With many spring breakers focused on beach areas, this month’s Calusa Blueway feature looks inland in Lee County to the picturesque Telegraph Creek. This Caloosahatchee River tributary has garnered attention lately as paddlers post photos of llamas, exotic goats, and even the occasional zebra, on their social media pages after paddling here. The eclectic collection of animals on private property combined with access to massive preserves make Telegraph Creek a memorable paddle.
While the W.P. Franklin Locks Recreation Area is located less than a mile up river, many paddlers launch at the creek’s bridge on North River Road (78). Paddling south from the bridge will take you to the river. To the north, you can paddle into Lee County Conservation 20/20’s Bob Janes and Telegraph Creek Preserves. The preserves combined represent more than 7,000 acres and border Babcock Ranch. The opportunities to observe native wildlife are great, but it is the exotic animals that seem to get the majority of attention. Maybe that is because they are the most cooperative. Paddlers I know who have paddled Telegraph have come back with photos of a herd of llamas relaxing by the water.
The creek itself is interesting as well. Live Oak branches dip down so low that paddlers have to do the limbo or paddle around them. It is all part of Telegraph Creek’s charm. For a shaded “only in Florida” paddle far from the Spring Break crowds, Telegraph Creek is a great choice.
Find out more at www.calusablueway.com.