What we’re about
Paddling, hiking, painting, photographing our blackwater rivers, creeks, lakes, and swamps in central south Georgia and north Florida. Monthly outings, workshops, and other events in the Suwannee River Basin.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Okefenokee Kayak Camping on Floyd's IslandStephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo, GA
This primitive campout is a remote wilderness experience in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, appropriate for any level but be sure that you're comfortable paddling your loaded kayak 9 miles against a current to get to the island. There is only one rest stop on the trail, Minnie's Lake Platform at the 4 mile mark.
Coming back on Monday the current will be with us all the way, making for an easy trip out on the most scenic trail in the swamp with plenty of wildlife viewing. Everyone must wear a PFD while paddling.
There is a portapotty at Minnie's Lake and Floyd's Island. No potable water, bring everything you need for two days. Pack it in, pack it out. There is plenty of room for any type tent or hammock. The historic Floyd's Cabin, pictured above, is also open.
This outing is free to WWALS members and $10 for non-members. In addition, the Wildlife Refuge charges $15 per person for permits to camp on Floyd's Island, limit of 20 people, this includes your parking permit for SFSP. Permits will be given to everyone at the launch.
State passes, federal passes or discounts are not accepted, but it is a fair price for a unique wilderness camping experience. As the date gets closer a link to Eventbrite will be available for everyone to pay and secure a reservation.
Plan accordingly to arrive on time, phone service is mostly nonexistent. The Refuge requirement is that we launch by 10 a.m.
The state park campground is closed for renovations. At this time we're not sure where the closest camping is for the west side of the swamp for those who need to camp the night before. We'll post more about accommodations for pre-camping if we learn more.
This outing will cancel only in case of extreme weather, reservations are booked 2 months out so it's not easy to reschedule.
It's unavoidably confusing using two pay systems but the wilderness camping permit fee will be collected with Eventbrite. Separately, if you need to renew your annual WWALS membership, would like to become a WWALS member, or prepay $10 as a non-member, please use this link before the outing: https://wwals.net/outings. We can take cash the day of the outing if all else fails.
Let us know if you have any questions.
You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
For more information about this outing.Not open - Walking Chainsaw River CleanupTroupville Boat Ramp, Valdosta, GA
Join us, walking between the Little River Confluence and GA 133 on the Withlacoochee River seeking deadfalls to chainsaw and trash to collect.
Nobody has to use a saw of any kind. You can help by photographing, pulling limbs out of the way, or just being there.
When: Gather 9 AM, launch 9:30 AM, end 2 PM
The water level is well below our recommended low level for paddling, but if you do want to put in a kayak or canoe, you might try sliding it down the sand slope under the GA 133 bridge.
Free: This outing is free because it is a cleanup. We recommend you support the work of WWALS by becoming a WWALS member today!
You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
Click here for more information - Ichetucknee to Santa Fe RiversIchetucknee Springs State Park, Ft. White, FL
Join us on a leisurely paddle on the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe Rivers, starting at Ichetucknee Springs State Park North Entrance, past many springs, taking out at the US 129 Boat Ramp.
When: Gather 8:30 AM, launch 9:30 AM, end 4 PM
Take Out: US 129 Boat Ramp
Everyone must wear a PFD at all times on the river.
NOTE: The Ichetucknee is a non-disposable river; do not have any food or drinks in disposable packaging. All liquids and foods should be in reusable type containers.
Free: This outing is free to WWALS members, and $10 for non-members. If you need to renew your annual membership, would like to become a member, or prepay $10 for non-member paddle, please use this link before the outing: https://wwals.net/outings
There is a Park Fee of $4 for single occupancy vehicle or $6 for multiple occupancy vehicle.
Duration: 7 hours
Paddle: 10 miles, 4.5 hours.
Shuttle: 20 miles round trip, 30 minutes.
You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
For more information about this outing - Okefenokee Paddle & Cast Iron Campfire CookoutGriffis Fish Camp, Fargo, GA
Join us for a weekend of paddling the Okefenokee, rustic camping, and campfire cooking. Camping at Griffis Fish Camp is $6 per person per night, please have exact change. There is also a $2 launch fee. Tent, hammock and car campers do not need a reservation. We have the Red Top shelter #4 reserved and you can pitch your tent anywhere in that area. If you need hookup for a camper, call and reserve a site.
Saturday morning we'll leave camp at 8:30 and drive to Stephen C. Foster State park to launch. State Park fees apply, you can borrow a state park pass from any Ga. library if you don't already have a pass. National Park Passes are also acceptable for entry.
We'll paddle down Billy's Lake, pass by Mixon's Hammock and on through the Narrows and the Sill. If water levels are good we plan to paddle a mile up the Sill and wind our way back down to our lunch stop at the boat ramp by the Sill parking area. Then back on the trail to Griffis for a total of approximately 10 miles. Be prepared to portage your kayak over low spots and deadfall if the water is low.
Back at camp we'll get the fire going and start cooking! Cooking is always optional but the more the merrier. There is no menu, absolutely anything goes. It's all for campfire fun. Come sit around the fire and show us what you can do with your old cast iron, or roast hot dogs on a stick. Bring your own plates/bowls/utensils/drinks to help reduce waste.
Please bring some firewood, it gets dark early in December so we'll want to enjoy a nice campfire both nights and we'll need it for cooking Saturday night.
Sunday morning will be a leisurely packing up, drinking coffee and eating cinnamon rolls cooked by the fire.
This outing is free to WWALS members, and $10 for non-members. Please pre-pay online before the outing at this link if you need to renew your annual membership, would like to become a member, or prefer to pay $10 as a non-member: https://wwals.net/outings
You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Fla. and Ga. by becoming a WWALS member today! https://wwals.net/donations
For more information about this outing