Protecting over 3,500 acres of dense forests between Fanning and Manatee Springs on the east bank of the Suwannee, Andrews Wildlife Management Area showcases truly wild landscapes along miles of interconnected trails.
A destination for hunting due to a high population of game animals, this WMA is an excellent place for birding and nature watching along marked pathways, observation decks, and an accessible wildlife blind.
Driving in from the main entrance, a long, graded dirt road leads through the woods to a picnic pavilion overlooking the river.
A popular fishing spot, this day use area serves as a close trailhead for an impressive boardwalk across a slough of ancient cypresses.
Less than a quarter mile south, a covered dock provides access from the water, the waterfront of this preserve part of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.
To hike the entire trail system from one point, the best place to start is a parking area at the end of Fanning Road.
Riverfront rest stopResources
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Overview
Location: Fanning Springs
Length: 10 miles
Trailhead: 29.545278, -82.939861
Address: NW 160th St, Fanning Springs
Fees: $3 per person, $6 per vehicle
Restrooms: At the entrance station
Land manager: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Phone: 386-758-0525
Open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From the Suwannee River bridge on US 98 near Fanning Springs, head east for 0.4 mile before turning right onto Old Fannin Rd. In 2.3 miles, turn right onto NW 160th St. Continue for 0.7 mile to the entrance, and pay the fee at the iron ranger. Head west on the main dirt road for 1 mile and turn left at the first fork. Stay to the left, following Fanning Rd for 2.1 miles before making a right at a closed access gate, and the trailhead parking area will be immediately on the left.
Hike
Beginning at a shared trailhead for the Persimmon and Maple Loops, follow a wide forest road southward towards an observation tower at the edge of a grassy clearing.
The trail makes a sharp left before reaching the structure, leading down a narrow path into the woods.
Blue blazes indicate the route as it meanders towards an intersection with a spur trail at 0.9 mile.
This side path makes and out and back trip of 0.4 mile to a wildlife blind which is also accessible by vehicle.
Trailside bench on the Persimmon LoopReturning to the trailhead at 1.1 miles, follow yellow blazes westward along the Maple Loop.
Sweetgum, hickory, and swamp chestnut oak stand tall above an understory dotted with sweetleaf and tufts of green grass.
Reaching a junction with the Bluff Oak Loop at 2.1 miles, continue westward where the blazes turn orange.
Magnolia trees increase in number as cabbage palms join the array of mixed hardwoods.
Maple Loop trailheadAt 3.6 miles, the trail joins a forest road leading eastward to another junction with the Maple Loop in a little over a half mile.
Turning left to explore the northern half of the yellow blazed loop, follow a distinct path through a grove of Florida maples.
They are likely descendants of a Florida Champion tree that once towered over the forest here decades ago.
Cabbage palm and bluff oak on the Bluff Oak LoopFollow yellow blazes to a junction with the Suwannee River Trail. Laughter-like calls of pileated woodpeckers echo through the woods as fallen leaves crunch underfoot.
Turning northward, red blazes indicate the route along a linear portion of trail that reaches panoramic views of the river in 0.8 mile.
Florida maples at the Suwannee River Trail intersectionParalleling a gentle river bend, follow the wide pathway past a dock with access to the water and a few dilapidated structures alongside an old cabin slowly returning to nature.
Waves lap the riverbanks as boats pass by, and lucky visitors may see or hear a large Gulf sturgeon leaping out of the nearby dark tannic waters.
Dock on the SuwanneeReaching a riverside picnic pavilion at 5.8 miles, cross the parking area and continue following red blazes northbound to a robust boardwalk at the beginning of a loop.
The elevated walkway spans a swampy expanse of cypress trees covered in shaggy air plants and Spanish moss to a picnic table on the other side.
Turning northward again, the trail traverses a ridge topped with tall pines before circling around the cypress forest and returning to the pavilion.
Cypress boardwalkHead south on the Suwannee River Trail from this point, retracing steps to a junction with the Maple Loop at 9.5 miles and turn left.
Yellow blazes weave through a dense forest of holly, maple, magnolias, and various oaks, passing a large sinkhole before returning to the starting trailhead at the 10 mile mark.
Picnic pavilionTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail Showcasing springs, sandy beaches, waterfalls, and haunting swamp forests where manatees gather, the 170-mile Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a paddling trip of a lifetimeVideo
Hiking Andrews WMA
Nearby Adventures
Fanning Springs State Park One of the Suwannee River's largest swimming holes is the clear, cool reflecting pool of Fanning Springs, located along the edge of its namesake town.
Manatee Springs State Park Showcasing the lower Suwannee River, Manatee Springs State Park centers around a clear blue spring, one of Florida's largest and most picturesque
Nature Coast Trail Connecting three rural counties, the Nature Coast Trail offers several different ways to ride between towns along 31.5 miles of paved bike path
Otter Springs At an inviting second magnitude spring, a shaded nature trail traces the spring run as it flows towards picturesque views on the Lower Suwannee River.
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