Withlacoochee River(South) Coulter Hammock Rec Area to SR50 Bridge

With.S is one of the finest kayak touring rivers in the state. This section, especially is quite stunning. The Withlacoochee South flows north, rising out of the Green Swamp and exiting a hundred miles later into the Gulf Of Mexico about twenty miles west of Dunnellon. During its hundred miles, the river drains 2,090 sq miles of land. The Indian name means "small big water". It was designated the Outstanding Florida Water in 1989.

This is an upper section of The With. and it's very scenic with winding turns,dark red tannic flow and beautiful tree lined banks. Very rain dependent part of the river. This section is characterized by relatively high banks. The river is considerably narrower than the middle and Lower Sections, with sizeable banks on both sides of the river. Most of the river is lined with oaks and cypress, with occasional stands of pines. The banks are less swampy than the rest of the river.

We will be paddling 11+/- miles downstream. Launch from Coulter Hammock Rec Area and taking out at SR50 Bridge. This will be a shady, twisty and scenic trip!

Directions to Coulter Hammock:

Driving west on SR-50/Cortez Blvd. crossing US-301 and on to SR-575/Burwell Rd. where you turn right/south - Follow SR-575/Burwell Rd. about 2.2 miles, crossing small bridge over the Withlacoochee River, then take the third left onto Durden Rd./Hines Rd. - Follow Durden Rd. 0.4 mile to Coit Rd. where you turn left - Follow Coit Rd. 0.5 mile and keep going straight ahead as it becomes Lacoochee Park Rd., which you follow 0.8 mile and continue straight ahead as it becomes Coulter Hammock Park Rd. which you follow as it curves to the left and go 0.2 mile to where it ends at our launch site on the river.

*MEET AT SR50 BRIDGE BY 9:30am TO DO REVERSE BUDDY SHUTTLE.

Takeout at SR50 Bridge, behind fire station GPS Cords: N28.51960  W082.20960

**THE SR50 TAKEOUT REQUIRES A STEEP INCLINE GRASSY CLIMB

Pack your lunch and plenty to drink.

PFD/WHISTLE IS THE LAW AND IS ALWAYS ADVISED TO BE WORN.

PLEASE RSVP IF ONLY ATTENDING, RSVP NOT-ATTENDING IS NOT NECESSARY.

ALL ATTENDING, BE PREPARED TO DO A REVERSE BUDDY SHUTTLE...BE ABLE TO CARRY 2 KAYAKS ON YOUR VEHICLE.

As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and/or John B, there is no assumption of risk or liability by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you; that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences.As with all our trips, we are not guides nor instructors. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being. By participating in any trip you assume all risks and responsibilities for your safety and equipment. It's important foe everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip and are aware of weather forecast. Be sure you are up to the trip, physically,mentally and your equipment is appropriate for the trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe, act responsible and you will enjoy a great trip.  

Peter and John B will be camping at Silver Lake Rec Area at Cypress Glen(2nd cmpgrnd) campground on Weds and Thurs nights, welcome to share cost of site if tent camping.

http://www.floridaforestservice.com/state_forests/withlacoochee_croom.html

Paddle On! John B & Peter B

**THE DRIVE TO COULTER HAMMOCK IS ON A LONG BUMPY ROAD** IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING ON SUCH A ROAD, THEN THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU. ALSO BE AWARE OF THE STEEP GRASSY INCLINE ON SR50 TAKEOUT.