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Big Shoals State Park

 About Big Shoals State Park

Narrow trail through dense vegetation at Big Shoals State Park.

A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER

Ben Faure

SMOKE ADVISORY: April 13,2012 -The park has moderate smoke daily depending on wind conditions. Visitors should avoid outdoor situations if they have asthma or breathing related problems. The fire remains well away from us but we are still impacted by the smoke. If you have questions or concerns about your visit please call the Ranger Station at (386) 397-4331.

Summer has arrived! The Suwannee River water levels are low right now and will make a canoe trip a nice, slow and pleasant one. When the Suwannee River water levels are on the rise, the Shoals are the place to be. 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. Therefore, if you feel like taking a wet and wild trip down the famous Suwannee River, Big Shoals State Park offers a great canoe launching area and provides a wonderful fun filled trip for experienced paddlers or kayakers.

 

Big Shoals State Park also offers you a chance to be able to see all the great wildflowers of summer time while hiking, biking or horseback riding some of the 28 miles of trails within the park.

 

For those people that like to hike in the late afternoon, we have a bat house at the Big Shoals entrance, which everyone should see. Anyone that sticks around for the sunset will be able to see hundreds of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats fly out of the bat house at sunset.

 

There are over 6 miles of river frontage in the park where visitors can hike the trails running along the riverbanks. Being so far from the main highways means the park is always quiet. Only the sounds of nature are heard as you walk the beautiful nature trails or have a nice picnic under the oaks. This is a day you'll long remember, the ideal family outing. So stick around and plan for a fun filled day out at Big Shoals State Park!

There is new Volunteer Host site at Big Shoals entrance of the park. This site will provide a volunteer with very nice concrete pad with hook-ups for an RV or Motor home. So if you are in the mood for a change of pace, then consider volunteering and living in the middle of the Real Florida.

Please be aware that there is hunting occurring in certain areas of Big Shoals Public Lands. For further information visit the Wildlife Conservation Commission Webpage at http://myfwc.com/recreation.

For more information on canoeing and kayaking on the Suwannee please visit the http://floridastateparks.org/wilderness/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 Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Ranger Station at 386-397-4331.

DESIGNATIONS

The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail Logo

GETTING HERE

  • Big Shoals State Park is located on County Road 135, one mile northeast of U.S. 41 in White Springs.
  • From I-75, take Exit 439 to Hwy 136 East. Go three miles to U.S. 41 and turn right.Go one mile and turn left on Hwy 135. Little Shoals entrance is 1.1 miles 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 eight miles on U.S. 41 North. Turn right onto Hwy 135 and proceed to the Shoals entrances.

GET INVOLVED

  • For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.

CONCESSIONAIRES

PET POLICY