats. Plus tax and fees. Wildlife often appears, but isn't guaranteed.

Experienced paddlers

Equipment available

5-10 day rental

Autumn–Spring RENTALS

October 28, 2024 – May 3, 2025 Boats may differ from photo

Adventure for 1 or 2

$480 130-mile shuttle for 1 or 2 $25/person after 2

+ Canoe for 2

$49/day (5-10 days)

+ Sea Touring Kayak for 1

$50/day (5-10 days)

+ Sea Touring Kayak for 2

$75/day (5-10 days)

Top Questions

You’ll paddle a kayak or canoe through uninhabited mangrove islets once occupied by Native Americans for thousands of years, but now home only to wild Everglades plants and animals, including crocodiles, flamingos, dolphins, sharks, rays, and countless migratory birds.

After paddling and camping for 5-10 days you’ll reach the opposite end of the Waterway.

Nautical charts are available at our front desk.

For more information, please  contact us .

You can choose to depart from the Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel in Everglades City or the campgrounds near Flamingo.

Our shuttles will travel 130 miles by road to pick you up or drop you off, depending on the direction you wish to travel.

• Shuttle 130 miles (pick up or drop off)
• Your choice of ruddered single touring kayaks, ruddered tandem touring kayaks, or 17-foot Grumman canoes with seat cushions
• Each watercraft includes paddles, PFDs, a bilge pump, and bow & stern lines
• Free admission to the Everglades City Boardwalk

Yes, we offer flat rate and daily add-ons.

Flat Rate Add-ons:

• Extra Kayak Paddle $10
• Extra Canoe Paddle: $5
• Paddle Float: $5
• Extra PFD: $15
• Extra Bilge Pump: $5

Daily Add-ons:

• 5-Gallon Water Container: $2.50/day
• 60-Quart Cooler: $2/day
• 80-Quart Dry Box: $3/day
• 20-Liter or 30-Liter Dry Bag: $2/day
• 110-Liter Dry Bag: $2.50/day

Guests Love Us!

"Wonderful morning tour! Fabulous natural & cultural history and great conversations with our guide in Turner River area! Marvelous quiet kayak through mangrove tunnels! Gorgeous birds & cool alligators! Would do this again! Great value and nice equipment."

—L. from Colorado

“We kayaked the Turner River with our personal guide for three and a half hours. We learned about orchids, and cypress trees, and sawgrass, and alligators, and egrets, and why we weren't bothered by mosquitoes. We saw the Everglades in their natural state and it was beautiful."

—C.A.

"Fantastic journey through the wilderness. Our guide was so patient and knowledgeable and friendly. We had a great time working our way down the river and among the mangroves. He shared lots of stories about the plants and pointed out many alligators along the way. Highly recommend this activity. Well worth it if visiting the area."

—S. from Indiana

"What a unique experience to kayak near so many gators! They were much more docile than I had expected so there really was no reason to be nervous with them in the water. We saw a lot of alligators, turtles, birds and even a water snake here. I thought 3 hours of paddling might be a lot, but it was actually very relaxing and more like a float for much of it..."

—F. from Michigan

Why Choose Everglades Adventures?

Discover Everglades Wildlife

Trained Naturalists

Equipment Rental

• Everglades City Boardwalk

30 Years of Experience

Conveniently Located

Perfect for groups.

• Guided Kayak Tours
• Private Kayak Camping Combo
• Kayak & Canoe Rentals
• Kayak Stay & Play
• Kayak Airboat Combo
• Fakahatchee Combo

Paddling the Wolf River

There are many ways to experience the Wolf River, but paddling in a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board arguably provides the most immersive experience and the greatest connection with nature. Approximately 75 miles of the Wolf River is open for paddle craft. Learn more about paddling on the Wolf River in this section and refer to the events calendar for upcoming paddling trips. We nearly always have a first Saturday paddle trip, and we would love for you to join us!

