Here at Choctaw Lodge, our retreat offers many opportunities on canoes and kayaks that are specially suited for nature lovers who are in search of the best and most complete experience possible on the Choctawhatchee River. Our goal is to make your visit pleasant, comfortable and personal for you. In order to meet your expectations, we suggest a customized trip designed to best suit your needs and time on the River in our canoes or kayaks, which will allow you to experience this wonderful life on the river. You can expect to enjoy the scenery while paddling into beautiful pristine, hidden lakes known only to a few locals, or you may choose to discover our beautiful natural spring fed swimming holes ... Not to mention our own personal favorite sandbars we love to swim at ourselves.
There are over 79 species of birds living in this area including birds of prey such as osprey, hawks, owls and eagles. You may also spot other species of birds such as the blue heron, egrets, red-bellied woodpecker, the pileated woodpecker and the Mississippi kite, among many, many others. It has been rumored that the "possibly" extinct ivory-billed woodpecker has been spotted in this area. You may want to keep a sharp look out just in case!
Keep a keen eye open for our leaping Sturgeons as well. These prehistoric fish are found in the Choctawhatchee River during spawning season. They can weigh up to 160 lbs and are often seen leaping two to three feet out of the water during the season. They do make quite a splash! Other fish in this river include bass, channel catfish, brim, sunfish and mullet, among others. More times than not, you will spot alligators resting on the river banks while the sun warms their cold blooded bodies. Three feet? Six feet? Eleven Feet? Yes we have seen them all! Only in winter months while hibernating do you not see alligators. Turtles lazily sleep on logs while snails lay their eggs at the bases of 1000 year old cypress trees. Twenty-one aquatic snails and freshwater mussel species exist in the Choctawhatchee river. Some of these species are found only in this river. Other wildlife in this area, but rarely seen are Black Bear, Coyotes, Florida Panther, Bob Cats, Deer and Wild Hogs. Turkeys are often seen on our roads in the early mornings.
Along with thriving cypress and cedar trees, other species of plant life found up and down the river include magnolia trees, needle palms, yellow (flame) wild azaleas, rare orchids, ferns, willows, Southern Pine, Beech, Laurel Oak, Basswood, Florida Maple, the fragrant Tupelo and American Holly. Many other plants adorn the river banks making every season unique and interesting throughout the year. At the right time of season, you may pull up to wild scuppernong grape vines growing on the river banks. Yummy!
Keep a keen eye open for our leaping Sturgeons as well. These prehistoric fish are found in the Choctawhatchee River during spawning season. They can weigh up to 160 lbs and are often seen leaping two to three feet out of the water during the season. They do make quite a splash! Other fish in this river include bass, channel catfish, brim, sunfish and mullet, among others. More times than not, you will spot alligators resting on the river banks while the sun warms their cold blooded bodies. Three feet? Six feet? Eleven Feet? Yes we have seen them all! Only in winter months while hibernating do you not see alligators. Turtles lazily sleep on logs while snails lay their eggs at the bases of 1000 year old cypress trees. Twenty-one aquatic snails and freshwater mussel species exist in the Choctawhatchee river. Some of these species are found only in this river. Other wildlife in this area, but rarely seen are Black Bear, Coyotes, Florida Panther, Bob Cats, Deer and Wild Hogs. Turkeys are often seen on our roads in the early mornings.
Along with thriving cypress and cedar trees, other species of plant life found up and down the river include magnolia trees, needle palms, yellow (flame) wild azaleas, rare orchids, ferns, willows, Southern Pine, Beech, Laurel Oak, Basswood, Florida Maple, the fragrant Tupelo and American Holly. Many other plants adorn the river banks making every season unique and interesting throughout the year. At the right time of season, you may pull up to wild scuppernong grape vines growing on the river banks. Yummy!