Manager's Message

Summer is a time to bring the family out to “the shoals” and enjoy the shade of our grand live oak trees. After a nice picnic, take a hike down to the namesake of the park, Big Shoals. You will wind down a one mile river side trail that allows you to look down on the tea colored water of the Suwannee River. Depending on water levels, you will hear the shoals before you see them. The awesome power of water has shaped the limerock in this area creating a class three white water rapid during river levels between 59 and 61 feet. For information regarding river levels please see Suwannee River Water Management District.


Fishing and canoeing are popular summer time activities at Big Shoals. Please obide by all state fishing and boating laws while enjoying Big Shoals State Park and Public Lands. 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