Guided Canoe/Kayak tours can be arranged with Francis Beidler Forest. They offer naturalist guided paddling among 1,000-year-old cypress trees - the largest remaining stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gum in the world - deep into the heart of the Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp.

Check with Francis Beidler Forest for information on how to reserve a spot on a scheduled guided paddling trip in the spring, or how to arrange and off-season guided paddling trip. Trips range from 2 to 4+ hours long. 

A few things you might want to know, from the guides: 

• The water level in our swamp is dependent upon rain fall. Accordingly, canoe trips are subject to the availability of ENOUGH WATER!
• During the off-season, canoe trips can be scheduled by reservation only on any day that all of the following conditions are met:  1) there is sufficient water, 2) there is a guide available, 3) there are at least 5 people in your party or you are willing to pay for 5 people, and 4) you call in advance to make the arrangements.
• It is recommended you have some canoeing experience. A lot of maneuvering between cypress knees, through narrow creek channels and to avoid POISON IVY will be required! It's man vs. nature at its finest!
• Reservations are required in advance! Sign up early. Canoe trips are very popular attractions and space fills up fast!
• NO alcoholic beverages are allowed! There are no bathrooms in the swamp!
• NO pets are allowed! Your family pet may be an alligator's next meal!!!
• NO bug spray! You won't need it and we'll tell you why when you get here!