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Big Shoals of the Suwannee River

Big Shoals State Park

At Big Shoals State Park, see Florida’s largest series of rapids, churning the Suwannee River with hydraulics in Class III whitewater at certain times of year.

White Springs      ( 30.352426,-82.690457 )      

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You hear them well before you can see them: a burble of water that rises to a roar as you approach the Big Shoals of the Suwannee River.

Florida’s largest series of rapids is complete with hydraulics and holes and Class III whitewater at certain times of year.

 Big Shoals of the Suwannee River
The start of the Big Shoals of the Suwannee River

Resources

North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover 50 Hikes in North Florida book cover

Overview

Location: White Springs
Trailhead: 30.352426,-82.690457
Fees: $4 per vehicle. $2 per pedestrian or cyclist.
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 386-397-4331

Open 8 AM until sunset daily. Primitive camping on south side of river only. Leashed pets welcome


Directions

 
From Interstate 75 one exit north of the Interstate 10 interchange, follow CR 136 east into White Springs. Turn right on US 41. Along Spring Street, look for the large brown sign for the park pointing left in the middle of town. Follow CR 135 out of town to the marked entrances (there are two) on the right. The first is for the trailhead for the Woodpecker Trail, a paved path. The second entrance leads down a rough road that meets the other end of the Woodpecker Trail before leading down to and ending at the primary hiking / offroad biking / canoe launch trailhead above Big Shoals.

About the Park

When the river is at just the right level, it’s a blast to ply a kayak down this mile of wild water.

Canoeists are encouraged to take out and use the portage trail on the south shore to avoid ripping a hole on the rugged limestone jutting out of the river.

Big Shoals State Park protects both sides of the river, offering fabulous hiking on the Florida Trail (south side) and on the Big Shoals and Long Branch Trails (north side).

Road access is via the north side of the river, providing a portal to the Woodpecker Trail, a paved bike trail, as well as off-road biking trails, equestrian trails, and a put-in for paddlers.


Trail Map


Explore the park

Holton River Camp beach

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 lifetime

Paddlers attempting Big Shoals

Florida Trail, Bell Springs to Big Shoals

4.6 miles. Showcasing Florida’s only Class III whitewater and other spectacular geologic features, this is one of the most scenic segments of the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River.

Woodpecker Trail at Big Shoals

Woodpecker Trail

The Woodpecker Trail at Big Shoals State Park provides a 7-mile wildlife-rich round trip ride, but watch out for those puddles! John plunges in anyway to get the story.

Big Shoals Trail

Big Shoals Trail

At Big Shoals State Park, the Big Shoals Trail leads you to scenic perches high atop the river bluffs when you can watch Florida’s only Class III whitewater rapids

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Biking, Camping, Florida State Parks, Launch Points, North Florida, Paddling, Parks, PlacesTag: Best Paddling, Big Shoals State Park, Florida State Parks, Geology, Historic Sites, Lake City, Primitive Camping, Rapids, Rivers, Suwannee River, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, White Springs, Wildlife Viewing

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