The single paved trail inside Big Shoals State Park, the Woodpecker Trail is definitely in the woods.
It’s linear, but winds around curves to make the short ride more interesting, including the likelihood of happening across wildlife on the trail.
Curve along trail in pine woodsWe should have suspected the ride to be challenging when we couldn’t access the end at the Big Shoals Entrance due to road conditions. It was almost impassable.
Not wanting the ruts and dips in the road–deep enough to swallow the tire of our little Honda–to strand us, we backtracked to Little Shoals trailhead.
Big Shoals Entrance signThe sign at that end said “Coming soon! Turkeys, gopher tortoises, and quail!”
It said nothing about the flooded places that we’d encounter just ahead after the recent afternoon rains.
Whizzing past a large puddleResources
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Overview
Location: White Springs
Length: 3.5 miles linear
Trailhead: 30.34459, -82.73609
Fees: $4 per vehicle
Restrooms: Privy at Little Shoals, flush toilet at Big Shoals
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 386-397-4331
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Trail can be accessed from either end.
Directions
From Interstate 75, head east on SR 136 E for 3 miles into the town of White Springs. Turn right onto US 41. In a half mile, turn left onto SE CR 135. Drive 1.4 miles to the trailhead on the right.
Ride
The trailhead was just inside the gate and no trouble at all to drive to. It had a paved parking area, picnic shelter, and a privy.
After pumping air in the tires of our bikes, we began our 3.5 mile ride on the paved trail.
Start of the trail at the Little Shoals TrailheadOur plan was to reach the parking area above the Suwannee River at Big Shoals State Park, where there are restrooms and a quick walk down to the river at the canoe launch.
The golden orb spiders must know people ride this trail. Their webs were just above our heads. We rode past the big sign and a covered bench.
One of the covered benches for hikersContinuing over a boardwalk through a scenic piece of woods, we splashed through two small sections of trail.
Here, the water was flowing about an inch deep and ten feet wide. Not a problem.
A big puddle on the trailBut then we arrived at the first water hazard. The trail was entirely flooded under dark tannic water in the pine flatwoods.
With no way to know the depth of the water, Sandy waited at the water’s edge while I continued my way along the flooded bike path.
There’s deep, and there’s DEEP. This was crazy deep across the Woodpecker TrailAs the water reached my boots, I kept pedaling. When the tops of my boots slipped under water, I called back to Sandy not follow me.
I was afraid that water’s depth might force me off the bike to push the bike through the water and I did not want her to even try.
My forward motion was nearly at a stall before the water became shallower. Every pedal stroke became easier and I was able to made it across without dismounting.
It was a relief to be on dry pavement againSafely across the flooded path, I called back to Sandy telling her that I would quickly ride to the end so we could document this trail.
I had not given any thought to there being more flooded trail sections. Around a bend I startled four deer along and on the path.
They quickly disappeared into the woods before I could even think of taking a picture.
Riding past the Mile 2 markerI crossed two boardwalks, a bridge, and two more flooded trail sections before I reached the three mile mark and the end of my camera battery.
The trailhead was empty when I reached the end of the paved trail. At least I had a phone to snap a photo with.
Big Shoals end of the Woodpecker TrailJust looking at the road, from here it would have been a very wet and muddy ride for a view of Big Shoals and the Suwannee River.
So with Sandy waiting at the other end, I began my return. At least I knew what the trail conditions would be on the way back, and that my feet would stay wet.
Bridge over Four Mile BranchAlong the way, my four white deer friends walked out on the trail. They must have known that the camera battery was dead.
This time they slowly ambled back into the woods. Seeing them again, I forgot that my wet feet and just enjoyed the rest of the ride.
Boardwalk along the trailI met Sandy on the “dry” side of the trail. When I got back through the flooding, Sandy said I looked exhausted. I was!
She had her own story to tell. She rode out to the trailhead and back again, then decided to wait for me at the flooded section.
Water flowing across the bike pathWhile standing straddling her bike, she saw something move in the water and thought about cottonmouths being in there.
She looked down and there was a large black racer at her feet, intent on watching a frog at the water’s edge. She was almost stepping on it without knowing it was there.
The butterflies were more obviousOn the way back to our hotel, we heard a loud pop and pssst sound from the rear of the car. I quickly pulled off the road.
Looking in the trunk I found the front tire on the bike I had just ridden had gone, flat. At least it happened after my ride and not while I was in knee-deep water!
Riding through deep water was exhaustingThis is one you’ll want to ride round-trip because it’s short and the Little Shoals Trailhead is much easier to get to.
It was a 7-mile round trip, but would be 7.6 if you visited the Big Shoals entrance trailhead and turned around there. Watch out for those wet spots!
Enjoy the ride!Trail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Big Shoals State Park
Big Shoals State Park Florida's largest series of rapids churn the Suwannee River into Class III whitewater along the stretch of river bounded by Big Shoals State Park.Slideshow
See our photos from this ride
Nearby Adventures
Big Shoals Long Branch Trail Traversing seasonally flooded forests on contoured landscapes, the Long Branch Trail provides hikers and cyclists unique sights along the Suwannee River.
Big Shoals Trail Traverse tall bluffs above the Suwannee River for spectacular views of Florida's only Class III whitewater rapids from the Big Shoals Trail.
Florida Trail, White Springs 3.6 miles. Spanning from one end of White Springs to the other along a bend in the Suwannee River, this Florida Trail segment is an easy day hike through a historic community.
Florida Trail, Big Shoals 4.6 miles. Showcasing Florida's only Class III whitewater, the hike from Bell Springs to Big Shoals is one of the most scenic segments of the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River.
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