Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River Paddle in New Port Richey
This trip offers a bit of civilization with homes, then goes into a beautiful and natural area. This is an easy, calm water paddling trip. This is about a 45 minute drive north of Dunedin.
Follow the river upstream (right from launch ramp). First mile or so of paddle is more of an urban paddling trail passing under two road bridges (Grand Blvd & Madison St). The wildest and most scenic section of the river is after reaching Grey Preserve. Stop at the dock and kayak ramp to access the shelter & restroom available. Continue paddle upstream and see arching trees that often form a jungle-like canopy. Distance depends on fallen trees that may block way.
Total round trip about 4 miles.
Copy & paste to Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.2445941,-82.717518,15z?hl=en
Starting and ending location: 6346 River Rd., New Port Richey, Main St. Boat Ramp aka Sims Park Boat Ramp
Go North on US 19 to Main St. (New Port Richey), turn right (East), left on River Road and right into Sims Park Boat Ramp (the Chamber of Commerce is on the right). There is a paved parking lot, a boat ramp, and a bathroom. Unload, but do not block the ramp as it is also used by power boaters.
Rentals are not available.
Please register so we have a good headcount and waivers completed.
Bring: life jacket and whistle, beverage, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray (hopefully not needed), and anything else for a fun trip!
The trip:
- Be ready to paddle at 10:45.
- Here is a link to a map Pith_guide_0.pdf (floridadep.gov)
- We will focus on the preserve area (heading southeast) on this trip, another trip we'll focus on the mangroves in the Gulf
- With boat traffic we need to paddle during the week on this trip
- High tide is about Noon