Hidden Urban Kayaking - McCoy's Creek, Jacksonville, FL - September 2021

McCoy's Creek is one of Jacksonville's "worst kept secrets" and we explore this incredible urban kayaking spot in today's video. Located off the St. Johns River, McCoy's Creek is accessed via a 600ft. tunnel traveling under the Times Union building in Downtown Jacksonville. Filmed in September 2021, the city of Jacksonville plans to remove the tunnel in the upcoming months, changing it into an open creek. You definitely want to take this trip before it is gone forever.

After paddling through the tunnel to the back of McCoy's Creek, I did a tour of Downtown Jacksonville. This started by paddling beneath the FEC Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge after seeing it move for the first time. This is a fully-operational double track railroad bridge spanning the St. Johns River. Next, I went along Riverwalk and under the Main Street Bridge. After another 30 minutes or so I was just past the Hyatt Regency where I turned around and headed back.

The current was incredible strong this day which I didn't learn until my return journey. I saw tons of wildlife while kayaking including turtles, hawks, great egrets, fish, and more. Tons of locals were out enjoying this gorgeous late-summer day.

If you're looking for a unique outdoor adventure experience, take a quick paddle up McCoy's Creek. The Northbank Riverwalk Kayak Launch is located off Riverside Avenue just southwest of the Winston Family YMCA. Travel north along the St. Johns River and you'll find the entrance to McCoy's creek on the left, just before the train bridge and beneath the overhead walkway.

This video was shot in 4K Ultra HD! Be sure to change your YouTube settings for the full experience!

📍 Kayak Launch: https://goo.gl/maps/vUbX1m6SsHHKkz4B7
🛶 McCoy's Creek Restoration Project: https://www.groundworkjacksonville.or...

** Video Chapters **
0:00 Intro - McCoy's Creek
0:55 Paddling up the St. Johns River
2:43 McCoy's Creek Entrance
4:40 Limbo under the Grate
5:24 Into McCoy's Creek
9:44 Spooky Tunnel!
11:23 Train Bridge
12:16 Downtown Tour
16:20 Heavy Current
18:25 Under a Train!
19:37 Heading Back
20:23 Outro