Award-winning professional photographer Scott Smith’s images are rooted in the misty cypress swamps and sparkling aquamarine waters of Florida’s wildest counties. He and wife Erin are so fond of the Nature Coast—the state’s most remote coastal region north of the Everglades—they recently said their vows at Three Sisters Spring… in their kayaks, of course.
FLORIDA ISN’T ALL SANDY BEACHES and theme parks. Citrus County has managed to escape the rapid development that is consum- ing the rest of the Sunshine State, preserving a sleepy region of stunning natural beauty. The rivers and springs here can be paddled year-round, with each season offering something special.
On sweltering summer days, we’ve experienced nature’s air con- ditioning while gliding across crystal clear water that remains a con- stant 72 degrees. In cooler months, manatees gather in the springs to enjoy the warmer waters, often swimming right up to inspect a swimmer or kayaker.
Our favorite spot for manatee viewing is Three Sisters Spring. Pad- dling into the springs right at sunrise, before any of the tour compa- nies arrive, is an unforgettable experience. In the chill morning air, the first sunbeams dance upon the fog rising off of the spring waters. Manatees mingle where the three boils transform the water from cloudy to crystalline, and we enjoy a connection unlike anything else on this watery planet. ERIN LEIGH ROHAN
TRIPS
If you have a half-day paddle the Crystal River to King’s Bay and explore some of the bay’s 30 springs, including Three Sisters Spring.
If you have a day tour the eight springs along the pristine Ichetucknee River. Averaging just 20 feet wide, the river flows six miles through shady hammocks to the Santa Fe River. To avoid crowds of people on inner tubes, save this trip for early spring, fall and winter.
If you have a weekend put in at Chassahowitzka Springs and paddle “The Chaz.” En route, explore the many smaller springs tucked away on lush, densely canopied tributaries. Don’t miss the Crack, a head spring hiding up jungle-like Baird Creek.
If you have a week follow the blackwater Withlacoochee River South Paddling Trail from Green Swamp to the Rainbow River, ending at Rainbow Springs. Numerous access points and campsites make this a relaxing journey through scenic sandhills and cypress swamp.
STATS
POPULATION
139,360 (Citrus County, 2012 census)
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
81°F (July) 56.5°F (January)
WILDLIFE
Manatee, deer, otter, black bear, beaver, great blue heron, moorhen, osprey, alligator
CAMPSITES
Developed, sand
SPRINGS
More than 700 in Florida, Citrus County has the highest density.
DIVERSION
Take in a mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs.
BEST EATS
Vintage on 5th—upscale southern comfort food in Crystal River. The Freezer Tiki Bar—Homosassa Springs’ local favorite, fresh caught seafood served wharf-side.
OUTFITTERS
Crystal River Kayak Company— rentals, launch site near Three Sisters Spring; www. crystalriverkayakcompany. com. Paddle Florida— Gainsville-based non-profit organizes group tours on many scenic waterways, including the Withlacoochee; www.paddleflorida.org.
MUST-HAVE
Dive mask and snorkel
This article first appeared in the Adventure Kayak, Spring 2014 issue. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine and get 25 years of digital magazine archives including our legacy titles: Rapid, Adventure Kayak and Canoeroots.
