Big Shoals Public Lands are a collaboration of adjacent properties managed by the Florida State Parks, Forestry, and the Suwannee River Water Management District.
A variety of trails explore these woodland landscapes, ranging from paved walkways to bumpy singletrack for offroad cyclists.
On the north side of the river, Big Shoals State Park provides access to the blue blazed hiking and biking Long Branch Trail, and the yellow blazed hiking only Big Shoals Trail.
Frothy rapids in the Suwannee RiverResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: White Springs
Length: 2.2 mile round trip
Trailhead: 30.352389, -82.687833
Address: 18738 SE 94th St, White Springs
Fees: $4 per vehicle
Restrooms: At the trailhead
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 386-397-4331
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From the intersection of CR 135 and US 41 in White Springs, head north on CR 135 for 3.7 miles before turning right onto SE 94th St. Continue on this dirt road for 1.4 miles to the State Park entrance at the end. The trailhead is on the south side of the parking area, near a large bat house.
Hike
Starting at the trailhead, head southward past the large bat house, following a well-worn path into the woods. Crossing a small bridge, the trail ascends a riverside bluff.
Enter a xeric hammock characterized by canopies of sand live oaks over clustered saw palmettos and various small shrubs.
Bat house and parking areaInformational signs describe historic and natural features along the route, including the Godwin Bridge, where remnants of the structure remain visible at the water’s edge.
As the trail meanders across sandy, undulating terrain, glimpses of the river come through gaps in the dense vegetation.
Godwin Bridge signDark, tannic waters slowly drift by mirroring reflections of trees extending above limestone formations on the far bank.
As you follow yellow blazes along the winding corridor, the roaring shoals become audible, sounds slowly increasing on the approach.
River viewCabbage palms dot the landscape, extending high above the hammock to capture more sunlight.
Climb a moss-lined bend in the trail as the sound of rushing water fills the air. The first of two outlooks stands alongside the path, overlooking the river.
Moss lined pathwayHigh above the frothing waters, the wooden observation platform and bench sit in the shade, offering a spot to relax with a fantastic view of the shoals.
A short distance further down the trail, another overlook stands next to a picnic table at the end of the yellow blazed Big Shoals trail.
Big Shoals rapidsThe riverside path continues beyond the state park into Suwannee River Water Management District property. Be aware of seasonal hunting dates before proceeding.
From this point, either retrace your steps alongside the Suwannee for 1.1 miles, or add new scenery by following a series of mixed-use hiking and biking trails back to the trailhead.
A bike path network interconnects with the end of the Big Shoals TrailTrail 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.Video
A walk through the Big Shoals Trail
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 Woodpecker Trail Spanning 3.5 miles between the entrances to Big Shoals State Park, the paved Woodpecker Trail makes for an easy 7 mile round-trip when it's not wet.
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.
Falling Creek Falls A gentle walk along a boardwalk in a bluff forest surprises with its ending: a spectacular Florida waterfall in a deeply wooded setting.
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026
- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026