Cedar Key paddlers and history enthusiasts have a brand-new way to explore the island’s coastal heritage! Community members and visitors are invited to celebrate the grand opening and official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Cedar Key Historic Trestle Paddling Trail on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
The Inspiration for the Historic Paddling Trail
The lure of historic Atsena Otie is a major attraction for both visitors and locals. From the city park/public beach, the .83-mile one-way journey to the glistening beach across the channel can be more tempting than a sweet doughnut from the Cedar Key Bakery. If a paddler is not knowledgeable of local weather/water conditions, what begins as a calm paddle over to Atsena Otie can quickly change, presenting a significant challenge for even the most experienced paddlers.
After the March 2025 incident involving two teen paddleboarders, two local paddlers who are also volunteers with the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) approached Cedar Key with the idea of establishing a paddling trail that would offer visitors a safe alternative to Atsena Otie.
Paddling Trail Idea Becomes Reality
Building this trail reflects the true sense of a community effort. Working together with the
Levy County Tourist Development Council, the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce, and most importantly, with input from local waterway users and aquaculture industry, the FPTA designed and received the FL FWC permit required to install signs to guide paddlers along the 1.4 mile one way trail. The team ensured the signs were just enough to safely guide paddlers along the Historic Trestle Paddling Trail, preventing wrong turns within the back bayou mangroves.
Behind the Scenes: Installing the Trail Signs
Getting this incredible trail ready for the public has been an exciting journey from the very beginning. On Monday, October 12, 2026, I had the wonderful opportunity to tag along on a boat as the new official trail signs were installed along the route. Seeing the markers go up firsthand truly brought the entire project to life, highlighting the dedication required to map out this historic waterway and making this upcoming celebration all the more special. Thank you to Steve Cournoyer and Dorsey “Halfshell” DeMaster, Region C - Nature Coast/Big Bend Co-Director of the Florida Paddling Trails Association, for your hard work on this project and for inviting me along!
Event Details & Overview
The celebration will take place at City Park / Public Beach, where history and nature blend seamlessly along the waters of Florida's Nature Coast. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, participants will launch their kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for an inaugural paddle along the new blueway. Light refreshments will also be served.
Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM (Backup Weather Date: Sunday, November 15, at 2:00 PM)
Location: City Park / Public Beach, Cedar Key, Florida
Activities: Official ribbon-cutting ceremony, inaugural group paddle, and complimentary refreshments
Event Partners & Sponsors: Levy County Visitors Bureau, Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Paddling Trails Association
Join us for the ribbon cutting and inaugural launch!
Exploring the Historic Trestle Paddling Trail
Designed as an accessible, beginner-friendly Florida paddling trail, the 1.4-mile (one-way) route takes approximately two hours to complete. Launching from Cedar Key City Beach Park, the trail guides paddlers through scenic estuarine waters to Cemetery Point Park, highlighting key historical landmarks and vibrant coastal ecosystems along the way:
19th-Century Industrial Roots: Paddle past historical sites associated with the Fenimore Steam Saw and Planing Mill (1880s) and the Standard Manufacturing Company (1906), which utilized local cabbage palms to manufacture Donax brushes.
The Historic Railroad Trestle: See the historic remains of David Yulee’s 1861 Fernandina-Cedar Key Railroad, where trains once crossed the saltwater marsh to connect seafood shipments to commercial shipping docks.
Coastal Wildlife & Marine Ecosystems: Experience critical mangrove swamps and oyster bars—keystone species that stabilize coastlines and support local marine life. Watch for native bird species, including Roseate Spoonbills, White Pelicans, and Great Blue Herons!
Cemetery Point Park & Historic Cemetery: Land at Cemetery Point Park to explore scenic boardwalks and take a short walk to the historic Cedar Key Cemetery, dating back to the 1850s.
Read Paddling into Old Florida: Discovering Cedar Key with the FPTA, to learn about other paddling trails in the Cedar Key area.
Paddling Safety & Local Trail Guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on the water, paddlers are encouraged to follow key safety and environmental guidelines:
Personal Safety Gear: Wear a life vest / personal flotation device (PFD), as well as sunscreen, a hat, and protective water shoes.
Tides & Navigation: The trail is best navigated at medium to high tide. Always remain within the designated channel to avoid shallow oyster bars and protect fragile marine habitats.
Vessel Right-of-Way: Always give way to motorized boats along navigation channels.
Leave No Trace: Bring a reusable water bottle. Refill stations, restrooms, and walking trails are available upon landing at Cemetery Point Park.
Join Us on the Water!
Whether you bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, don't miss this opportunity to celebrate Cedar Key's newest blueway trail!
For complete trail maps and local event updates, visit the official Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce.
We’d love to see your photos from the ribbon-cutting ceremony and inaugural paddle! Be sure to tag @ILoveCedarKey in your photos on social media so we can share in the celebration. Afterwards, come back to this article and leave a comment below to tell us about your favorite sights along the new trail!