Kayak Launching Spots - Yankeetown/Inglis Area |
| You can always launch at one of the local marinas, but shown here are some additional ideas of how to see the local waters from the fish's (or manatee's) point of view. (Click on the pictures for an aerial view) |
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Buddy Risher Park: This is a public park on SR 40 about 3 miles East of the stoplight at SR 40 and US 19. You must observe park hours to use this site. However, it is a great place to paddle the Withlacoochee River. It is about 9 miles West to the Gulf. You can have someone drop you off and pick you up at the mouth of the river at the extreme West end of SR 40. Click here for aerial view. |
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Marjorie Harris Carr Trail: This is a dirt launching ramp on a bike trail that runs from US 19 West along the South side of barge canal. Access is by dirt road and the parking area is approximately 4.5 miles from US 19. The ramp is for canoes and kayaks and is located across the bike trail from the parking lot. This is directly on the tidal waters of the Gulf and you must pay attention to the tides because this ramp may not be accessible at extremely low tides. This is a great paddle because there are several creeks that are very close that maintain water even at low tides. Click here for aerial view. |
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Yankeetown Boat Ramp: This is a public boat ramp on Riverside Drive in Yankeetown just West of the Coast Guard Station. It is a very good ramp with a dock; however, it is very busy on the weekends and there is only street parking which is limited. It is a great place from which to see the river. It is about 3 miles to the Gulf to the West, or about 6 miles back to the East toward Buddy Risher Park. Click here for aerial view. |
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SR 40 County Park and Boat Ramp: There is a public boat ramp with parking directly on the Gulf of Mexico at the extreme West end of SR 40. There is a small county park on the North side of SR 40 just to the East of the boat ramp. Also on the South side of SR 40 there is a small beach where you can launch a kayak or canoe. The spot is directly on the river and offers unlimited paddling in the Gulf and the tidal water. The only disadvantage is that on the weekends the boat ramp is very crowded and parking is rather tight. Click here for aerial view. |
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Dump Road Site: This is the most remote and primitive of the local spots where you can launch your kayak or canoe. From the intersection of SR 40 and 63rd Street in Yankeetown you take a dirt road down to the area. There is a dirt parking area and an easy launch on a creek that leads to the Gulf. However, again at this spot, you must be mindful of the tides, and there is no security. Click here for aerial view. |
