BLUEWAYS AND PADDLING TRAILS
What is a blueway? A "blueway" or "water trail" is a navigatable path along waterways where travelers can take their canoe or kayak and engage in recreation, ecological education, and view wildlife from the water. Blueways typically have launch points, camping locations, and other points of interest for canoeists, paddle boarders, and kayakers
DeBARY'S BLUEWAYS
Kayakers and canoeists have to ability to travel approximately 13 miles from Gemini Springs Park, through Lake Monroe, down the St. John's River, to eventually land at the Highbanks Marina. While following the trail, paddlers may see a diverse array of wildlife including sandhill cranes, ospreys, hawks, wading birds, wood storks, waterfowl, shorebirds, deer, alligators, and sometimes even a black bear or two! Bathrooms and campsites are located within a short walking distance from both the Gemini Springs and Lake Monroe kayak launches.
THE ST. JOHN'S RIVER
The St. John's River is one of only two major rivers in the U.S. that flows North. The entire river is over 300 miles from its headwaters in the Upper Basin Marsh to its mouth northeast of Jacksonville. The river portion that borders DeBary is beginner difficulty for kayakers and canoeists with two primitive camping locations, a restaurant, restrooms, and a multitude of wildlife along the City's paddling trails.
LAUNCH POINTS
Lake Monroe Park
975 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd.
DeBary, FL 32713
Renovated park with boat rams, camping, playground, trails, picnic areas, fishing docks, and pavilions. New kayak kiosk allows for rental of kayaks.
Gemini Springs
37 Dirksen Drive
DeBary FL 32713
Gemini Springs Park is a 210-acre Volusia County Park featuring two springs situated on bayou northwest of Lake Monroe
Highbanks Marina
788 W Highbanks Road
DeBary, FL 32713
Located on the St. John's River, the Highbanks Marina is home to boat rentals, Eco-boat tours, The Swamphouse Grill, and much more.