Tomoka River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tomoka River |
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Tomoka River in Ormond Beach
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Halifax River watershed
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Counties | Volusia |
| District | SJRWMD |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Tomoka Farms Daytona Beach, Florida 29°08′12″N 81°04′47″W / 29.13667°N 81.07972°W |
| River mouth | Halifax River Ormond Beach, Florida 29°21′38″N 81°05′28″W / 29.36056°N 81.09111°W |
| Length | 20 mi (32 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 110 sq mi (280 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Tomoka River is a beautiful river in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It flows north and is about 19.6 miles (31.5 km) (31.5 km) long. The river helps drain an area of about 110 square miles (280 km2) (285 km²), which is like a giant funnel collecting water.
Contents
Exploring the Tomoka River's Journey
The Tomoka River starts in the forests of Volusia County. This is between the cities of Port Orange and Daytona Beach. It begins at a height of about 23 feet (7.0 m) (7 meters) above sea level.
Where the River Flows
From its start, the river flows mostly north-northeast. It passes through or near the cities of Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Finally, it empties into the Halifax River. Near where it joins the Halifax River, the Tomoka flows through special places. These include the Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve and Tomoka State Park. It also runs close to the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport and Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park.
Amazing Animals of the Tomoka River
The Tomoka River is a very important home for many animals. It's even a special sanctuary for manatees! A sanctuary is a safe place where animals are protected. Several smaller streams that flow into the Tomoka River, like Strickland, Thompson, and Dodson Creek, are also part of this manatee sanctuary.
Other animals that need protection also live here. These include the wood stork, which is a large wading bird. You might also spot the Atlantic salt marsh snake. Look up in the sky, and you might even see a majestic bald eagle flying around!
Fun on the Water: Paddling the Tomoka River
If you love to paddle, the Tomoka River has a special trail just for you! There's a 13 miles (21 km) (21 km) long paddling trail. It goes from Riverbend Nature Park all the way to Tomoka State Park.
What's cool about this trail is how it works. For about 4 miles (6.4 km) (6.4 km), you actually paddle upstream (against the current). You go until the river gets too narrow to continue. Then, you turn around and paddle about 8 miles (13 km) (12.9 km) downstream to the end. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says this trail is great for beginners. So, it's a perfect place to start if you're new to paddling!
Images for kids
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Interstate 4 sign
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US 92 sign
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Volusia County Road 4019 sign
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Florida State Road 40 sign
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Interstate 95 sign
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US 1 sign
