Redfield-Bucklen Landing

There's no traditional ramp here — it's a timber slide over terraced steps down to 2-3 feet of water. Fine for kayaks, canoes, and inflatables, but forget anything with a trailer. The slide works well enough, just watch your footing on the steps when it's wet.

There are no designated trailer spots and the lot is small. On summer weekends, especially Saturday mornings, it fills up quick. Get there early if you're going with a group — I've seen people with 8+ kayaks struggle to find space. No real overflow option nearby.

Floating toward the airport (about a 2.5-hour paddle), you'll pass under 3 or 4 bridges that can get tight depending on water level. After the third bridge at CR6, stay right where the creek forks and watch for the takeout sign about a quarter mile later. Miss it and you're in for a longer day than planned.

If it hasn't rained in a few weeks, expect to scrape bottom in several spots downstream. The creek runs clear and pretty, but it can drop fast. Midsummer droughts will have you dragging your kayak over rocky shallows. Slippery rocks are everywhere — water shoes are non-negotiable.

This is a paddle-sport and tubing launch, pure and simple. The vibe is more lazy river than fishing hole. Current picks up near the old dam area, so be aware of that on your way downstream. The run through the botanical gardens with the small waterfalls is the highlight — worth the whole trip.