Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Dowling Park
Home to Florida’s oldest retirement community, Dowling Park sits at the western edge of Suwannee County along a bend on the Suwannee River.
With vast farmland separating it from Live Oak, it’s a destination where you look to the river.
At the Village itself, interpretive and nature trails invite waterfront strolls. To the south, there are deeply wooded water management tracts with hidden springs.
Across the river in Madison County is where the Florida Trail makes its turn from the river bluffs to head west into the Big Bend, and where paddlers pull out for the night at Dowling Park River Camp.
Trails and Parks Near Dowling Park
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, Big Bend Crossing rural farms and forests, this 116 mile segment of the Florida Trail reveals the secrets of the Aucilla River before tracing the Gulf coastline at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Florida Trail, Suwannee For 78 miles along the Suwannee River, the Florida Trail clings to bluffs and scrambles through ravines for physical challenges and great scenery.
Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center The nature trail at Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center, North Florida College in Madison is a place for students and visitors to get away from it all in the midst of campus.
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park A beauty spot along the western shore of the Suwannee River, Lafayette Blue Spring is both a swimming hole and a lesson in the curious nature of karst.
Suwannee River State Park Perched on rugged limestone bluffs along one of Florida’s most iconic waterways, Suwannee River State Park preserves significant historical sites in stunning natural landscapes. 
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 lifetimeRelated Articles
Springs of the Suwannee River Valley (8/27/2015) It's August. It's Florida. Where do you go to cool off? The springs of the Suwannee River Valley. No matter the size, these natural swimming holes are a delight.