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Canoe Escape offers six different self-guided, day-trip combinations
along the Hillsborough River through a diverse ecosystem.
Guests are encouraged to take extra time on any trip for nature
observation, picnicking, photography, or fishing. Whether
you are renting canoes or kayaks or Canoe Escape is shuttling
yours, all paddling adventures start at Canoe Escape on Fowler
Avenue. You will be transported to your trip from our shop.
On the way you will be provided with a river map, an explanation
of your trip, and current river conditions. Our staff is happy
to provide cursory paddling pointers to review the basic strokes
in case it's been a while since you've paddled or if you are
a first-time paddler.
 All
trips are downstream. Approximated paddling times will vary
with your paddling proficiency, weather conditions, and the
water level. Although a rare occurrence, because this is a
wilderness area it is possible to encounter a downed tree
or other obstruction that may require a portage on any trip
even though we do our best to keep all self-guided trip sections
free of objects blocking the path.
Whether you are renting canoes or kayaks or we are shuttling
yours, reservations are strongly recommended on all trips
to secure trip time and availability. By making a reservation
you assist us in doing our best to stagger-start launches
so everyone can enjoy the wildlife and serenity. Reservations
and advance prepayment are required for groups of 8 or more boats.
Canoe Escape is open year around however we are closed Thanksgiving
Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. We open at 9:00
a.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
Because this river is of such great ecological importance
to the Tampa Bay area, we believe that these trips are best
suited to wildlife watchers, families, and those seeking the
serenity of the outdoors. If you are looking for a social
outing that revolves around a lot of alcohol, this is not
the place for you. We have only a few rules
that are simple to follow and they exist for your safety as
well as that of the wildlife. We look forward to providing
you with one of the greatest outdoor experiences you'll ever
have!
Wilderness Park Trips
The Wilderness Park is a 16,000-acre wildlife preserve. It
is recognized by the Florida Wildlife Viewing Guide as one
of the best places to view wildlife in Florida and is one
of Hillsborough County's jewels. Canoe Escape's Wilderness
Park trips are divided naturally into three different two-hour
sections that can be taken individually or in combination.
Small county parks with picnic tables and restrooms are conveniently
located each two hours' paddling time apart. The river in
this area is flatwater with generally a one-half to one mile
per hour current. Latest launch for a 2-hour trip is 2:00
p.m.; for a 4-hour trip is noon; and for a 6-hour trip is
10:00 a.m. You are welcome to take as much time as you like
on any trip however our last pickup is 5:00 p.m., no exceptions!
At the launch site you will be asked to schedule a time that
you would like to be picked up.
Rates follow
trip descriptions.
 Trip 1 - Sargeant
Park to Morris Bridge Park
"Look at that alligator!" "Hey, over there's a limpkin!" "Did
you say there were 14 turtles on that log?" "We came around
this bend in the river and there was a family of wild pigs
down at the edge of the river bank!" "I can't believe I saw
a river otter!" These are typical things you might say to
yourself and your friends when you're done paddling this trip.
Trip 1 is everyone's favorite for its abundance of wildlife.
It's the best place to see alligators in the wild. This is
the trip we recommend for first time paddlers, birders, and
photographers.
2-hour
paddling time; 4-1/2 miles
20 to 60 feet wide, canopied by large oaks and cypress;
70% shade alternating sun and shade
 Trip
2 - Morris Bridge Park to Trout Creek
Park
Feelings of adventure and isolation await under a thick, green
canopy as the river twists and turns the first hour and-a-half
of this section. Then the river widens out. This section affords
an opportunity to see a variety of different species of flora
and fauna although not in the quantity that Trip 1 provides.
As you pass Nature's Classroom watch out for the "trespassing"
vultures. The winter months will provide you a glimpse of a
staggering number of them as migratory vultures join with the
year around resident population. You'll definitely want to "look
alive" so they don't mistake you for lunch. This wide area of
the river is great to view osprey and in low water times (typically
May/June) roseatte spoonbills. Exploring Trout Creek near the
end of the trip takes you out of the cypress swamp into a hardwood
hammock.
2 hour paddling time; 4 miles
80% shade first 1-1/2 hours; then full sun
 Trip
3 - Trout Creek Park to Rotary Park
This is a fantastic area for group outings and sun lovers.
