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View of railroad bridge and rivers from peninsula

Big Oak Trail

The Big Oak Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in North Florida. Much of the hiking parallels the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, which meet here at a confluence.

Florida Trail, Suwannee  |  Ellaville
( 30.314904, -83.159286 )      5.9 miles

294 shares

Along with neighboring Twin Rivers State Forest, Suwannee River State Park protects huge swaths of conservation land bordering the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers.

A developed campground and trails are on the south side of the Suwannee, directly across from this particularly picturesque portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Scenic canopy of trail Beauty along the Florida Trail


From the Big Oak trailhead, this hike can easily be made into either a 4.7 or 6.9-mile loop using the cross trails shown on the map.

Even along the interior yellow and blue trails, you’ll find majestic beauty in both the forest understory and the canopy above.

Straight skyward view of a tall spruce pine Spruce pine towering over the trail


For an overnighter with a stay at Confluence campsite, it’s best to pair this hike with the adjoining Alapaha section for a hike out from Gibson Park and back.

Or overnight here using the Ellaville North section to leave your car behind the gates of Suwannee River State Park. Cars should not be left overnight at the Big Oak trailhead.

State park sign with mileages If you start the Big Oak Trail from the Confederate earthworks, it’s an 11 mile round trip as described in 50 Hikes in North Florida. The narrative on this page covers only the peninsular portion.


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover 50 Hikes in North Florida book cover Florida Trail small coffee table book North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Ellaville
Length: 5.9 miles linear
Trailhead: 30.413598, -83.159249
Address: 7678 SW 46th Ave, Jasper, FL 32052
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 386-362-2746

Leashed dogs permitted. It’s advisable not to leave a car at the Big Oak trailhead overnight, as vandalism has been reported.

Expect the noise of passing trains when camping at Confluence Camp. They cross the railroad bridge at US 90 and the sound echoes up the river.

Enormous oak


Directions

 
From Interstate 75 at Jasper, head southwest on SR 6 for 5.2 miles, then turn left onto SW CR 141. In 5.5 miles, turn left at 74th St, then right onto SW 44th Ln. The road curves to the left, then, turn right again to remain on SW 44th ln. In a half mile, turn left onto 77th St, and the parking area will be on the right at the end of the road next to a boat ramp.

Hike

At the trailhead, pass through a gap in the fence next to a helpful map of the state park loop trails.

A narrow path through the palmettos leads into a densely forested hardwood hammock.

Trailhead sign and gap in fence Gap leading to the Big Oak Trail


Tracing a high bluff, the trail often overlooks spectacular views of the dark waters below as they meander through rock and sand.

At an intersection with the yellow blazed trail in a half mile, stay to the left to remain on the Florida Trail.

Trail junction with yellow blazes and map Yellow Trail intersection


Huge moss-covered live oaks tower overhead, creating a thick canopy alongside sweetgum, hickory, and southern magnolia trees.

This diversity is increased in the understory, with many small trees and shrubs including holly, dogwood, red bay and beautyberry.

Enormous oak tree in forest Stately live oak


Despite its proximity, the water is rarely accessible due to steep terrain carved from the limestone over countless years.

As the river snakes through this karst landscape, rocky shores typically sit across from steep sandy beaches on the other side.

Scenic boulders along river channel Limestone riverbank along the Suwannee


The well-worn, grass lined pathway winds through myriad shades of green as it heads further south to an intersection with the blue trail.

A right turn at the blue-blazes leads to the namesake Big Oak, a short distance off the Florida Trail.

Big Oak base encircled by people holding hands The enormous base of the Big Oak, with hikers for size (December 2007)


Shade is abundant aside from clearing of a hundred feet crossing over a gas pipeline. Palmettos and cabbage pines flourish in this humid riverside jungle beneath huge arches of oaks.

In 0.8 mile, the Withlacoochee River empties into the Suwannee next to a bench and fire ring at the aptly named Confluence campsite.

Trail next to cabbage palm under oak canopy Palmettos and cabbage palm


From the campsite, a railroad trestle crosses the river to the southwest. Although this site is charming, the nearby tracks mean for loud trains passing by at night.

