The Withlacoochee River and Lake Panasoffkee

On a ride around Lake Panasoffkee I turned right off CR470 onto CR300 to see the Withlacoochee River at Carlson Landing. It is a pretty spot with a dam and a lock for recreation boats and the boat ramps make it a popular spot for kayakers and fishermen

In the late 1800s the steam paddle boat Sam Pyles could stop here to pick up or deliver freight on its way to Panasoffkee Junction at the south end of Lake Panasoffkee.

Continuing south on CR470 I stopped at Marsh Bend Park to see the Outlet River where the steamboats were able to enter Lake Panasoffkee and kayakers and fishermen still can.

 

By 1900 the water borne freight business could no longer compete with the railroads. In the picture of the Sam Pyles at Pansoffkee Junction you’ll see that low railroad bridges could somewhat hamper steam boat operations!

For route information click here.