Explore Seven Runs Creek in Walton County

March 30, 2013

Twists, turns and scenic beauty along this gem of a creek

Tannin color waters along Seven Runs Creek. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Tannin colored water along Seven Runs Creek. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

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

A short, 2.3 mile paddle, this swift moving creek provides many twists and turns before it opens into the swampy cypress filled forest. Twisted tree roots bellow out of the bottom of the forest floor, and with a little imagination, the shady canopy of trees can provide the perfect backdrop for storytelling.

Eventually emptying 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 picnic areas, primitive camping and a portable restroom facility.

Cypress swamp on Seven Runs Creek near Dead River Landing. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Cypress swamp on Seven Runs Creek near Dead River Landing. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Seven Runs creek is part of the Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area and recently included in the Florida Forever Conservation program. During the hunting season, you may happen on a hunter or two along the Dead River Landing area near the river.

Note: Water levels vary greatly along this creek depending on rainfall. There are several tree logs to maneuver under and over. Not for the faint paddler, nor to be explored alone.

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::

2 Comments
    1. Lori,
      This looks like a really fun place to go explore and take photos! Loved the video too—thanks for scouting out all the great places to go do fun things “outdoors”! : )

    1. I live in Bruce and grew up on seven runs….. the coolest spot around!!!

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