The Harney River flows through the heart of Everglades National Park in South Florida, serving as a critical waterway within one of America's most pristine wilderness areas. This tidal river originates in the park's interior backcountry and flows westward through dense mangrove forests before reaching the Gulf of Mexico near Flamingo. The river connects to Tarpon Bay, which provides access to Avocado Creek and other interior waterways, forming part of the extensive network that makes up the famous Wilderness Waterway.

Paddling the Harney River offers an authentic Everglades experience through what locals describe as an "absolute maze" of sharp turns and narrow mangrove tunnels. The river's constantly winding nature makes it particularly challenging for sea kayakers, who must frequently use their boat edges to navigate the tight bends. Most paddlers access the river via the Harney River Chickee, a designated camping platform that serves as both a put-in point and overnight accommodation for multi-day expeditions.

The primary paddling section extends approximately 5.5 miles from the Harney River Chickee downstream to Tarpon Bay, where paddlers can continue to other destinations including the historic Canepatch Campsite via Avocado Creek. This route is classified as flatwater paddling, though the technical navigation through mangrove passages requires intermediate skills and careful attention to route-finding. Water conditions vary significantly with tidal influence, and the remote location demands proper preparation and navigation skills.

The river supports typical Everglades wildlife including alligators, manatees, various wading birds, and diverse fish species. The surrounding mangrove ecosystem provides critical habitat and creates the characteristic tunnel-like paddling environment.

The Harney River connects to the broader Wilderness Waterway system through several routes, including "The Nightmare," a narrow shortcut passage linking to the Broad River that forms part of the official 99-mile wilderness route between Flamingo and Everglades City. This connection makes the Harney River a key component in longer expeditions exploring the park's backcountry.

Access requires boat transport, as no road access exists. Most paddlers reach the area as part of multi-day camping trips, with the Harney River Chickee accommodating up to six people and requiring advance reservations through the National Park Service. The river exemplifies the Everglades' untouched character, offering paddlers one of Florida's most remote and challenging wilderness experiences while serving as a vital link in the park's interconnected waterway system.