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Florida Trail

North Florida Section Trails

FT Suwannee River

Length: 41.6 miles (linear)

This is the only segment of the Florida Trail which runs almost continuously beside a major river. The terrain varies from flat dirt roads to high sandhills and limestone rock bluffs. Hikers must ford seven small streams and swampy areas. At times the trail passes through head-high bamboo.

Overview

The Suwannee River has tea-colored water, stained by cypress trees and oak leaves. It is fed by springs, which are seen as clear blue water where they enter the river. Near the creek and spring junctions, Indian artifacts, fossils, and Florida's unique agatized coral have been found. Striking white sand beaches occur on river bends, providing perfect places to camp or swim.

Hill country Along the trail, you’ll see clusters of huge cypress and oak trees in the middle of primitive swamps. White lilies, azalea, sparkleberries, dogwood and redbud grow along the path, as do giant tupelo trees. At the western end, there is an abundance of spruce pine growing around rugged surface limestone punctuated by sinkholes. Many types of animals including otter, beaver and water birds may be seen. In the fall, a muted color change in the leaves is a reminder of autumn’s touch. Devil’s Mountain, a picturesque bluff over 130 feet above the water, is named after the Devil's walking stick, a strange barbed shrub which grows there.

This section of trail is especially notable for its rugged terrain and geologic features. Take the blue-blazed side trail to Disappearing Creek to watch a creek swallowed whole by a sinkhole; pause and look out over a whirlpool in the river; watch the water tumble down the rock hillside at the Mill Creek waterfall; walk along the edge of Holton Spring.

Map

14 Suwannee River The east end of this section is at the entrance to Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center in White Springs. The west end is at the Suwannee River State Park east boundary.

Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey.

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

At the eastern end, park at the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center (fee). At the western end, park under bridge at CR 141, north of Ellaville or at Suwannee River State Park. Monitored parking is available at Agricultural Inspection Stations on SR 249, US 129, and US 90, three miles from west end.

Features

Boardwalks

Botanical

Bridges

Campsites

Gateway Communities

White Springs

Geologic

Shelters

History

Conditions

This trail affords almost continuous views of the Suwannee River, passing along the river, over hills, through deep forests and small ravines and across streams. In the spring flood stage, plan on having to ford feeder streams. Check depth before proceeding. Campsites with great views are plentiful along the river. Only a few of the larger ones with easy access to water have been shown on the map.

Precautions

Do not attempt to hike any portion of the trail when the river is at high level because much of it may be under water. Be cautious crossing streams. Banks can be slippery, and bottoms sometimes have jagged limestone rocks. Use care in crossing the log and cable bridges. The Suwannee River is prone to flooding. Water can rise to high levels, even without heavy rainfall in north Florida, since rains at the headwaters in the Okeefenokee Swamp can quickly cause the river to rise. Before starting a hike, consider calling the Suwannee River Water Management District at 1-800-226-1066. Find out the water level at the White Springs Gauging Station. If the level is 60 feet or higher, the trail will be flooded in numerous areas, and the hike should not be attempted. If the level is under 60 feet and holding steady or falling, the trail is feasible to hike. Wear safety orange during hunting season.

Restrictions

Part of the trail goes through private property. Carry your FTA membership card. There are many places to camp along the Suwannee with the river as a water source. Please make sure you are on public land and practice strict Leave No Trace camping techniques.