Another paddleboard adventure, coming your way! But if you are more into fishing or want to take a mild hike along the river, this park has that adventure for you!
Driving through the entrance, we made our way to parking lot 4, next to one of the river access points. There are two other drop-in sites. One was down the way a bit from where we parked, but it had a steeper incline. Where we parked was across from a gift shop and pool. To the right of that building, if you walk across the grass, are restrooms.
We followed the sidewalk down to the river. People were having a birthday party at one of the picnic areas, and lots of people had set up chairs along the bank, fishing the day away.
It was very easy to drop into the water. The path wasn't too steep and the water was shallow enough. We started our journey, veering to the right. We went under the bridge, and pass a big amphitheater seating structure.
Not sure what it was used for previously, but lots of fishers sat up camp there. Because of the fishing lines, we stayed towards the center and the opposite bank of the river.
There are tons of cool gnarly roots and overhanging tree branches to go under and explore.
Right before the second bridge, there is a strong current hustling over some rocks.
It is beautiful to look at, but a bit challenging to navigate. To the right is an opening with fewer rocks and fallen branches, but the current was too strong to paddle against there. My boyfriend has a kayak so it was a bit easier for him to get his watercraft over the rocks. I had to take the large fin off my paddleboard and gently guide it over.
Once over that tricky area, we continued along the beautiful river enjoying the views from the waterway!
As I mentioned at the beginning, you can hike the trail that goes along the river. But there is something special about the view from the water. It gives you a deeper sense of connection with nature.
Eventually, you will come to another rocky, water rapid-looking area. We weren't able to take our watercrafts any farther.
We pulled them onto a protected part of the shore. Then, we climbed up to join the other explorers on the hiking trail.
Making our way carefully back down to our watercraft, we then made our way back down to our starting point.
I will say that the first rocky area, where it was difficult to get the SUP and kayak over, was much more fun coming back because we were going with the current. So that section that was clear on the right bank side, now on our left, was like a mini water rollercoaster. We let the current propel us on down. It was so much fun, but be ready to paddle and avoid having the current take you straight into the bank.
We paddled past our drop-in point to briefly explore a little of the other side of the river. This is where we saw the other steeper drop-in point.
After we got everything out of the river and loaded up, we went and checked out the nearby small downtown of Zephyrhills.
Craving a beer, we wandered into Zephyrhills Brewing Company. Great beer and a total chill local vibe!
We continue to wander downtown and saw a big BBQ party happening in front of an Eagles Club. It was a fundraiser! For $6 you got fresh BBQ coming off the smoker, baked beans, coleslaw, a roll, and your choice of a slice of pie! What a deal! They had live music and everyone was so friendly. The food was delicious and homemade.
So as I always say, whenever you have finished your main adventure, take a moment to explore the local area around it. You never know what party you might wander upon.
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