Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park Kayak Launch

Recent Google reviews

• Heather Demeritt 4 · 2 years ago

  I'd give it 5 stars, but the rough gravel at the launch is only "great" if you have a plastic kayak. I've gotten more used to it, but I still cringe a bit as I settle my composite boat to the ground. It is an easy walk to the launch from the car, but I'd recommend wheels for the kayak if you don't have help to carry it. It's an easy walk but still a walk from the car. Parking is minimal and not trailer friendly. Mind your tides also. Otherwise, a great spot with options from the launch with the Ortega River, Cedar River, and St Johns River are all easily accessible. I have spotted bald eagles out on this paddle along with the usual wading and fishing birds. Recently, I spotted otters in the marsh area heading away from the river when I decided to explore the swamp side of the launch. I do recommend tak7ng your phone out and pinning the entrance to the creek on your map app. On the return, it is fairly easy to spot at low tide, but at high tide, it is masked by the water level blending in with the grasses and covering the edges. Being a hand launch only spot also means that paddlers don't have to worry about dodging motor boats racing back to the same ramp. There is a nice park sign that not only provides a map of the paddling area but also provides approximate paddle distances to other launches and landmarks from the park. This is a great reference for anyone wanting to know more about the paddling trail in the immediate area. My paddle buddy and I had gone out for an evening paddle, and despite being there after the sunset hour, we had no problems loading up and leaving the park.