Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring White Springs
Florida’s original spa town is an outdoor mecca on the Suwannee River for hikers, cyclists, and paddlers.
Before 1900, White Springs had fourteen hotels catering to tourists who came by rail and steamboat to “take the waters” at the springs.
Opened in 1950, Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park was envisioned as a memorial to composer Stephen Foster, who never visited the Suwannee River but nonetheless made it famous.
Designated the first Florida Trail Gateway Community, White Springs is one of the rare places on the Florida Trail where the trail leads you right through town.
Trails and Parks in White Springs
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 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.
Big Shoals Trail Traverse tall bluffs above the Suwannee River for spectacular views of Florida's only Class III whitewater rapids from the Big Shoals Trail.
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.
Disappearing Creek Loop Explore a geologic wonderland of karst topography and white sand beaches on this rugged 3.6 mile hike to a chasm where the rapids of Camp Branch are swallowed by a sinkhole.
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.
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.
Florida Trail, Camp Branch to Suwannee Springs 7.8 miles. Rugged climbs through abandoned river channels and along the highest elevations along the Suwannee River make this hike a roller-coaster through river bluff forests and sandy beaches.
Florida Trail, Stephen Foster to CR 25A 4.7 miles. Roly-poly and rugged, the Florida Trail across Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park showcases the beauty of the Suwannee River from its bluffs.
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.
Florida Trail, White Springs 3.6 miles. Spanning from one end of White Springs to the other along a bend in the Suwannee River, this Florida Trail segment is an easy day hike through a historic community.
Foster’s Hammock Trail Weaving across rolling hills in the Suwannee River floodplain, this well-maintained path explores the forested woodlands of Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.
Osceola National Forest The smallest of Florida's national forests, the Osceola National Forest carries the weight of history hidden in its dense stands of longleaf pine.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park At Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Florida pioneer crafts and Florida folk music are as important as the lovely setting on the Suwannee River.
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 lifetimeRecent Articles
Mountain Biking and the Florida Trail (3/3/2016) It's Florida Biking Month! Which makes it a good time to talk about bikes and the Florida Trail, and how to ride your bike to, but not on, our statewide National Scenic Trail when it's in the woods.
Big Shoals Woodpecker Trail (8/30/2015) 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.