Fun Facts About the Chassahowitzka River
Fun Facts About the Chassahowitzka River
The Chassahowitzka (pronounced CHAZ – A – WIT – Skah) River, located in central west Florida,
borders 35,000 protected acres of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission property. This
means that it is almost completely undeveloped and natural. It is made up of many spring-fed
creeks, canals, and lagoons just off the main river, and is affectionately referred to as “The Chaz.”
Exploring this river and its many unique elements is best done on a guided tour in 100% CLEAR
kayaks with Get Up and Go Kayaking!
Check out the fun facts about The Chaz below:
– The Seminole Indians were known to have been in the area during the Second Seminole
War (1835-1842). They gave the region the name Chassahowitzka, meaning “pumpkin hanging place.”
– The National Wildlife Refuge is currently home to about 250 species of birds, over 50 species of reptiles and at least 25 different species of mammals!
– The headwater begins in Homosassa, FL and flows about 12 miles to pour out into the Gulf of Mexico.
– Seven Sisters Springs is located at the headwater and is made up of multiple cave-like openings under the water that connect to each other. Think “swiss cheese” but limestone rock!
– The West Indian Manatee call the Chaz home during the colder months of Florida. This is because the springs that feed into the river are pumping our 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit of water constantly!
– The Chaz River area was reportedly used for liquor smuggling during the prohibition area. Al Capone is rumored to have owned property on the river!
– Most of the Chassahowitzka River is less than four feet deep; the entire river is very shallow making it great for airboats and kayaking!
– There are many short runs off the sides of the river that often lead to turquoise springs, hideaways of trees and lagoons, and a ton of options to explore! Baird creek is over a mile of a shallow canal that leads to a spring called The Crack, famous for perfectly clear water and an awesome rope swing. Take a kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking to see for yourselves!
Sources: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Chassahowitzka/about.html https://www.florida-guidebook.com/chassahowitzka-river-springs/ https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/watersheds/springscoast/chassahowitzka-river https://floridasadventurecoast.com/native-american-place-names/