Guana River State Park
Sadie Frederick
2 hours or more
Guana State Park has one of the most unique environments in North Florida. Guana State Park boasts as many as 44 species of mammals, along with several species of reptile and bird life. Besides the miles of hiking trails and four legged mammals, Guana State Park has some of the most beautiful North Florida paddling has to offer. The winding Guana river has seven miles of tributaries and varied Florida landscapes. Animal sightings are frequent, and there are definitely gators that inhabit the paddling areas. The park north of the Guana dam "Guana Lake" is very unique in the fact that it is a saltwater lake. This because the park staff lets the water in this area on select high tides and then they shut it off. Fish pass through this dam, but the get trapped inside after the north area fills up. The best time of year to paddle Guana River State park is anytime from autumn-spring. During these times of year the insects are hardly biting and the humidity is replaced by an enjoyable sea breeze. CAUTION: There are alligators in Guana State Park. They are more aggressive during breeding season, which takes place in the spring. The alligators are found more often in the northern part of Guana Lake (Northern part that is north of the dam). To get there from Jacksonville, head south on A1A through Ponte Vedra Beach. The entrance to the park is about past Mickler's , and you'll see a sign for the park 1000 feet before the entrance on the right.
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