From the campsite, head north alongside the Withlacoochee River.

Confluence of rivers View from campsite


In a half mile, the trail passes a curious water-filled hole in the limestone, a reminder of the distinctive geology underfoot.

From this pathway high above, the Withlacoochee River looks remarkably like the Suwannee, though a bit narrower.

Dark water in sinkhole Deep sinkhole


Painted arrows affixed to trees reduces confusion as the trail winds through open spaces under the canopy.

In 1.5 miles, the trail turns right onto a forest road, then left to follow a fence line to the north. If you’re hiking just the loop, watch for the cross trail.

Orange arrow beneath orange blazes Arrow affixed to tree


This section of the hike follows alongside private property, designed to connect the Big Oak trail with the remainder of the Florida Trail northward.

In a half mile, sign indicates the Florida Trail leaves the woods, following a driveway to CR 141.

FNST sign with double blaze Florida Trail sign


Turn left at the road for a short roadwalk to cross the river. Watch for a downslope turnoff to the Withlacoochee River parking area.

This day use parking area also marks the start of the Ellaville section of the Florida Trail within Twin Rivers State Forest.

Tall bluff with FNST sign atop at guardrail The sharp descent off CR 141 to the parking area


As signposted by Suwannee River State Park, the Big Oak Trail extends another 3.5 miles to the main portion of the park.

It uses the Florida Trail Ellaville North section to reach the Annex Picnic Area, passing through the ghost town of Ellaville and by Suwannacoochee Spring en route.

Orange blaze next to ribbon of trail in woods Hiking along a former rail line through Ellaville


It then crosses the old US 90 bridge to connect to the main portion of Suwannee River State Park, ending near the Confederate earthworks across from the confluence of rivers.

NORTHBOUND: Florida Trail, Ellaville North
SOUTHBOUND: Florida Trail, Alapaha

Marker with a 9 and Florida State Parks logo A marker for the Big Oak Trail


Trail Map

Big Oak Trail Map
The portion in red is described in this narrative

Explore More!

No Name Creek

Florida Trail, Suwannee

74.8 miles. Along the Suwannee River, the Florida Trail clings to bluffs and scrambles through ravines for physical challenges and great scenery

Limestone formation along the Suwannee River

Suwannee River State Park

Perched on the bluffs at the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, Suwannee River State Park is one of those don’t-miss Florida outdoors experiences, with two ghost towns, Civil War battlements that once protected a strategic railroad bridge, and the ruins of a former governor’s riverfront mansion.

Slideshow

See our photos from the Big Oak Trail


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Tannic colored river with sand banks

Florida Trail, Alapaha

7.7 miles. Along the limestone-bordered waters of the Alapaha and Suwannee Rivers, the Alapaha section of the Florida Trail explores unique geography within a densely forested landscape.

Ladell Brothers Preserve

Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center

The nature trail at Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center, North Florida Community College in Madison is a place for students and visitors to get away from it all in the midst of the college campus.

Madison Blue Springs

Madison Blue Spring State Park

A long-time Old Florida swimming hole along SR 6 between the towns of Lee and Jasper, Madison Blue Spring is a sinkhole pouring out a first-magnitude spring into the Withlacoochee River.

Lafayette Blue Springs

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

Lafayette Blue Springs was an old swimming hole for folks in Mayo and the rural communities west of Live Oak, a hidden beauty spot along the Suwannee River that is now a state park.

Trail Map (PDF) Reserve Campsite Official Website

Category: Backpacking, Day Hikes, Florida Trail, Hikes, Loop Hikes, North Florida, TrailsTag: Big Trees, Dog-friendly, Dowling Park, Ellaville, Florida State Forests, Florida State Parks, Florida Trail, Florida Trail Biking, FT Suwannee, Geology, Hilly, Historic Sites, Live Oak, Madison, Notable Trees, Primitive Camping, Riverfront, Scenic Hikes, Sinkholes, Springs, Suwannee River, Suwannee River State Park, Upper Withlacoochee, Wildflowers, Wildlife Viewing

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