Waccasassa River facts for kids
The Waccasassa River is a quiet, natural river in Levy County, Florida. It flows through the Gulf Hammock wetlands and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The river is about 29 miles (47 km) long. Most of the river, about three-quarters, can only be explored by canoe or kayak.
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River Flow and Water Sources
The Waccasassa River gets its water from a large area called a drainage basin. This basin covers about 610 square miles (1,600 km2). The river's average flow near the town of Gulf Hammock was about 345 cubic feet per second between 1964 and 1974.
Tributaries and Springs
Several smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Waccasassa River. These include the Wekiva River and Otter Creek. Cow Creek joins the Waccasassa River just before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
Springs also add water to the river. Blue Springs, located upstream near Bronson, provided about 2.5 percent of the river's water flow from 1964 to 1974. The part of the river above Blue Springs does not flow all year round. Wekiva Springs, on the Wekiva River, contributed about 16 percent of the Waccasassa River's water flow during the same period. The ocean's tides can also affect the water flow in the Waccasassa River, reaching as far upstream as Gulf Hammock.
A Natural and Protected River
The Waccasassa is one of Florida's most natural rivers. It has not been developed much by people. For most of its length, the land around the river is owned by the state or by paper companies. Paper companies usually have rules that make them leave a natural area of trees along rivers that boats can use. The area where the river meets the Gulf of Mexico is protected by the Waccasassa Bay State Preserve Park. This helps keep the river and its surroundings wild and healthy.
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