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 In 1992, the Suwannee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association stood on its own two feet after several years as the “Cracker’s Kinfolk,” a subchapter of the Florida Crackers, based in Gainesville. Active in local events like the Florida Folk Festival, members of the Suwannee Chapter maintain the Florida Trail system through private timberlands, through Twin Rivers State Forest, and Suwannee River State Park.
Activity leaders lead hikes, paddling trips, trail maintenance, and birding trips throughout the vast “Original Florida” region, from the shores of Steinhatchee to a rail trail along the Georgia border with Madison County. With special interests in Florida folklife and history, members of the Suwannee Chapter provide many informative programs and hikes with a historic twist, including establishing a new trail to the Drew Mansion Ruins along the Suwannee River.
Serving Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor counties  CHAPTER MEETINGS are held on the second Monday of each month (except July and August) at the Suwannee River Water Management District Office from 7-9 PM, on US 90 and CR 49, 2 miles east of Live Oak
DIRECTIONS: From I-75 exit 427, Lake City, follow US 90 west to CR 49. Turn left. From Live Oak, follow US 90 east 2 miles to CR 49. Turn right. The Suwannee River Water Management District Office is on the right. CONTACT: Sylvia Dunnam - (386) 362 3256 - dunnams@windstream.net 
The Suwannee chapter maintains the Florida Trail from the Econfina River in the Big Bend east to Suwannee River State Park at Ellaville, including riverfront hiking along the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, and the Big Oak Trail and the Drew Mansion Ruins Trail, both loop trails at Suwannee River State Park. 
THE FLORIDA TRAIL Ellaville section meanders more than 32 miles along the scenic Suwannee River. Hikers enjoy a walk deeply shaded by river bluff forests, with numerous campsites along its route for backpackers. The trail can be accessed from numerous points in Twin Rivers State Forest in Madison County, off US 90 and River Road. BIG OAK TRAIL provides 11 miles worth of riverfront hiking at the confluence of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, with options for primitive camping along the way. The trail is accessed from the ranger station at Suwannee River State Park. DREW MANSION RUINS TRAIL is our newest loop trail, providing a short interpretive walk into Florida’s Reconstruction Era history on the grounds of the former mansion of Governor George Drew. This short trail is off old US 90 just west of the Suwannee River. |
The Association 
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Incorporated in 1964, the Florida Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization that builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the 1,400 mile Florida Trail, one of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. Our volunteers also build and maintain other trails on public land, known as the Florida Trail System. With 18 local chapters, FTA provides educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, as well as recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.
