Manager's Message

Big Shoals State Park offers everyone a chance to see nature in full swing this fall as the great wildflowers bloom and the butterflies come alive. The great bird migration is about to take place and one of their stops is Big Shoals State Park. 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 that make up the Real Florida!

This is 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. 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 mesic flat woods of Big Shoals, the Woodpecker Trail is calling your name. 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.

Fall is coming up and the leaves are coming down at Big Shoals State Park. This fall is going to be full of colors and adventures for the whole family. If you feel like making a day out of your trip, then stick around for the beautiful sunset and bat viewing. Big Shoals entrance offers all visitors a chance to see hundreds of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats fly out of their bat house at sunset. So hang around and have a fun filled day at Big Shoals State Park.

There is now a 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 a mobile 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!

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!

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

Admission Fee:

$4.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Located at both Big Shoals and Little Shoals entrances. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

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