Activity Calendar

Discover the Greenway 5K+

The Endangered Whorled Sunflower and Conserving Native Plants

Family Fun Paddle on the Wolf River

First Saturday Paddle - July

First Saturday Paddle - August

Greenway Soiree

First Saturday Paddle -Germantown Pkwy to Kennedy Park

Frog Chorus Walk

Paddle the Greenway

Mother’s Day Paddle on the Wolf River

May First Saturday Paddle - Lost Swamp

Drink a Beer Save a River - May

City Nature Challenge: Bioblitz at Epping Way

Earth Day on the Wolf River Greenway

Landfills, Waste, and Recycling

First Saturday Paddle April, Ghost Section

River Paddling FAQs

• Blues City Kayaks  | 901.762.1133 |   [email protected]
• Ghost River Rentals | 901.485.1220 | [email protected]
• Kayak Memphis Tours | 901.482.2942 | [email protected]
• Wolf River Canoe Tr ips | 901.877.3958
• Ghost River Rentals provides shuttle services along the Wolf River.  Contact Mark Babb or Don Hailey at 901.485.1220, or visit their website: ghostriverrentals.com
• Wolf River Canoe Trips provides shuttle service in Fayette County.  Contact Sarah or John Wilburn at 901.877.3958 for more info.
• Blues City Kayaks provides tours and rental kayaks in Shelby and Fayette Counties. Visit their website for more info: bluescitykayaks.com

There are 12 boat access points on the Wolf River from Michigan City, MS to the Mississippi River. Explore the interactive map to help find a section right for you.  The map highlights each river section and shows all of the boat access sites including a Google Maps link for each.

Interactive Map

Safety on any paddling trip depends on the paddler’s planning and preparation.  Before beginning a paddle trip on the Wolf River, please review and carefully consider this important Safety Information .

For a first trip on the Ghost River section of the Wolf, a guide is essential for inexperienced paddlers and very helpful to experienced paddlers.  Sections below the Ghost section can be negotiated without a guide, though it is best not to go alone.  The Wolf River Conservancy provides experienced volunteer trip leaders on planned monthly paddle trips on the Ghost River and other Wolf River sections, helping to arrange equipment rentals and shuttle services.  See our Activity Calendar for upcoming trips.

While the entire Wolf River is a Class I stream (no whitewater), it does have many obstacles and unpredictable currents that often send unprepared paddlers through dense shrubbery and fallen tree branches. Even during its slow flow, the Ghost River section requires use of moderate canoeing/paddling skills to safely negotiate some of its obstacles.  The trip is moderately strenuous, and, in the event of a medical emergency, significant difficulties can be encountered in aiding or evacuating a victim.  The section between Germantown Pkwy. and Walnut Grove Rd. does not offer many obstacles and is the best section for beginners.  During high water conditions (over 8 ft. on the nearest river gauge), any section of the Wolf can be dangerous.  Please review our Safety Information .

The Ghost River trip from LaGrange to Bateman Rd. takes about 6 hours, including a short lunch break.  This section should never be started later than 7 hours before sunset.  The Bateman to Moscow trip takes about 3 hours.  Germantown Pkwy. to Walnut Grove Rd. normally can be traveled in about one hour.

For the Ghost River section, fuel up with a high-carbohydrate breakfast before setting off.  Take at least one-half gallon of water per person, a lunch (which may have to be eaten in the canoe in high water), sunscreen, life jacket (wear it), Epi-Pen or inhaler for those with severe allergies or asthma, supplies and a mobile phone.  Please review all Safety Information .

Remember: In the event of a medical emergency, significant difficulties can be encountered in aiding or evacuating a victim.  Don’t take anything in the boat that you can’t afford to lose or get wet.  Dress in layers in cool weather so you can adjust for the temperature.  Bring a change of clothes and a small towel in a dry-bag or large Ziploc plastic bag.

Yes, as the Wolf River provides them a perfect habitat, and most are harmless water snakes.  The venomous cottonmouths, aka water moccasins, rarely bother people who don’t bother them first.

Pinecrest Camp and Retreat Center in La Grange, TN offers camping by reservation only.  See more information on camping at Pinecrest at this link.

The only public access overnight camping near the Wolf River is in the Holly Springs National Forest, which is less than a 20-minute drive from the Michigan City boat launch.  Please follow rules for dispersed camping on National Forest lands.  All other public land in the Wolf River watershed is day-use only.

Short River Hikes

Whether you want to go for pleasant after-work stroll or bike ride, or follow a boardwalk into a wild natural area which preserves some of the mid-south's most beautiful habitat, the wolf river has something to offer.

This list does NOT include the Wolf River Greenway trail itself, but several of the trails below intersect the Greenway - For information and updates on the Wolf River Greenway Project, click here.

