Florida, for most people, is endless beaches, amusement parks, nightclubs, chic restaurants, and great shopping.
Not everyone knows that, in addition to all of the above, in Florida there are unique sights that amaze the imagination, the creation of which nature itself has worked hard to create.
The best part is that in order to plunge into the world of natural beauty and get an unforgettable experience, Florida residents do not need to take vacations or look for flights.
All you need for an exciting trip is a little gas in the tank and a couple of days off.
Now, as for the unique natural sights of Florida...
It is well known that the water in rivers is usually fresh.
It turns out, however, that this is not always the case.
There are rivers on the earth with salted and even truly salty water.
What kind of rivers do not exist in nature?
They are sour, warm, like fresh milk, flowing backwards, painted in the most unusual colors.
There are also extremely salty, absolutely undrinkable rivers.
Flowing reservoirs with a high mineral content can be found in any region of the globe.
My list of the saltiest rivers in the world includes reservoirs in Florida.
Here is our rating of the 7 most salty rivers in Florida.
Where Does the Salt Get Into Florida Rivers?
It turns out that many millions of years ago, there was a large sea on the territory of modern Florida.
Over time, as a result of the uplift of the earth’s crust, it receded, but salt lakes and rivers still remained in numerous depressions.
Then they evaporated, leaving deposits of salt that, in some places, reached several tens of feet in thickness.
Passing through them, surface and underground waters acquire their extraordinary properties.
Top 7 Saline Waterways in Florida
St. John’s River
Johns River is one of the state of Florida’s longest rivers.
It is also the most important river in terms of recreation and commerce.
It travels 310 miles and passes through 12 counties.
At its source, the river is fresh, but further downstream, the water is enriched with salt.
The region has significant deposits eroded by the Salt River.
In addition, the exotic shrub Tamarix, which is native to the Middle East and Asia, grows densely along its banks.
It prevents soil erosion and tolerates drought very well.
Caloosahatchee River
This river is truly unique; laboratory studies show that 21 grams of salt are dissolved in every liter of water.
The river washes away massive layers hiding under the limestone.
Also, underground streams flow into it, and their water seeps through the deposits, increasing the concentration of minerals.
Beginning in Lake Okeechobee in Florida, the Caloosahatchee River travels west to the Gulf of Mexico.
The river widens as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico and creates an estuary in the first 25 miles of its course.
On its route to the Gulf of Mexico, the river is protected by San Carlos Bay and Sanibel Island.
It now serves as a crucial connection in South Florida’s network of inland waterways.
Swanney River
Rafting on the saltwater Swanney River is a wave of emotions and fresh impressions that will remain in your memory for a long time.
The river flows among limestone cliffs up to 82 feet high, forming rapids and waterfalls and impressing tourists with breathtaking scenery that you will not find anywhere else in Florida.
Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you can master rowing on a raft, canoe, or kayak and learn how to properly overcome water obstacles.
In addition to rafting, there is everything for outdoor activities and wildlife watching: more than 45 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
Kissimmee River
Kissimmee River, a less salty river.
The trough is underlain by clay deposits that have compacted more than the limestone and sand deposits have along both coasts of peninsular Florida.
Until about 6,000 years ago, the trough was dry land.
As sea levels rose, the water table in Florida also rose, and rainfall increased.
From 6,000 to 4,000 years ago, wetlands formed peat deposits.
Eventually, the flow of water into the area created a river, drowning the wetlands.
The Hillsborough River
In Florida, there is a saltwater river called the Hillsborough River.
Before entering the enormous estuary of Tampa Bay, it winds through the city of Tampa.
There are numerous aquatic species that can be found in the Hillsborough River.
Red drum, largemouth bass, and common snook are some of these species.
The Hillsborough River travels through Hillsborough County for 60 miles after beginning in the Green Swamp in Pasco County, Florida.
The Ichetucknee River
It is a salty river since it is nourished by natural springs.
The Ichetucknee River is a well-liked vacation spot for both campers and residents of Florida.
Early Florida Indians once used the springs.
When the Mission de San Martin de Timucua was constructed in the 1600s, the river was transformed into a haven for visitors and Native Americans.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a charming state park in Florida, is encircled by lush greenery and sparkling waters.
The best tubing in the state is also found there.
In the park, families can go hiking and pitch a tent.
While tubing is a well-liked activity, there are also many alligators in the area.
Escambia River
The Escambia River originates in Alabama and flows into Escambia Bay.
It is not considered to be 100% saltwater, but there is a small amount of salt in it.
Channel catfish, flat catfish, blue catfish, and catfish gobies are well caught in the river.
The largest fish are caught here from April to June.
If you are interested in striped bass and sunfish, then head to the area north of the bridge.
Imitation lures and bait fishing (mullet or shrimp) are effective.
And a little bit about Florida’s fauna:
The state’s fauna is not inferior to the flora; raccoons, opossums, Florida cougars, which are listed in the Red Book, pelicans, owls, woodpeckers, hawks, snakes, and turtles live here.
Off the coast of Florida, manatees live—completely unique marine mammals.
