The lands comprising the Twin Rivers State Forest are owned by the Suwannee River Water Management District. It is managed by two state agencies; Florida Division of Forestry (primary) and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (hunting).
Grab and Go Hike: Big Oak Trail
There are four primitive campsites along the trail. Two are within the Ellaville Unit, and the Black and Mill Creek North Units each have one. Other points of interest along the trail include the Big Oak Trail, a loop trail on the peninsula formed by the confluence of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, the Stroud Family Cemetery, and the Drew Mansion Ruins. To reach this historic site and picnic area, follow the blue-blazed trail just south of the railroad tracks close to old US 90 (0.5 mile round trip). It was at this point that historians believe Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto crossed the Suwannee River in September 1539 on his quest to the Mississippi River. The picnic area is also the site of the Drew Mansion Ruins, once the plantation home of Governor Drew during the post-Civil War Reconstruction period. A blue blazed interpretive trail leads you around the historic site. From the picnic area, the Big Oak Trail leads east across the river into the main part of the park.
To the west of CR 53, the Florida Trail follows forest roads owned and managed by private timber companies. This is a spirited effort of the companies in cooperation with the Florida Trail Association. Hikers have the opportunity to witness ongoing commercial forestry activities. The companies also lease out the hunting rights to their lands.
This segment is located along the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers. Hiking is on trails in the Twin Rivers State Forest, on graded roads in Madison County, and on private timber company roads. The trail may be accessed at the Withlacoochee River Bridge on CR 141, from CR 53 seven miles south of the I-10 interchange, and from parking areas at the Ellaville, Black, and Mill Creek North Units of the Twin Rivers State Forest. Access is also available via a blue-blazed trail from Suwannee River State Park.
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.
Unimproved parking is available at the end of the CR 141 bridge (south side) at the northern terminus. At CR 53 parking is limited to road shoulders. Off-road parking is available at the Suwannee River State Park annex off "old" US 90, at Suwannee River State Park, at the Florida Agricultural Inspection Station near the Suwannee River bridge, and in the three units of the Twin Rivers State Forest.
Boardwalks
Botanical
Bridges
Campsites
Gateway Communities
White Springs
Geologic
Shelters
History
Easy to moderate walking on dry, well shaded trail through wooded areas. Shade varies from sparse to none along graded roads.
Be alert to flood conditions. 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.
No camping is allowed during scheduled hunts on the Twin Rivers State Forest. Contact Florida Division of Forestry at 7620 133rd Road, Live Oak, FL 32060 (386-208-1460) for hunt dates and regulations. The portion of the trail in San Pedro Bay WMA (west of CR 53) is closed during Florida's big game hunting season (archery, black powder, and general gun). Additionally, overnight camping is prohibited at all times west of CR 53 on private timber lands. Hikers must be a member of FTA and have a current membership card in their possession when hiking across the timber company property.
Hiking 
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Florida Trail Map Brochure