Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park Kayak Launch

"I'd give it 5 stars, but the rough gravel at the launch is only "great" if you have a plastic kayak. I've gotten more used to it, but I still cringe a bit as I settle my composite boat to the ground. It is an easy walk to the launch from the car, but I'd recommend wheels for the kayak if you don't have help to carry it. It's an easy walk but still a walk from the car. Parking is minimal and not trailer friendly. Mind your tides also. Otherwise, a great spot with options from the launch with the Ortega River, Cedar River, and St Johns River are all easily accessible. I have spotted bald eagles out on this paddle along with the usual wading and fishing birds. Recently, I spotted otters in the marsh area heading away from the river when I decided to explore the swamp side of the launch. I do recommend tak7ng your phone out and pinning the entrance to the creek on your map app. On the return, it is fairly easy to spot at low tide, but at high tide, it is masked by the water level blending in with the grasses and covering the edges. Being a hand launch only spot also means that paddlers don't have to worry about dodging motor boats racing back to the same ramp. There is a nice park sign that not only provides a map of the paddling area but also provides approximate paddle distances to other launches and landmarks from the park. This is a great reference for anyone wanting to know more about the paddling trail in the immediate area. My paddle buddy and I had gone out for an evening paddle, and despite being there after the sunset hour, we had no problems loading up and leaving the park."

"I live a few houses down from the kayak launch and it is a really nice spot for kayaking. The walkway to the dock is paved which makes it easy to transport your equipment to the dock. It is also a nice place to go to check out the preserve and do some sight seeing on the river."

"Wonderful kayak launch. Paved all the way to water. Need wheels or a cart. Only a few parking spots."

"Was a nice spot to put out, but should have been planned better for the tides. Makes it not as easy to plan a paddle when you need a mid to high tide to get back from the river. The walk I nice but could have made it easier for moving kayaks down the sides of the path."

"Love it! Been waiting for this park to open. Pretty launch site. 7 regular and 1 handicap parking space. Great access to river. Beautiful nature views"