Manager's Message
Debra Walker, Park Manager
Big Shoals State Park features 28 miles of trails, ideal for hiking, biking and horseback riding. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers exceptional bird-watching opportunities. Late afternoon is a prime time to visit the bat house near the Big Shoals entrance, where you can witness hundreds of Mexican free-tailed bats taking flight at sunset.
Don’t forget your camera and a picnic lunch as you explore Florida’s only Class III rapids. When the Suwannee River’s water level reaches between 59 and 61 feet above mean sea level, the Big Shoals rapids earn this exciting Whitewater classification. For the latest river levels, contact the ranger station or visit Suwannee River Water Management District | Official Website (mysuwanneeriver.com). Please note that kayaking through the Shoals is not recommended—use the portage around the Big Shoals instead.
While exploring the park, ensure you’re prepared by staying hydrated, wearing appropriate footwear and applying bug repellent to protect against ticks. The Florida Department of Health notes that most tick bites do not cause illness, but precautions are still advised.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider volunteering and living in the heart of the Real Florida. A volunteer host site with an RV pad and hook-ups is available at the Big Shoals entrance.
For more information on canoeing and kayaking the Suwannee, visit the Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail. Be sure to check our activities page for a complete list of all that Big Shoals has to offer.
For additional information, call the ranger station at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park at 386-397-4331.
Big Shoals is conveniently located near several other stunning state parks, including Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Suwannee River State Park, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Madison Blue Springs State Park, Lafayette Blue Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park and O’Leno River State Park.