John F. Kennedy Park (4575 Raleigh LaGrange Rd.) is the fifth largest park in Memphis at 260 acres.  Built in the mid-1990s by the Conservancy and volunteers, this 1.25 mile trail (one way) begins atop a hill at a gravel trailhead parking across from the Alzheimer's Center.  Walk down the hill following yellow signs and enter the forest where the trail winds through big trees.  The trail becomes a boardwalk for a quarter mile through a high quality bottomland hardwood forest. The trail then zigzags across the Wolf River Greenway and along the banks of the Wolf River.  You can make it a loop trail by walking the park roads back to the gravel trailhead parking.

For a map of John F. Kennedy Park, click here.

Started by an boy scout troop in 2019 and finished to the beach by volunteers on MLK Jr. Day in 2020, this unpaved hiking and mountain biking trail connects to Phase 9 of the Wolf River Greenway at 2630 Epping Way Drive, Memphis, TN.  The 2-5 ft wide path squeezes between the river and the Conservancy's 20-acre lake for over 0.5-mile to a large beach in a major bend of the river.  The total out-and-back distance from the parking area at Epping Way cul-de-sac to the beach and back is roughly 1.7 miles. Wolf River Conservancy is planning to extend this trail all the way around the lake to connect back with the Greenway for a nice loop trail.

Designated in 1988 by Wolf River Conservancy and local partners, Lucius Burch SNA is located in Shelby Farms along the Wolf River and is accessed from: Walnut Grove Road near the bridge over the river, near Germantown Road and Walnut Bend at the paved parking area or at the gravel parking area at the Raptor Center.  The northern section can also be accessed on foot or bike via the Shelby Farms Greenline, Unpaved hiking and biking trails afford good river views.  Old channelized streams and exotic invasive plants, such as privet, illustrate some of the effects of channelization and urbanization. Conversely, pockets of high quality bottomland hardwood forest with a state-listed species are found along the trails as well.  For a map, see the trails in the dark green areas in the south and western portions of Shelby Farms Park:  click here for rough trail map.

The Germantown Greenway is a 4-mile paved trail in the Wolf River Nature Area, which can be accessed from Wolf River Blvd. between Kirby and Riverdale, between Riverdale and Germantown Pkwy., or from Germantown Pkwy. at the Chik-Fil-A parking lot. The trail includes interpretive signs, benches, butterfly gardens, and wetlands. Thanks to the efforts of WRC and community leaders, the Germantown Greenway now connects to the Wolf River Greenway.  One day there will be a continuous trail extending 15 miles west to the Mississippi River and 15 miles east to Collierville-Arlington Rd.

For a map of the Germantown Greenway and surrounding area, please click here.

The trailhead for this short unpaved trail is located on Kimbrough Rd just south of Wolf River Blvd. Look for the kiosk next to a gravel parking lot. Recently, TDEC Division of Natural Areas removed exotic invasive privet to restore the habitat.  For a complete description and a map, click here.

Overton Park is an amazing ecological refuge within the heart of Memphis and lies within the Wolf River watershed.  Enjoy old growth hardwood forest on the many paved and unpaved trails within the park and natural area. Overton Park Conservancy stewards and manages this park in partnership with city of Memphis.  DIRECTIONS  For more information on the park and Overton Park Conservancy, visit overtonpark.org.

Peterson Lake Nature Center encompasses a 0.7 mile long boardwalk from Peterson Lake, a natural oxbow,  through forest and wetlands to the banks of the Wolf River. At the end of the boardwalk, you can see part of the Wolf River restoration project, i.e., one of the  rip-rap weirs created by the U.S. Corps of Engineers to stop the degradation of the river caused by channelization. Deer and other wildlife are frequently seen along the boardwalk, and there are abundant cypress, tupelo, and other trees. DIRECTIONS to Johnson Park, follow Bill Morris Pkwy. (385) to Byhalia Rd., go left or north, and stay on Byhalia Rd. which will dead-end at Johnson Park.  Keep driving past the play areas and the lake. The road makes a small loop and becomes a parking lot.  Look for the Peterson Lake Nature Center sign and the beginning of the boardwalk.

For more information, visit the Collierville Parks website.

