Fanning Springs State Park

Located on the Suwannee River, this family friendly state park has great birding and wildlife viewing. The major natural community type here is upland mixed forest, with small amounts of floodplain forest and floodplain swamp. A boardwalk through cypress trees down to the spring returns through a patch of upland hardwood hammock. A nature trail behind the bath house runs through woodlands where migrants like Veery, Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler and Scarlet Tanager gather in spring and fall; watch for wintering Eastern Phoebe snatching insects in open areas. Look up for Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites in summer. Listen for the calls of Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl and Red-shouldered Hawk all year. Small numbers of West Indian Manatee may be present in the spring run during the colder months. Visitors may paddle the river for 2.8 miles down to Andrews Wildlife Management Area 7 miles down to Manatee Springs State Park. This park is a hub of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, and canoe rentals are available 5 days a week in summer (call ahead for info). Check with the park about cabin rentals and primitive camping options.