By Peter Clayton

In 2017, four of us paddled 9 miles from Knight’s Landing in Jennings State Forest to the Middleburg city boat ramp – the first four miles were memorable as the water was high (4.2′) and flowing fast and the creek was narrow requiring real skill to avoid getting tangled in vegetation along the banks or flipping due to deadfalls. It was an exhilarating run and we all stayed dry. During my preparation I talked to Elizabeth Smith, the ranger at Jennings, and, whom we met at our first rest stop – Indian Ford – she was a great help then and again this time as she recommended launching at Indian Ford due to the rough condition of the launch at Knight’s Landing and portages required between there and Indian Ford.

Jennings State Forest was created in 2000, and consists of 25,152 acres in Duval and Clay Counties with 15 different natural biological communities actively maintained by the Forest Service. In addition, many recreational pursuits are available including 5 hiking trails, 2 equestrian trails, camping, fishing, seasonal hunting and picnicking – day or annual passes are required.

Middleburg was settled in the early 1800’s as a ferry crossing of Black Creek. The Second Seminole War saw the establishment of Fort Heileman to protect that crossing. Subsequent development in the area moved toward the St. Johns River. Green Cove Springs is the county seat, and Middleburg today is a small (12,881 pop.), middle class town ($68,200 median income – 8.8% poverty rate) with a youngish (23% under 18 – 17% over 65) and very white (91%) population.

Wednesday’s water level was over 7′ due to the heavy rain fall on Tuesday creating a 3.5 mph current for the first couple of miles where the creek is narrowest – no paddling required, just steering. Just after leaving the state forest we encountered a large tree completely blocking us – fortunately there was a reasonable place to pull out and re-enter on either side although Craig and John lifted their boats over – see photos. The last half of our 7 mile float saw more housing, many quite large, relatively modern and set well above the banks. No wildlife sightings of note.

Lunch at Whitey’s Fish Camp at the south end of Doctor’s Lake was a delight as we had the place pretty much to ourselves and Shirley, our wait person, was excellent. It was a long day – home just after 5:00 – but memorable once again. Thanks to Craig, Ellis and Marty for the great pics.

Photos by Craig Mancuso, Ellis Zahra, Marty Mariner