You'll see some 'gators and wading birds here, but the wider
section of the river makes it easier for canoers to paddle
side by side to enjoy the company of close companions. The
incredible beauty of the forest and sky reflect in the calm
water as you paddle through the "Narrows". Although not narrow
for a canoe, this was as far up from Tampa Bay as ships (pirates?)
could come and thus it was named the narrows. The last 40
minutes of paddling will take you through the edge of the
suburban area of Temple Terrace. There is still a lot of nice
scenery to take in as well as some breathtaking estates.
2-hour
paddling time; 5 miles full sun
Trip 4 -
Sargeant Park to Trout Creek Park
A combination of trips 1 and 2 for four hours of Tampa's
best wilderness paddling and wildlife observation. Morris
Bridge Park (the midpoint of the trip) makes a great stopping
place for lunch, to stretch your legs, or just relax before
heading downstream.
4-hour
paddling time; 8-1/2 miles
75% shade first 3-1/2 hours; then full sun |
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| Trip
5 - Morris Bridge Park to Rotary
Park
A combination of trips 2 and 3 for four hours of contrasting
scenic beauty between the Wilderness Park and suburban
Temple Terrace. Trout Creek Park (the midpoint of the
trip) is a great place to have lunch, stretch your legs,
or just relax before heading on downstream.
4-hour
paddling time; 9 miles
80% shade first 1-1/2 hours; then full sun |
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Trip 6 - Sargeant
Park to Rotary Park
A combination of trips 1, 2, and 3 for a full-day escape to
the joys of nature. Each two hours along the way is a developed
park area with picnic tables and restrooms for a "civilized"
wilderness experience. Due to the slow-moving nature of the
river, the 6-hour trip is only recommended for frequent paddlers.
You'll earn every mile on the Hillsborough. Less frequent
paddlers may be happier taking a 4-hour trip and making it
last six hours.
6-hour
paddling time; 14 miles
75% shade first 3-1/2 hours; then full sun
- Paddling
times are approximate and will vary according to weather
and water conditions.
- For
your protection, we reserve the right to cancel or alter
trips because of inclement weather, high water, or river
conditions.
- All
trips are downstream. Allow extra time for wildlife viewing
or picnicking at no extra charge.
- Fishing
on the river is permitted, however, a fishing license is
required.
- Dress
for the weather. Bring plenty of water and perhaps snacks
or lunch. (What to bring list)
Wilderness Park Trip Rates
- Prices
do not include sales tax.
- Rates
subject to change without notice.
- Major
credit cards accepted.
- Gift
Certificates available.
- Shuttle fee,
paddles, and life vests are included in self-guided rental
rates.
Self-Guided Rentals
Tandem canoe or kayak
(2 paddler minimum charge)
Trips 1, 2, or 3: $22.50
per paddler
Trips 4 or 5: $27.50 per paddler
Trip 6: $32.50 per paddler
Some tandem canoes are large enough to accommodate center
passengers as follows:
under 12 (2 center passengers maximum):
Free
12 - 17 (1 center passenger maximum):
$8.00
18 or older (1 center passenger maximum):
$12.00
Solo kayak
Trips 1, 2, or 3: $42
Trips 4 or 5: $47
Trip 6: $52
Weekend/Major
Holiday Express Rate
Trip
1 only. Must start at 8:00 a.m. and
return by 11:00 a.m.
| Tandem
Canoe/Kayak |
$20.00*
per paddler (2 paddler minimum charge) |
| Solo
Kayak |
$37.00* |
*$5.00 pickup deposit & reservation required.
Shuttle
service only for canoe/kayak owners
Shuttle service for Trips 1 through 6 is $25
per boat.
Save $5
on your shuttle by bringing someone to rent a boat at the
same time we are shuttling yours. The shuttle discount is
one to one. One discounted shuttle per one boat rental. Examples:
2 shuttles/ 1 rental = one full price shuttle, one discounted
shuttle, one rental. 2 shuttles/2 rentals = two discounted
shuttles, two rentals.
If you are a
member of the Central Florida Paddlemasters, you will save
$5 on your shuttle. Please show us your member
card.
If you are paddling
two solo, plastic kayaks that can be loaded on our trailer
on one bar, each kayak will receive a $5
discount. Please let us know at check in.
($5 discounts
may not be combined for a larger discount.)
Self-Guided River Trips, Rentals
& Shuttles • Interpretive
Guided Trips
What to Bring • Canoe/Kayak Retail Sales
• Special Events
What Might I See? (list) •
What Might I See? (list &
thumbnails)
Brochure Request • Links
• Home
Canoe Escape,
Inc.
9335 E. Fowler Avenue
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
ph: 813-986-2067
e-mail: info@canoeescape.com
www.canoeescape.com
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