10 Fascinating Facts About Florida’s St. Johns River

In Putnam County, it’s almost impossible to avoid the St. Johns River, but that’s not a bad thing. This iconic waterway shapes the region’s landscape, lifestyle, and outdoor experiences. Some visitors come to reel in trophy bass, while others prefer to paddle quietly through backwater creeks. And for many, the perfect day is as simple as walking along the shoreline and taking in the scenic views. However you choose to experience it, the St. Johns River is one of Florida’s most defining natural features. Here are 10 fun facts that make it truly fascinating.

• It flows north. 

While many well-known rivers flow south, that’s not the case with the St. Johns River. This aquatic playground moves north, guided by elevation rather than direction. Rivers follow gravity, not a compass. Although Florida doesn’t have the dramatic elevation changes found in some states, the St. Johns River starts at a higher point and gradually makes its way north. Because of the minimal drop, it is actually one of the slowest-moving rivers in the country. The total drop of the river is less than 30 feet, equating to about one inch per mile. 

• It is the longest river in Florida.

The St. Johns River stretches for an expansive 310 miles. This makes it the longest river that is entirely within the state’s boundaries. Its headwaters originate from Blue Cypress Lake in Indian River County, and it weaves through multiple counties, including Putnam, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean in Duval County. 

• The river is fed by a network of connected waterways. 

The St. Johns River is shaped by a series of confluences where creeks, lakes, and tributaries merge, creating an interwoven network of aquatic habitats along its entire length. In Putnam County alone, it connects to a network of creeks and lakes, including Dunns Creek, Rice Creek, Deep Creek, Lake George, and Crescent Lake, before eventually making its way to the Atlantic Ocean. 

• About one-fifth of the river is in Putnam County. 

About 60 miles of the river are located within the boundaries of Putnam County. On the southernmost point, the river makes its way into Putnam County around Georgetown, and continues to flow north near Bostwick. With such a large portion of the St. Johns River within Putnam County, there’s a wide assortment of ways to enjoy the river within this one region. 

• Putnam County also sits in the heart of the river’s widest stretch. 

When the river expands into Lake George, located within Putnam County, it feels less like a river and more like an inland sea. The second-largest lake in Florida, Lake George stretches to about six miles at its widest point, making this the widest section of the river, and to some, the most fun. This expansive area creates a popular place for outdoor recreation, including boating, watersports, and of course, fishing. 

• The river gives Putnam County its claim to fame as “The Bass Capital of the World.”

The river plays a major role in Putnam County’s reputation as a bass fishing powerhouse. The county has staked a claim on the title of “Bass Capital of the World” due to the productive fishing on the river and its connected waterways. You’ll even see the badge of honor woven into the branding of some of the cities within the county, such as Welaka, who displays the title proudly in its town logo. The area is a hotspot for anglers who come from all over for a chance to drop a line there. Tournament organizers such as Bassmaster, Major League Fishing, and American Bass Anglers note its credibility as one of the best places to fish for bass in Florida, and often hold tournaments there. 

• Florida’s only national fish hatchery is located near it. 

Another claim to fame for the fishing culture associated with the St. Johns River is the nearby Welaka National Fish Hatchery. It is the only national fish hatchery in Florida, and one of its many missions is producing striped bass for the St. Johns River. The hatchery also operates a free aquarium that is open to visitors, serving as a way to educate the public about the aquatic species that can be found in the St. Johns River. 

• It’s also a great place to paddle. 

Boating is popular, but you technically can kayak or canoe the entire length of the St. Johns River, too. With its epic scenery and abundant wildlife, there’s no question of what makes this a great Florida paddling trail. Most paddlers decide to tackle this expansive river in sections, though. The connecting waterways offer scenic routes as well. Those bringing along their own vessels can find multiple places to set forth on their paddling journey, such as Dunns Creek State Park. If you don’t have your own and prefer to rent a kayak, you can find rentals available at the Palatka Boathouse Riverfront. If you would rather paddle with a local guide who can point out all of the cool things you can see along the way, you can choose from a variety of guided kayak tours with Earth Kinship. 

• The river holds historical significance, and you can retrace the steps of early explorers. 

One of the best paddling experiences on the St. Johns River is to follow along in the steps of the area’s most well-known explorer – William Bartram. He explored the area over 250 years ago and his findings are documented in his book, Travels. He and his father, John, are notable figures in the history of the St. Johns River, and you can actually visit the places they stopped along their journey. There are more than 30 locations on The Putnam County Bartram Trail and many of the locations are only accessible by boat or kayak. The interactive trail allows you to read the passages from the book while you’re at certain locations and have a chance to see it through Bartram’s eyes. 

• The St. Johns River laid the foundation that established Putnam County as a tourism mecca.

The river was essentially responsible for building Florida’s tourism push back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Long before theme parks and beach resorts, Palatka was a thriving tourism hub, where steamboats delivered visitors to this hotspot positioned alongside the St. Johns River. Fast forward over 100 years, and Downtown Palatka’s riverfront is still enjoyed by many today.

Putnam County remains the best place to experience the St. Johns River. Whether you’re casting a line, paddling scenic waterways, or strolling along the shoreline in a charming, historic downtown, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the St. Johns River when visiting Putnam County. Download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn about more great things to do along the St. Johns River.