Some outdoor experiences in Florida are seasonal, but this paddle opportunity is only available every few years. Currently the Rodman Reservoir’s water levels are being lowered (known as the drawdown) for the first time since 2020 and this provides a narrow opportunity to see some amazing areas along the Ocklawaha River that are normally submerged.
There are two popular paddle routes that can be completed within half a day or less. One can be started at the Eureka West Boat Ramp the other at the Orange Springs boat ramp.
Eureka Dam
Eureka West Boat Ramp Paddle
Starting at the Eureka West boat ramp, a short paddle down the river offers a glimpse of relics from Florida’s environmental history as the two canals along the east shore can be taken to the Eureka Lock and later the Eureka Dam which were built for the Florida Barge Canal but never put into service.
Cannon Springs
The undisturbed river offers views of various wading birds and lounging gators as it twists and turns through the floodplain forest for approximately five miles. The Rodman Reservoir, while at its normal water level, submerges twenty Florida springs. During the drawdown the spring runs can be seen flowing into the Ocklawaha once more. While many of the springs are small and difficult to reach, Cannon Springs at around mile six is visited most by spring hunters and is accessible by a short paddle up its run. This third magnitude spring has many curious sunfish that will approach those swimming in the spring that remain relatively still. It is quite the sight to behold on a sunny day.
Just downriver of Cannon Springs the effects of the reservoir can be seen as the flood plain forest disappears and stumps in the wide expanse offer signs of what was lost when the reservoir was constructed. From here a few boat ramps can be used to exit the river such as Cypress Bayou or Orange Springs.
Orange Springs Boat Ramp Paddle
Old Floodplain Forest
The Orange Springs boat ramp is temporarily extended to the edge of the Ocklawaha River during the drawdown. A short paddle down the river reveals the remains of the flood plain forest that perished when the reservoir was filled in the 1960s. Most of the branches have decayed over time but the submerged trunks still stand today. It’s ghostly appearance is rather inviting to various wading birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Keep any eye on the distant shores for any Florida Black Bears as they can occasionally be seen. The Ocklawaha winds through the tree trunks and stumps for miles. Paddlers can exit at the temporary Kenwood Boat Ramp or paddle onto the reservoir.
Starting mid-March the Rodman Reservoir will be refilled and the opportunity to see springs and old floodplain forest will end soon after that as the water levels rise. It may be years before these are accessible once again.
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Ryan Worthington is a veteran, Florida Master Naturalist & environmental advocate showcasing the historic and natural areas of Florida. Follow him on Instagram @the_fl_excursionist.