Blackwater River (Florida) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackwater River |
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Blackwater River in Blackwater River State Park
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Map of the course of the Blackwater River
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| Other name(s) | Cold Water River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida and Alabama |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Escambia County, Alabama 127.95 ft (39.00 m) |
| River mouth | Santa Rosa County, Florida 0 ft (0 m) |
| Length | 56.6 miles (91.1 km) |
The Blackwater River is a beautiful river that starts in southern Alabama and flows for about 56.6 miles (91.1 km) through the Florida Panhandle. It eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. This river enters Florida in Okaloosa County. Then it flows through Santa Rosa County into Blackwater Bay, which is part of Pensacola Bay.
The Blackwater River is special because of its sandy bottom and white beaches. These bright features stand out against the dark, tea-colored water. This dark water gives the river its name. "Blackwater" comes from the Choctaw word oka-lusa, meaning "water black." The river flows through Blackwater River State Forest and Blackwater River State Park. The town of Milton, which is the main town of Santa Rosa County, is also located on the river.
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Exploring the Blackwater River
The Blackwater River is a great place for outdoor adventures. About 31 miles (50 km) of the river are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or using small boats. This part of the river is known as a Florida Canoe Trail. It is part of a bigger system of greenways and trails across Florida.
River Flow and Depth
The river usually flows at a speed of about 2 to 3 miles per hour (3.2 to 4.8 km/h). Its average depth is around 2.5 feet (0.76 m). However, the water levels can change quickly. This depends on how much rain falls. Because of this, some low-lying areas near the river can get flooded during certain seasons. These flooded areas are important because they support many different plants and animals.
Getting on the River: Access Points
If you want to explore the Blackwater River by boat, there are several places to start. The main part of the river that you can navigate begins at Kennedy Bridge. This bridge is on State Forestry Road 24, also called Kennedy Bridge Road, east of Munson, Florida.
- Peaden Bridge: About 6 miles downstream from Kennedy Bridge, you'll find Peaden Bridge. It's on State Forestry Road 50.
- Cotton Bridge: Five more miles downstream, between Munson and Baker, Florida, is Cotton Bridge. This bridge is on State Road 4.
- Bryant Bridge: Twelve more miles downstream is Bryant Bridge. It's on State Forestry Road 21 near Holt, Florida.
- Deaton Bridge: The last easy access point is eight more miles downstream at Deaton Bridge. This bridge is on State Forestry Road 23, inside Blackwater River State Park. This is where the Florida Canoe Trail ends.
How Hurricanes Changed the River
In 1995, two hurricanes, Erin and Opal, hit the area. These storms changed the path of the river downstream from Deaton Bridge. Because of this, the section of the river between Deaton Bridge and Milton, Florida, is no longer easy to travel by boat.
Plants and Animals of the Blackwater River
The Blackwater River area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The different types of forests and water levels create many habitats.
Aquatic Plants
In the water itself, you can find many interesting plants. These include water ferns, water lilys, coontail, bladderwort, and spatterdock.
Forest Plants
The forests along the river are full of different trees and plants.
- Floodplain Forests: Near the river, you'll see trees like oak, maple, sycamore, magnolia, holly, tupelo, mountain laurel, and azaleas.
- Carnivorous Plants: Some amazing plants that eat insects also live here. Look for parrot pitcher plants, white-top pitcher plants, and sundews.
- Upland Pine Forests: Higher up, you'll find pine forests mixed with trees like turkey oak, sweetgum, flowering dogwood, and persimmon.
- Open Canopy Forests: These areas have several types of pine trees. The ground is covered with plants like gallberry, saw palmetto, wild blueberry, wax myrtle, and wiregrass.
- River Banks: Along the river's edge, you can see Atlantic white cedars. One of these cedars was named a Florida Champion in 1982 because it was the largest of its kind.
Wildlife in the Area
Many animals live near the Blackwater River. You might spot white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobcats. Sometimes, river otters are seen playing in the water. Interestingly, you won't find many alligators in this river. This is because the water is often too cool, and the river bottom is sandy.
Birds of the Blackwater River
The river area is a great spot for birdwatching.
- Forest Birds: You can see red-headed and pileated woodpeckers, hawks, crows, warblers, and Mississippi kites.
- Shorebirds: Along the banks and sandbars, you'll find shorebirds like plovers and sandpipers. Many types of herons and egrets also visit the river.
Oxbow Lakes
Over time, the Blackwater River has created many oxbow lakes. These are U-shaped lakes that form when a wide bend of the river is cut off from the main flow. Some of these interesting lakes can be seen from the river itself.
