The creek emerges from Durbin Swamp in Duval County. As it does so, it makes a large bend northward, crosses the county line, then flows westward into Julington Creek. Julington Creek continues to flow westward to the St. Johns River. Total distance from the Durbin Creek put-in to its confluence with Julington Creek is approximately six miles. Its short distance and gentle flow is what makes this trip a good one for beginners.

Right away you will notice how small and narrow Durbin Creek is. In fact, to some the creek looks like nothing more than a ditch. But what you can't see from the road is that the creek opens up shortly after entering the forest. So don't be fooled! This little creek harbors a lot of wonderful things. It is the place where I first saw a wild swamp lobelia (a.k.a. Cardinal Flower), a brilliant red flower that grows in very wet places. And, so far, it is the only place I have paddled in north Florida where I have seen giant, old-growth cypress trees.

Though there are some trees and branches down in the water, none of them block the creek entirely. This we owe to the work of the Boy Scouts of America. It is because of these ambitious young men that we now have a clear path on Durbin Creek, what is now called the Bartram Canoe Trail.

Admittedly, the first three quarters of the paddle are the best. The further down the creek you go, the closer to civilization you get. So eventually, you are out in the open among houses and docks. And if that's not bad enough, ad to that jetskiers, kneeboarders and wake-boarders. Not that these are bad people, but it does make for some chaotic paddling conditions. Besides, you can never be completely sure that the drivers of these craft are paying attention to where they are going all of the time.

When I paddled the creek, the plan was to take out at a local landmark, Clark's Fishcamp. So, of course, we had to run a shuttle to the other end, which took about forty-five minutes round trip. There are other places to take out, but this one made for a nice eight mile paddle. Plus, you get to eat some good southern food at the end!

If you go to paddle Durbin Creek, plan on being in the boat for several hours. Like many of the places that I've written about before, this creek is swampy and doesn't provide much dry land to getting out on. But don't let that stop you! What you will see under the canopy is well worth it.

Another nice aspect of Durbin Creek is that the put-in is easy to get to. Coming from the north end of St. Augustine, travel north on US 1 for about 15 miles. You will pass the intersection with SR 210 and shortly after come to the intersection with Racetrack Road. Turn left onto Racetrack and go another 2.5 miles. Right where Racetrack crosses Durbin Creek is where you will put-in. The pull-off is just before the bridge, on the right (north) side.

The only thing I will do differently the next time is to make the trip an out-n-back, rather than a one-way. The experience of kayaking through such a beautiful environment was somewhat crushed at the end by all of the ski boats. Although, there is always Clark's Fishcamp waiting at the other end!

If you have any questions about Durbin Creek or would like help planning your own trip there, please give us a call at 904-471-4144.

As always, be prepared for the unexpected, take a paddling partner and have fun. See you on the water!

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291 Cubbedge Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-471-4144