A large park north of Collierville contains over 2,000 acres of woods and wetlands along both sides of the Wolf River. The 5-mile crushed limestone trail is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk and can be accessed at the Collierville-Arlington Rd. bridge where there is a gravel parking lot on the north side of the river. The park can be accessed at its western end from Bethany Rd. Eventually, the trail will extend for 8 miles to Houston-Levee Rd. The farm fields north of the woods are now open for hiking and biking. The map below shows a trail on the farm roads. There are two parking areas off Collierville-Arlington Rd.,one on the north side of the bridge, and one farther north at the main trailhead. On the map, TR-1,2,4,5,6 all represent the tributary weirs. There is no hunting and no ATV (four-wheeler) use allowed.  Day-use only. The County sheriff’s deputies have begun checking the parking areas after dark.

Wolf River Wildlife Area Map

A short unpaved trail along the Wolf River leads from the parking lot to a boardwalk through a first-class wetland with tupelo and cypress trees. The entrance to the Clark Preserve is .25 miles north of the Wolf River Café and Rossville Square. Go over the bridge and turn into the parking lot on your right. The Clark Preserve is owned by The Nature Conservancy.  For a complete description and a map, click here.

Clark Preserve information from The Nature Conservancy.

The area around the boat ramp was protected by Wolf River Conservancy in 2016 and 2018 and is now part of Ghost River State Natural Area. This boat ramp at Bateman Bridge offers access to the Wolf River. There is no trail, but wading is possible here because the bottom of the river is sandy and the river is usually fairly shallow. Shoes are recommended. Take Hwy 57 east through Moscow and take a right onto Bateman Rd. DIRECTIONS.  For a map of the area, click here.

The 0.5-mile Mineral Slough trail and boardwalk traverses a fine stretch of bottomland hardwood swamp characteristic of the Wolf River floodplain. The Ghost River is a section of the Wolf River in which the river seems to disappear, widening into a broad, vegetation-filled swamp. It is a popular destination for paddlers and has been named one of the best wetland canoe trails in the country. DIRECTIONS. To read a complete description and for a map, click here.

This is a beautiful hike to the source of the Wolf River, a large spring-fed pond about .25 miles from the trailhead, in the hills of Benton County, Mississippi. Look for natural springs trickling out of the earth and the unique purple sands along the stairs on the trail.  Click here for DIRECTIONS:  on Hwy 72 heading east, ff you cross the Tippah County line, you've gone too far. Turn right or south at the small brown sign for Baker's Pond onto Tower Rd., and bear right where the road forks. Look for the Baker’s Pond trailhead parking area on the left.  The trail used to connect to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, but a large tornado destroyed that portion of the forest and has overgrown the trail.  Restoration efforts are being made to repair the trail.

Baker's Pond Map

Safety Information

Paddling the Wolf River in a canoe or kayak can be a wonderful experience. The quality of that experience, however, will depend largely on your training, planning, and follow-through.

The Wolf River Conservancy recommends always paddling in groups of two or more, regardless of your skill level or experience. The level of skill you need to paddle the Wolf River depends on your physical condition, prior training and experience, and the paddling conditions of each river section. If in doubt about your skills or how to find appropriate training, or for any other questions, please contact a Wolf River Conservancy Volunteer River Guide, a local outfitter or paddling retailer, or the American Canoe Association, of which the Wolf River Conservancy is an affiliate.

Your trip will be much more enjoyable, comfortable, and certainly safer if you bring along appropriate clothing, gear, and other items, including a change of clothing in the event of a capsize, emergency gear, medications, and a first aid kit. Any river trip involves an element of risk, and it is necessary to be prepared for emergencies. Please read this Safety Information and consider these rules and recommendations carefully in planning your trip.

Participants in Wolf River Conservancy float trips will be required to wear an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the water. These are provided by the outfitters along with boat and paddle for those renting. Paddlers arranging their own trips are required by state law to have an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD, or life jacket) for each person on board; children 12 years old or younger are required to wear a PFD at all times while on the water.   Click here for more information on Personal Flotation Devices .

The Conservancy recommends that everyone wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved life jacket (PFD) while onboard any kind of human-powered, natural-powered or motorized boat, on any body of water, at all times. Remember, a life jacket (PFD) must be properly fitted and sized to the person wearing it and must be worn correctly to work!

