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Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail

Destinations

The Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail is actually a combination of places along the Suwannee River that have formed a partnership. They provide people who are going along the trail with several things such as camping and other facilities. These locations along the river are actually camps, parks, and hubs.

River Camps

The Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail has a total of five river camps placed along it. Their names are “Woods Ferry”, “Holton Creek”, “Dowling Park”, “Peacock Slough”, and “Adams Tract.”

All the river camps are located along the riverbanks. They exist to provide overnight accommodations to park visitors. They each have five screened platforms that can be used for sleeping. Each platform can accommodate up to eight people. They each have a ceiling fan. Each platform also has an electrical outlet. They also have hammock hooks. Each platform can accommodate at lest three hammocks. There is also a small seat and a table in each platform. Just outside each platform is a spigot that has potable water. They also have a fire rings and picnic tables.

Photo credit MaryEllen Cross from the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail contest on floridastateparks.org.

Each of the five river campsites offers primitive campsites as well. They also have hot showers. Each site has restrooms. Grills are provided, and so are picnic tables.

It doesn’t cost a dime to stay at the river camps. That said, bear in mind that they’re also first-come, first-served.

Branford, Fl. — Emma Young, 11, jumps into the Suwannee River at Little River Springs State Park, just 3 miles north of Branford, Florida, and US27. The spring run is approximately 150 feet long with a cave system that is more than 1,200 feet long. The 125 acres allow for nature walks and a wide variety of wildlife including deer, squirrel and numerous birds. The Suwannee River Water Management District recently renovated this park with concrete walkways and steps leading down to the spring from an established river level. Photo by Peter W. Cross

No vehicles are allowed at the river camps. They can only be reached via the river or, in some cases, a hiking trail.

There are outfitters available who can deliver such items as coolers, food, and other things to those river camps.

The Hubs

What they call hubs are actually towns or parks. Visitors can explore the river from them by using any of several means of transportation. They allows visitors to enjoy things like special events, shopping, and more. A hub provides visitors with a perfect starting and ending point because the hub offers visitors the opportunity to restock.

Special Things Along This Trail

There’s the “Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park.” The trail actually begins here. It’s also located in Southern Georgia, not Florida. This park is remote, but it also serves as the main entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp. That swamp offers a lot of gorgeous scenery as well as a ton of wildlife. The “Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park” has museums that talk about the life of Stephen Foster.

Big Shoals State Park

Limestone bluffs tower 80′ above the banks of the Suwannee River at Big Shoals State Park, affording views not found anywhere else in Florida. The Big Shoals rapids here have a Class III Whitewater classification making it a must-do for experienced kayakers looking for a Florida experience like no other!

Photo courtesy of floridastateparks.org on Twitter posting as @FLStateParks.

White Springs

White Springs is positioned along the upper part of the Suwanee River, and that makes it a great starting point for those who wish to paddle along the river. The river is rather narrow here, and it offers steep riverbanks and tall bluffs. It’s a perfect place to take a canoe or a kayak.

White Springs also has shops, restaurants, and places to stay.

Spirit Of The Suwannee River Music Park

You can enjoy a concert and take in some festivals at this park. Horse camping is also available there. It’s possible to shop at its country store. You can grab a bite to eat at its restaurant.

The Krickets perform Saturday on the River Gazebo Stage during the Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster State Park.
COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

RV camping is available at this park. It also has cabins. You can bring a tent if you want to use a tent while you camp there.

The Suwannee River State Park at Ellaville

This is the place where the Withlacoochee River meets up with the Suwannee River. You can do some fishing here. You can do some hiking here as well. If you like to have a picnic, this place will allow you to do that.

Advent Christian Village At Dowling Park

This is a retirement community that offers a grocery store and a café. Medical facilities are also available there. You can do some bird watching while you’re there. Fishing and hiking are also popular.

Manatee Springs State Park

This park offers RV Camping. It has a boardwalk that is a grand total of 800 feet long. It runs through a cypress forest. Manatee can be seen there during the cooler months. The park also offers miles of nature trails.

The Suwannee River Trail Is Amazing

The Suwannee River Trail offers many other parks. There are lots of other things to see and do along it. Those who love to camp while communing with nature will find this trail ideal. It’s also perfect for those who love bicycling, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and a lot of other activities. Feel free to check it out.

Fore more information visit the Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail webpage on floridastateparks.org or call 800.868.9914.

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