Econfina Canoe Launch

Limited access Saturday, July 12, from 8-9:30 a.m.

If you are planning to launch your canoe or kayak from Econfina Creek Canoe Launch on Saturday, July 12, please keep this in mind: Access to the launch will be limited for 90 minutes (8-9:30 a.m.). An event honoring local first responders will take place at that time, and parking and access to the launch will be crowded. The event is expected to wrap up at 9 a.m., and we expect access to return to normal by 9:30.

Overview

Located approximately 7 miles west of U.S. Highway 231 off State Road 20, the Econfina Canoe Launch is an ideal spot to begin (or end) a paddling journey along Econfina Creek.

Paddlers can tie their vessels to the metal launch for an easy entry to, or exit from, the Creek.

The canoe launch offers quick access to several of the beautiful springs located along Econfina Creek. Just a few minutes away sits Pitt and Sylvan springs. A little further upstream is Williford Spring and, later, Blue Spring. Downstream from the launch is the Gainer Spring Group – the only first magnitude spring group on Econfina Creek.

In total, there are 11 springs or spring groups, comprised of at least 39 vents, located along the Econfina Creek basin.

Flow from these springs ultimately discharges into Deer Point Lake, which is the primary source of drinking water for residents in Bay County.

To help protect Econfina Creek and its contribution zone, the Northwest Florida Water Management District manages 41,532.31 acres of public lands in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area. (This acreage total includes the Sand Hill Lakes Mitigation Bank, also known as the Fitzhugh Carter Tract.)

Portable toilets are available at the Pitt and Sylvan Springs recreation area.

Recreation Opportunities

• Fishing, canoe launch, canoeing, wildlife viewing.

Restrictions

• Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week.
• No ATV’s allowed.
• Motorized vehicles allowed on designated roads only.
• Alcoholic beverages prohibited.