Putnam County: Paddling Trails, Nature and Culture

Discover Putnam County by water: along the St. Johns River, there are public landings; on the Ocklawaha, sandy shoreline landings; and the Seven Sisters Paddling Trail includes nine uninhabited islands. The routes differ not only in their scenery but also in their designated access points.

Paddling Trails and Their Access Points

The St. Johns Paddling Trail has nine public landings directly on the river and 20 more public landings on connected waterways in Putnam County. Wildlife found along the trail includes Florida black bears and manatees, among other species. The Ocklawaha Paddling Trail is the most frequently paddled waterway in the county. Near Kirkpatrick Dam, there are two landings: a paved boat ramp on the east side and a sandy landing on the west side. The trail also includes several sandy shoreline landings, including historic Davenport Landing.

The other waterways have their own features, too. The Dunns Creek Paddling Trail is a six-mile-long, deep creek connecting the St. Johns River with Crescent Lake. Cypress trees, hardwoods and water lilies line the entire trail. There are two public and several private landings. On the Seven Sisters Paddling Trail, a small boat ramp in the community of Hermits Cove is the only public access point. Within the trail area, Stokes Landing is historically associated with John Bartram: he stored supplies there, shipped specimens and received his mail.

Natural Areas and Trails on Land

The Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area is open to the public year-round for exploring on foot, horseback or by bicycle. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling and wildlife viewing are also available year-round. The landscape includes pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and pastureland. This combination gives the area a different character from the water-based paddling routes.

A section of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs through the Rice Creek Conservation Area. In the Rice Creek Swamp, the narrow Hoffman Crossing boardwalk stretches for 1,886 feet. A historic 18th-century dam built for a rice plantation leads into the swamp to a cypress tree that ranks among Florida’s seven largest.

The paved Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail is 19 miles long, designed for multiple uses, and runs through St. Johns and Putnam counties. The East River Road Trailhead in Putnam County marks the end of the trail and has three roadside parking spaces. For a shorter outing, the Riverfront Park in Palatka has a roughly 0.25-mile waterfront walking trail with views of the St. Johns River.

History and Culture in Palatka and Putnam County

The Putnam County Bartram Trail connects the region with the history of John Bartram’s travels. Its map shows 31 places in the region that Bartram visited. The Putnam County section of the Bartram Trail was designated a National Recreational Trail in 2015. Stokes Landing on the Seven Sisters Paddling Trail is also associated with Bartram; Davenport Landing on the Ocklawaha recalls the history of the waterway.

In Palatka, the Putnam County Historical Society operates the Putnam Historic Museum. The Bronson-Mulholland House now serves as a museum and event venue. Visitors can tour its well-preserved rooms and period furnishings. In historic downtown Palatka, the Palatka Farmers Market brings together local farmers, makers and artists, offering fresh produce and handmade goods.

If you choose a water route, note the differences between public and private landings; for cultural attractions, Palatka’s museum, the Bronson-Mulholland House and the Farmers Market offer specific places to visit.

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