Telegraph Creek - Kayak Trip / Canoe Trip
Report Type: Day Trip Report
Trip Dates: November 25, 2007
Nearest City: La Belle, FL
Difficulty: Moderate
Submitted by: Franco Velasco
Description:
Telegraph Creek on the Caloosahatchee River, FL
I arrived at Franklin Lock on the south side of the Caloosahatchee River to put in at boat ramp. We paddled north west across the river into Telegraph Creek which was a oak and palmetto lined creek with some homes in the early part of the paddle. As the paddle progressed the beautiful banks of Telegraph Creek just got higher and higher as the creek got narrower.
It was about a 6 or 7 mile paddle in light flowing fresh water with numerous swimming sand banks and picnic spots along the later part of the paddle. It was very shady and lots of wildlife like alligators and birds and turtles to be seen along the way.
I got lazy and didn't want to portage one fallen tree trunk or would have gone further, maybe next time, huh?
Accommodations:
There are bathrooms and a picnic area and ample parking. The boat ramp is concrete and there is a campground with RV spots and full hook up.
Fees:
$3.00 to $4.00 a day to use the ramp or the park and swimming area.
If you choose to swim, please use caution as there are alligators; choose large shallow sand banks in the narrow areas of the creek.
Directions:
Hwy 80 east from Ft Myers or west from Port LaBelle to Franklin Lock Recreational Area on the south side of the river.
Resources:
Lee County has put out a great map and pamphlet called The Great Calusa Blueway:
www.GreatCalusaBlueway.com)
Great Products from the Buyers' Guide:
