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Holmes Creek Canoe Trail
Holmes Creek Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This trail flows through a variety of Panhandle habitats. The upper and lower portions pass high sandy banks while the majority of the trial is through low-lying swamplands. Crystal clear springs, including Cypress Springs, which flows at 89 million gallons per day and Becton Springs, which flows at 40 million gallons per day, feed the cree. The trail has many low-hanging branches and submerged tree trunks which can present a challenge. Gentle curves and a slow current make this a lazy paddle through beautiful hardwood swamps.

Holmes Creek Canoe Trail Map

Click here for printer-friendly map and description (PDF 345 kb).

There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.
Locator
Major ActivitiesPaddling

Counties: Washington
Mileage: 16
Skill Level: Beginner
Difficulty: Easy
Usual Current: Slow (0-1 mph)

Notes and Precautions
An optional beginning is at Cypress Springs about two miles north of Vernon of SR 79 north; it adds 3 miles to the trip.

Access

  1. Vernon Wayside Park – From SR 79 north in Vernon, cross bridge and take dirt road east .25 mile to park.
  2. Brunson Landing – Take CR 278 west 3 miles from Vernon; take dirt road 1 mile south to landing. (9 miles)
  3. Hightower Springs Landing – Take SR 79 south from Vernon 4 miles to Hightower Springs Road. Go north .5 mile to landing. (1 mile)
  4. Live Oak Landing – From New Hope, take CR 284 west 1.5 miles to second dirt road. Take dirt road north about 1 mile to landing. (6 miles)