Paddle on Gum Slough

For advanced paddlers with their own boats. Gum Slough is accessible via the Withlacoochee River near Potts Preserve. It is a beautiful, shallow, crystal clear 5-mile-long spring fed creek that runs southwest from its main spring source into the Withlacoochee River. There are six other springs around Gum Spring Main and this group of springs are known as the Gum Springs Group (Seven Sisters). The slough flows through the Half Moon WMA and Gum Swamp. You will feel like you're in the heart of nowhere. :-). During higher water levels, Gum Slough can be tricky to navigate due to the many parallel creeks and side creeks. But the water level is currently low so, this should not be the case for us. Great opportunity to see wildlife, interesting local memorials and ancient Indian mounds. This is an out and back with a roundtrip of approximately 12 miles (mol).

Skill Level: Advanced due to distance, current, some tight maneuvering and if it can be done safely, possible portages. (scroll to bottom of page for skill level definitions)
Paddlers should have all proper safety equipment and check conditions before departure. All paddlers should always wear PFDs while on the water and leave a float plan. There are inherent dangers in any paddle sport. There are special hazards along the Florida coast due to shifting tides, changing wind and weather, shallow waters, and treacherous bottoms with soft mud, rocks, and oyster bars.
It is up to each paddler to be aware of these dangers, to accept and be prepared for the risks involved, and to be certain they have the skills to safely paddle in these conditions.

Launch: Turner Camp boat ramp. Single lane concrete ramp and small area for a riverbank launch. Limited parking, no restrooms and no fees.

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles as close to 9am as possible. From Turner Camp Ramp we will paddle approximately 1 mile downriver on the Withlacoochee River where we will make a right into the mouth of Gum Slough. We will paddle up slough (against the current) in hopes to reach the main Gum Spring which is approximately 5 miles. If there is time we may explore the other springs. On our return we'll paddle back down slough until we, once again, reach the Withlacoochee River. Then paddle upriver for 1 mile back to the launch and conclude this epic journey.

Afterwards: If anyone has interest; We can replenish those spent calories and rehydrate at: The Cove Resort & Pub at: 1242 S Cove Camp Point, Inverness, FL 34450. The Cove Resort and Pub - The Cove Resort & Pub

This is not a professional tour nor am I a professional guide.

Suggested Items to Bring; FRS/GMRS radio tuned to channel 6, PLB, GPS, plenty of hydration/electrolytes, energy snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, towel, headlamp

Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any information, changes or cancellations. On the day of the event feel free to call or text: Rick, 813-442-1615

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.
If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

Skill Level Definitions (Florida Paddling Trail Association)
Beginner: New to paddling and may need tips and or instructions about paddling strokes, safety procedures and entering/exiting kayaks. Comfortable on short trips of 1 to 3 miles on protected waters, when wind does not exceed 5 mph.
Novice: Paddlers acquainted with basic paddle stokes and can manage kayak handling independently in winds not exceeding 10 mph on protected waters. Comfortable on trips up to 6 miles.
Intermediate: Paddlers with experience in basic strokes and some experience on different venues, including some open water. Comfortable on trip distances of 6 to 10 miles, winds not exceeding 15 mph.
Advanced: Seasoned paddlers who possess skills and experience to paddle all venues and conditions. Experienced in self-rescues. Should be comfortable paddling more than 10 miles in a day.