Seven Runs creek provides shaded canopy most of the paddle. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Small scenic creek near Bruce a quiet journey of natural beauty

Self guided or guided

Seven Runs creek, located off of State Road 81, just north of Bruce, in northeast Walton County is a scenic paddle through hardwood wetlands and cypress swamps.

A short, 2-3 mile paddle, this fairly swift moving creek provides a few twists and turns before it flows into the swampy cypress tree filled forest of extraordinary beauty. Twisted cypress roots bellow out of the bottom of the forest floor, and with a little imagination, the shady canopy and trees provide a backdrop to a fairy tale.

Eventually empting into the Choctawhatchee River, you can take out before you reach the river at a county boat launch off of Dead River Road. This location makes for an easy shuttle with two vehicles. The boat launch offers a picnic area and portable restroom facility.

This area is part of the Choctawhatchee River Wild Management area and slated for inclusion in the Florida Forever Conservation program, which goals include acquiring strategic habitat areas and protecting groundwater resources. During the hunting season, you may happen on a hunter or two camping out at the Dead River boat launch area.

Dead River Road boat ramp. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Put-in Directions:
From I-10 take SR 81 South 12.9 miles. Look for Seven Runs Recreation Area on the right. From SR 20, take SR 81 North through Bruce. The County park will be down on the left, just past the bridge. Adequate parking, picnic and portable restroom are available. ::MAP::

Take Out:
Dead River Road is just South of the Seven Run Recreation area on the east side of the road. The County boat launch is about 2 miles down. ::MAP::

Prefer to explore with a guide? Into The Wild Eco Diversions offers a guided interpretive experience not to be missed. For more information, go to http://www.itwecodiversions.com/

Posted under Eco tourism adventure, Nature, paddle/surf/boat