Manager's Message

Change is in the air at Big Shoals. Cooler temperatures and terrain can give the sensation of being in the southern Appalachians. More specifically, hiking the Mossy Ravine Trail may remind you of a mountainous hardwood forest with oaks, hickory, and beech. The drastic elevation changes make for exhillarating mountain biking and hiking. The blackwater stream on the Mossy Ravine Trail creates a beautiful ravine system that adds to the extraordinary beauty of this area.

To further enhance our mountain biking opportunities, Big Shoals staff is excited to announce that Road 18 is now open. Once again, you can loop past Big Shoals and back out to Road 2 without interruption. We would like to thank our volunteers for making this possible.

Please be aware that there is hunting occurring in certain areas of Big Shoals Public Lands. For further information visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commision Webpage.

Come to “the shoals” and experience the “Real Florida”.

For more information on canoeing and kayaking on the Suwannee River please visit the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail web page.


See our Activities page for a complete listing of all Big Shoals has to offer you and your family. For additional information call 1-877-635-3655.


- Ben Faure, Park Manager

Welcome to Big Shoals State Park

This park features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. Limestone bluffs, towering 80 feet above the banks of the Suwannee River, afford outstanding vistas not found anywhere else in Florida. When the water level on the Suwannee River is between 59 and 61 feet above mean sea level, the Big Shoals rapids earn a Class III Whitewater classification, attracting thrill-seeking canoe and kayak enthusiasts. A smaller set of rapids downstream is called Little Shoals. Over 28 miles of wooded trails provide opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The Woodpecker Trail, a 3.4 mile long multipurpose paved trail, connects the Little Shoals and Big Shoals entrances to the park. The river offers excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing. A picnic pavilion that seats up to 40 people is available at the Little Shoals entrance. Located on County Road 135, one mile northeast of U.S. 41 in White Springs.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Big Shoals State Park, please call 386-397-4331.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

From I-75, take Exit 439 to Hwy 136 East.
Go three (3) miles to US 41 and turn right.
Go one (1) mile and turn left on Hwy 135.
Little Shoals entrance is about 1.1 mile on the right.
Continue on Hwy 135 for 2.2 miles for Godwin Bridge entrance on the right. From I-10, take Exit 301 and travel 8 miles on US 41 North.
Turn right onto Hwy 135 and proceed to the Shoals entrances.

Park Fees

Fees are $3.00 for a vehicle with up to eight passengers, and $1.00 for pedestrians and cyclists, collected at honor boxes located at both the Big Shoals and Little Shoals entrances.

Big Shoals State Park

11330 S.E. County 135 (P.O. Drawer G)
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-4331
Fax: Contact Park for Number