A paddle through a mangrove forest! Count me in!
A little history about Thousand Islands. It was created by a tidal inlet, where the shoreline is penetrated by water connecting it to the ocean by way of lagoons, marsh, or a tidal creek. Oyster shells pilled up and created a lovely environment for these tropical hammocks to thrive. The "land" was purchased by a New York hunting club in 1907 to be used for duck hunting. The Thousand Islands club house though burnt down in 1912. With an influx of people moving to the area in 1950s and 1960s due to the space program, the coastline and land was altered to allow bigger fish to access the marsh for mosquito control. And in 2007 Thousand Island became preserve to protect this important ecosystem.
You can park at Ramp Road Park. There are parking spots for cars and ones with boat trailers. This parking lot is quite small, so some people created parking spaces over on the grass by the fence.
There are tennis courts, a playground, and several shaded picnic tables. Near the entrance is the boat ramp, and over by the restrooms is where you can drop in your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe.
There is also a second hidden secret drop-in spot between the restrooms and the tennis courts.
The majority of this trail is very shaded but still wear sunscreen. And it is suggested that you wear bug spray.
Once on the water to paddle the Thousand Island Paddle Trail, you will head to the left. You will see a marker with a map of the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for these markers, as they will be your guide through the forest.
I felt like Indiana Jones on a grand adventure.
There is a bit of current that will help push you along. This mangrove paddle had several sections where the branches were much lower than what I experienced on my Shell Key mangrove paddle. Many times I had to use my paddle like a rutter or switch from side to side by moving it horizontally in front of me.
When coming out of the first section of a very low-ceiling mangrove tunnel, it isn't very clear where the trail goes next. You will see the paddle trail marker in front of you, but you can't go forward. Head right, down the wider water pathway. Toward the end on your left you will see a small opening where the trail continues.
Don't worry if you start second guessing there is a trail maker this section of the mangrove tunnel.
With little stops and pauses, it took me about 45 minutes to complete the trail.
Fun Mangrove Facts:
The distinct roots of the mangroves act like a net stabilizing the shore line. Also known as the "kidneys of the coast" because they filter and maintain the water quality.
I saw these white spots on some of the roots. The mangroves provide a safe and hospital place for marine life. So most likely these are shells, even possibly oysters.
You will see lots of these long skinny shapes dangling from the branches. That is it fruit of the mangrove tree, specifically a red mangrove.
You will notice as you move away from the mangroves and closer to the ocean the water becomes clearer.
There are some other mangrove islands to paddle to and check out. Hence why its called Thousand Islands.
I headed back, following the northwest side of the mangrove island I had paddled through.
Once I had packed up my board, I headed to enjoy the rest of my day at the beach. There are several options: Cocoa Beach is the closets, Apollo Beach on Cape Canaveral National Seashore is just up the way, but I personally decided to drive up to New Smyrna Beach.
Florida is more than white sandy beaches, it has tropical jungles just waiting to be explored!
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