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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

Big Shoals State Park offers everyone a chance to see nature relaxing and cooling down for winter. As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, the deer and bobcats play in the breeze; Big Shoals State Park is the place that you should see.

 

So while your hiking, biking, canoeing or horseback riding some of the 28 miles of trails within the park; look around at all the wonders of the winter season that make Big Shoals State Park so special!

 

The water is low which makes it a perfect time for a peaceful canoe trip down the famous Suwannee River. The Big Shoals entrance to the Suwannee River offers excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing and awesome canoeing adventures for experienced paddlers or kayakers. While you canoe, you will be able to see the huge limestone bluffs that tower 80 feet above the banks and view outstanding vistas not found anywhere else in Florida.

 

If you prefer a nice pleasant stroll though the flat woods of Big Shoals, the Woodpecker Trail is for you. This trail is a 3.4 mile long multipurpose paved trail that connects Big Shoals and Little Shoals entrances to the park. This trail is used everyday by hikers and bikers and is well maintained.

 

There are over 6 miles of river frontage in the park where visitors can hike the trails running along the river banks. 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!

 

For those people that like to hike in the late afternoon, please stick around for the sunset and you will be able to see hundreds of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats fly out of their bat house.

 

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 Motorhome. 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 http://myfwc.com/recreation Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Webpage.

 

For more information on canoeing and kayaking on the Suwannee River, please visit the http://floridastateparks.org/wilderness/ Suwannee River Wilderness Trail web page.

  

See our www.floridastateparks.org/bigshoals/Activities.cfm

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