Exploring the Great Outdoors of the Withlacoochee River

Location and History of the Withlacoochee River

The Withlacoochee River in South Georgia was named when the area was inhabited mainly by the Seminole Indians. Since the river made twists and turns, they named it The Withlacoochee River, meaning "crooked river". It starts near Tifton, Georgia and runs into Florida where it joins the famous Suwannee River. The Withlacoochee River became very busy and profitable in the middle 1800's. It took steamboat trade and travelers into Troupeville, Georgia, where my family and I make our home. From our back door, the Withlacoochee River is about 1/4 of a mile through dense outdoors and a trail with deep ruts from many travelers, current and past.

Plant life of the Great Outdoors of the Withlacoochee River

The type of outdoor foliage changes drastically as you approach the river. The trees change from Georgia pines, small to medium hardwoods, and much underbrush to some of the biggest Live Oak trees I have ever seen. Some are several hundred years old. The limbs get so heavy they just fall off from their own weight. Closer to the banks of the Withlacoochee River are rather large cypress and tupelo trees, and multitudes of cypress knees. There are also bracken ferns and low brush plants, such as palmettos and huckleberry. The sandy soil limits what plants can be grown.

Wildlife of the Great Outdoors of the Withlacoochee River

The Great Outdoors of the Withlacoochee River abound with wildlife. Popular activities are hunting of ducks, squirrels, turkey, and deer. For duck hunting on a cold, crisp morning, the hunters need to be in place before dawn. They wait quietly and patiently for the first ring necks and wood ducks to fly in. There are not many chances to make a hit, for about 10 minutes later or when the sun is just above the horizon, the ducks have already reached their feeding areas in low-land river sloughs where they feed on acorns and duckweed. Squirrels are in abundance traveling from one tree to another or on the ground eating acorns. Turkeys and deer can be hunted all day from professionally made hunting blinds and deer stands as high as 20 or 25 feet off the ground. Camouflage clothing and turkey calls are essentials in taking home that 10 to 20 pound turkey for the Thanksgiving table or to never forget the experience with a trip to the taxidermist. The fishing is good on most days. Spend a night of camping and catch a good supper of bream, bass, speckled perch, shellcrackers or catfish. The alligator garfish and mudfish are very large but not edible. The scene is complete as a great blue heron flies in to search for fish. He settles in the water on one foot and waits. The sounds of the pileated woodpeckers compete with cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, and crows.

Recreational Activities of the Great Outdoors of the Withlacoochee River

Enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, and some of the more unusual recreational activities as arrowhead hunting, photography, and knife throwing. The large live oak trees are perfect for tomahawk throwing or the knife sets especially made for the sport. Many people enjoy kayaking in the larger and deeper sections of the river. In the more shallow areas, large limestone shoals form on the bottom and are difficult to see. As the water flows, sticks and debris gather on the shoals, making them visible and less dangerous for kayaking. Whatever your preference for outdoor recreation, the opportunities of the Withlacoochee River are endless and year round.

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