Experiences
Extensive trails offer a variety of challenges to cyclists, from the paved Woodpecker trail to off-road. Great fat-tire bicycle trails go through hardwood canopies, pine and palmetto forests. Ride alongside the bluffs overlooking the Suwannee River.
The Suwannee Bicycle Association sponsors several rides throughout the year. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists, and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists ages 16 and under.
Birding enthusiasts will find a large variety of species at Big Shoals, including herons and egrets, wood ducks, red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks, woodpeckers, barred owls, ruby-throated hummingbirds, warblers, vireos, wrens, swallows and thrashers.
Wild turkeys are usually plentiful and wading birds make regular visits. Bald eagles, Northern mockingbirds, scarlet tanagers, the rufous-sided towhee and indigo buntings also have been counted.
The Suwannee River offers excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing. Large mouth bass, black crappie, several types of sunfish and bream and channel catfish are plentiful.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park.
- Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
- Operation Recreation GeoTour
Big Shoals offers over 28 miles of trails. Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail along the river bluffs for vistas of the Suwannee River that are uncommon in Florida’s otherwise flat terrain. The topography ranges from flat expanses to steep slopes and ravines.
Fifteen distinct natural communities are within the land preserve, from highland hammocks and sloping forests to pine flatwoods and the nearly primeval forest of the baygall. Ferns, palmettos, swamps and the springtime beauty of wild azaleas in bloom are part of the scenery.
The Woodpecker Trail is a fully paved 3.4 mile route for hiking or bicycling between Little Shoals and Big Shoals.
These trails are maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.
The Suwannee River's average current of 2 to 3 mph and its white sandy beaches make the shoals a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. A canoe launch is located at the Big Shoals entrance. Canoeists should be aware that the shoals can be dangerous in both low- and high-water conditions. A portage area is provided on the left bank of the river traveling downstream. Canoe liveries are available in the area.
The upper reaches of the Suwannee River provide great water for paddling year-round, but canoeists and kayakers should always portage the shoals if possible.
When the water level is between 59 and 61 feet above mean sea level, Big Shoals earns a Class III White Water classification for kayaking. At 70 feet above mean sea level, flatwater conditions prevail.
When the water is below 51 feet above mean sea level, exposed rocks make the river around the shoals relatively impossible to navigate. The Suwannee River Water Management District maintains a daily record of river levels.
For more information on canoeing and kayaking on the Suwannee, please visit Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail or check out this interactive boat ramp map.
Please be advised, when the water level is above 62 feet the park will close the canoe launch to visitors and campers. We encourage visitors to call before arrival.
Take a morning hike or canoe trip and then enjoy a peaceful picnic at either Big Shoals or Little Shoals. Wooden picnic tables and grills are located off Godwin Bridge Road at the Big Shoals entrance. A covered pavilion, accessible by the Little Shoals entrance, also offers picnic tables.
Trash cans and restrooms are available at both locations.
Wading birds, gopher tortoise, barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and timber rattlers are among the more populous species found at Big Shoals Public Lands. Marked trails offer many opportunities for viewing wildlife at both the Big Shoals and Little Shoals entrances.
- Maps are available at the kiosk at the Little Shoals entrance.
Limited hunting is permitted inside the wildlife management area for archery, muzzle loading, small game and turkey seasons. Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 386-758-0525 for information. Hunting is prohibited in recreational use areas.
Amenities
Extensive trails offer a variety of challenges to cyclists, from the paved Woodpecker Trail to off-road. Great fat-tire bicycle trails go through hardwood canopies, pine and palmetto forests. Ride alongside the bluffs overlooking the Suwannee River.
The Suwannee Bicycle Association sponsors several rides throughout the year. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists, and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists ages 16 and under.
