Here’s a detailed guide to kayaking Lake Tohopekaliga, commonly known as Lake Toho, one of Central Florida’s largest and most beautiful lakes. Renowned for its exceptional birdwatching, excellent fishing, and stunning sunsets, Lake Toho offers paddlers a diverse experience with calm waters, scenic shorelines, and abundant wildlife. The lake is a popular spot for both nature enthusiasts and recreational paddlers, providing a mix of open water and marshy habitats that showcase Florida’s natural beauty.
Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) Overview
- Location: Lake Toho is located in Kissimmee, Florida, about 30 minutes south of Orlando. It is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, which eventually drains into the Everglades and provides critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
- Length: Lake Toho covers approximately 22,700 acres (about 35 square miles), making it one of the largest lakes in the region. Paddling routes can vary in length depending on how much of the lake’s shoreline and adjacent creeks and marshes you wish to explore.
- Scenery: The lake features wide-open waters, marshy shorelines, grassy flats, and lily pad fields. Its mix of habitats attracts a variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife, making it a dynamic and scenic paddling destination.
Planning Your Trip
Launch Points and Routes
- Kissimmee Lakefront Park
- Address: 201 Lakeview Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34741.
- Description: The most popular launch site, Kissimmee Lakefront Park offers ample parking, restrooms, kayak rentals, and a sandy beach launch area. The park is a family-friendly spot with picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Lake Toho.
- Route Options:
- Shoreline Exploration (3-5 miles round trip): Paddle along the lake’s shoreline, exploring marshy areas, bird habitats, and the edge of the open water. This route is ideal for spotting birds and enjoying the scenic vistas of the lake.
- Shingle Creek (6-8 miles round trip): Paddle north into Shingle Creek, the historic headwaters of the Everglades. This route offers a more secluded experience with narrow, tree-lined channels and abundant wildlife.
- Big Toho Marina
- Address: 69 Lakeview Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34741.
- Description: Located within Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Big Toho Marina provides kayak rentals, a bait shop, restrooms, and snacks. It’s a great spot for launching into the lake’s open waters or accessing nearby fishing hotspots.
- Southport Park
- Address: 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746.
- Description: Southport Park is located on the southern end of Lake Toho and offers parking, picnic areas, and a boat ramp. It’s a good starting point for those wanting to explore the southern and less crowded sections of the lake.
Best Time to Kayak
- Time of Year: Winter and spring are the best times to paddle Lake Toho, with mild temperatures, active wildlife, and excellent birdwatching opportunities during migration seasons. Summer is also enjoyable but can be hot, with afternoon thunderstorms. Fall provides pleasant weather and fewer bugs.
- Time of Day: Early mornings and late afternoons offer calm waters, cooler temperatures, and stunning sunrise or sunset views over the lake. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, enhancing the lake’s peaceful atmosphere.
What to Expect on the Water
Lake Conditions
- Water Clarity: Lake Toho has moderately clear water, often with a slightly greenish tint due to aquatic vegetation. The lake is shallow, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and can appear murky near shorelines after heavy rains or wind.
- Current: The lake has no noticeable current, making it easy for paddlers of all skill levels. Wind can create choppy conditions, especially in the open waters, so sticking to the shorelines and marshy areas can provide calmer paddling.
- Obstacles: Be mindful of submerged vegetation, lily pads, and shallow sandbars. The lake’s expansive grassy flats can occasionally impede navigation, particularly during low water levels.
Wildlife
- Common Sightings: Lake Toho is famous for its birdlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes, herons, and a wide variety of ducks and wading birds. The lake is also home to alligators, turtles, and fish such as largemouth bass and crappie. It’s a top spot for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
- Safety Tips: Maintain a respectful distance from alligators and nesting birds. Alligators are generally not aggressive but should never be approached or fed. Be cautious when paddling near fishing lines or busy fishing areas.
Facilities and Amenities
- Kissimmee Lakefront Park: This large, well-maintained park offers restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking paths, a fishing pier, and boat ramps. It’s the ideal base for paddlers and families looking to enjoy a full day by the lake.
- Big Toho Marina: Provides kayak rentals, fishing supplies, snacks, and restrooms. The marina is a convenient spot for picking up last-minute supplies before heading out on the water.
- Southport Park: Offers basic amenities, including picnic areas, a boat ramp, and ample parking. This less crowded launch provides access to the quieter southern end of the lake.
Route Highlights
- Shingle Creek Exploration: Paddle into Shingle Creek, a historic waterway considered the headwaters of the Everglades. The creek offers a peaceful, narrow paddling route lined with lush vegetation, tall trees, and abundant wildlife, providing a contrast to the open waters of the lake.
- Birdwatching Hotspots: Lake Toho is renowned for its bird populations. Look for sandhill cranes feeding along the shores, ospreys diving for fish, and large flocks of waterfowl during migration seasons. The lake’s grassy flats and marshes provide ideal habitats for these species.
- Expansive Open Waters: For those who enjoy open-water paddling, Lake Toho’s broad expanse offers stunning panoramic views and a sense of freedom on the water. It’s an excellent spot for catching spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
- Fishing Opportunities: Lake Toho is one of Florida’s premier bass fishing destinations. Even if you’re not fishing, you’ll enjoy watching anglers in action, as well as spotting jumping fish and other aquatic life.
- Marshy Inlets and Grassy Flats: Explore the lake’s marshy inlets and shallow flats, which provide shelter from wind and a more intimate paddling experience. These areas are perfect for spotting alligators, turtles, and wading birds up close.
Safety Tips
- Life Jackets: Florida law requires life jackets on board for all paddlers. Children under six must wear life jackets at all times while on the water.
- Respect Wildlife: Avoid disturbing nesting birds and feeding or approaching alligators. Keep noise levels low to maximize your chances of observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Weather Awareness: Be cautious of afternoon thunderstorms, especially during the summer months. Plan to be off the water by early afternoon if storms are forecasted, as the lake’s open areas can quickly become dangerous in high winds or lightning.
Gear Recommendations
- Kayak or Canoe: Both are suitable for Lake Toho. Kayaks are often preferred for their ease of maneuvering in marshy areas, while canoes provide a good platform for birdwatching and fishing.
- Binoculars: Essential for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons when the lake is teeming with avian activity.
- Dry Bag: Keep personal items such as phones, cameras, and snacks dry and protected from water exposure.
- Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses: Sun protection is crucial, especially when paddling in the open sections of the lake.
Final Thoughts
Kayaking Lake Tohopekaliga offers a rich and diverse paddling experience in one of Central Florida’s most dynamic and beautiful lakes. The lake’s calm waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic surroundings make it a perfect destination for paddlers of all skill levels. Whether you’re exploring the lush backwaters of Shingle Creek, watching ospreys hunt along the shore, or simply enjoying the serene expanse of the lake’s open waters, Lake Toho provides a tranquil escape into Florida’s natural beauty. Plan your trip, respect the wildlife, and enjoy a memorable paddle on this stunning lake.