Sunrise Paddling on Cypress Creek: A Peaceful Adventure at Dawn

There’s something special about being on the water before the world wakes up. The stillness. The golden glow of the rising sun. The gentle sounds of nature starting its day. If you’ve never experienced an early morning paddle, Cypress Creek is the perfect place to start.

Winding through the heart of the Shoals, Cypress Creek is lined with towering cypress trees, pawpaws, persimmons, and hackberries, creating a rich and vibrant landscape. And at sunrise, it comes alive in a way most people never get to see.

Why Paddle at Sunrise?

While paddling is always a great way to connect with nature, early morning trips offer a few unique perks:

• Wildlife is more active. Many animals are out searching for food before the heat of the day sets in.

• The water is calm. Less boat traffic means glassy water, making for a peaceful and reflective experience.

• The scenery is breathtaking. Morning mist rising from the creek, golden light filtering through the trees—it’s nature at its finest.

Wildlife You Might Encounter

Cypress Creek is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, and sunrise is one of the best times to catch a glimpse of its more elusive residents. Keep your eyes (and ears) open for:

🦦 Otters & Muskrats – Playful and curious, otters are sometimes spotted darting through the water, while muskrats are more common, often seen swimming along the banks, eating or cleaning themselves on a protruding rock, or disappearing into burrows. (Click the link to see a family of otters on Cypress enjoying a catfish dinner)

🐢 Turtles – Red-eared sliders are the most recognizable, but you may also spot other turtle species sunning themselves on logs as the morning light warms them up.

🦅 Ospreys & Bald Eagles – If you’re lucky, you might catch an osprey or even a bald eagle soaring overhead, scanning the water for fish.

🦉 Owls – Barred owls and great horned owls can sometimes still be heard calling as the night transitions into day.

🐍 Banded Water Snakes – These non-venomous snakes can often be seen slithering through the water or resting on low-hanging branches.

🐦 Great Blue Herons & Other Wading Birds – Herons, egrets, and Canadian geese are common sights, silently hunting or paddling along the shoreline.

🦫 Beavers – Though more active at night, you might still see a beaver swimming along the creek or catch the telltale splash of a tail as it disappears underwater.

And if you’re really lucky? Mink. These secretive, fast-moving creatures are rare to spot but are sometimes seen darting along the banks.

Check out this Instagram video showcasing some of the wildlife listed above!

Best Launch Spots & Paddling Tips

🚣 Put-in and Take-out:

Take a look at our Interactive Map to see the best spots to put-in and take-out at Cypress and other creeks around The Shoals!

💡 Pro Tips for a Sunrise Paddle:

✔ Park management usually opens the gate at around 6am, I'm sure they'd love to see you there!

✔ Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing.

✔ Paddle slowly and quietly—many animals won’t even notice you’re there!

✔ Pack a light snack and enjoy a floating breakfast.

Make It an Adventure!

If you're up for it, bring a camera or notebook and document what you see. Make a checklist of wildlife sightings, take photos of the sunrise reflecting on the water, or simply take a moment to soak it all in.

Nature has a way of rewarding those who wake up early. Are you up for the challenge? Grab your kayak, set your alarm, and come experience the magic of Cypress Creek at sunrise. You won’t regret it.