Wilton Manors, located just north of Fort lauderdale, is known as the Island City since it is surrounded by a loop of the Middle River. The river seems more like a canal through a middle class neighborhood, but there are tidal currents (mild). Much of the trip borders on parkland on one side or the other, so it's not just seawalls. There are a few wading birds, rolling tarpon and manatees to keep things interesting. The full loop is 7 miles long, add another 3 miles if you go to George English Park.
Directions: The launch sites are Island City Park Preserve (red star), Colohatchee Park (purple star) and George English Park (green star). Take Oakland Park Blvd or Sunrise Blvd from I-95 depending on where you are coming from. Island City Park has a parking lot off 28th St and there is a short portage to the back of the park where the launch is. If the service entrance is open, you can drive to the back, unload, and then park. (NE 29th St does not go through like it shows on the map). The Colohatchee boat ramp is to the east of NE 15th Ave.
Entrance fee/parking: free at the first two, there may be metered parking at George English
Facilities: bathrooms. Atlantic Coast kayaks offers a rental concession on weekends at Island City Park Preserve. It's best to call ahead 954-781-0073 or 954-854-1014 for rates and hours.
Put-in/Take-out: Dirt/sand put-in at Island City preserve, cement boat ramps at Colohatchee and George English.
Route: Go around the loop.
Wildlife: Wading birds, iguanas, manatees, tarpon.
Map to Island City Park Preserve
Map to Colohatchee Park
Maps from Mapquest.com
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