Although the Wolf is rated as a class one river (no whitewater), conditions can rapidly change. It is imperative that paddlers realistically evaluate their experience and abilities in regard to an anticipated trip, especially if considering bringing children along. If in doubt, ask a Conservancy River Guide. Paddlers of any skill level should check both weather conditions and water level prior to departure.

No paddler, regardless of experience level, should paddle alone. Beginners are advised to seek out some type of formal training before paddling; afterwards, paddle only with highly experienced guides for the first few trips. The Conservancy membership trips are well-suited for beginners, depending on the river section, because they are led by experienced paddlers familiar with the route who provide limited basic instruction at the beginning of the trip. Please do not paddle with children as passengers unless you are an experienced paddler yourself.

Always check weather conditions and water level before your trip. Do not attempt a trip if the forecast indicates severe weather such as a thunderstorm. Do not attempt a trip during flood conditions. For weather conditions and forecast, use this link . The Conservancy recommends not paddling any section of the Wolf River if the USGS River Level Gauge closest to the section being paddled reads 8 feet or above for most paddlers. Use the following links to check water levels:

Gauge at LaGrange

Gauge at Rossville

Gauge at Collierville

Gauge at Germantown Pkwy

Gauge at Hollywood St

Gauge at Mississippi River

Our Interactive Map provides a description for each of the accessible sections of the Wolf River, helping paddlers to choose the section that best meets their needs.

Always bring plenty of drinking water, regardless of the season. We recommend a half gallon or more per person for all-day trips.

Always bring necessary allergy medications and emergency supplies such as a first aid kit, prescription medications you might need, a change of clothes to carry with you in the boat, flashlight, whistle, compass, rain gear, cell phone, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, etc., and a waterproof “dry” bag to hold these items. Local outfitters are a good source for other suggestions as well as ready-made kits and supplies; these can also be found online.

Have a float plan. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Always wear clothes and shoes suitable for conditions. Denim and other types of cotton clothing are not recommended to be worn in or around water or while boating at any time of the year. Fast-drying synthetic polyester materials, which can be layered for cold weather conditions, are preferred. Shoes which fit securely are recommended. Avoid crocs and flip flops can easily slip off the foot when wet, and waders or rubber boots which could fill with water. Water shoes or some form aquatic “bootie” are highly recommended. Protect your feet at all times.

Cold weather clothing suggestions: Neoprene booties, synthetic (e.g., fleece) or wool fabrics worn in layers, a hat, gloves. Avoid cotton clothing. During cold weather, it is essential to bring a full set of rain gear and at least one change of clothes in a dry bag in the boat with you to prevent possible hypothermia.

Warm weather clothing suggestions: Neoprene booties or water shoes which fit securely, layered clothing, including synthetic fabrics, and a hat with a brim or visor. A change of clothes in a dry bag is recommended. Be sure to bring sunscreen and insect repellent as well.

Other items to consider:  Food and snacks, binoculars, camera, field guides, cell phone, sunscreen, insect repellent. Again, if you want to keep it dry, store it in a waterproof bag.

This is dangerous if a boat capsizes and not advised for the Wolf River.

Familiarity with basic boating safety rules is strongly advised, especially for those arranging their own trips. More information can be found on the TWRA Boating website and TWRA Paddlesports Laws .

BOOK YOUR GETAWAY NOW

Autumn is the most popular time of year to visit Stowe, and it’s no wonder: Stowe was named the #1 “Top 10 Foliage Destinations in the U.S.” by TripAdvisor. There are several ways to experience fall’s color capital. Explore Stowe’s legendary foliage and breathtaking landscape from a canoe or kayak.

Several lakes and rivers in the area are a flat-water dream for paddling . Rent a boat or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) at the Waterbury Reservoir (which also has a day use beach) or the Lamoille or Winooski rivers that wind through farms and forested countryside. There are river trips for everyone from beginners to seasoned experts. Lake Elmore also has beach access and campgrounds nearby. Further north, the pristine and undeveloped Green River Reservoir is another picturesque spot in the area. No equipment or experience? No problem. Rent assorted paddlecraft at a sporting goods shop and follow a certified guide who can instruct your paddle stroke.

EXPLORE PADDLING IN THE REGION

Learn about the best of Route 100 in Vermont with more hiking in the  Waterbury  and  Mad River Valley  regions.

Related Businesses

Private: umiak outdoor outfitters.