Visitors to this public recreation area have 12 miles of hiking/biking trails to wander and more than 150 bird species to search for. The property was purchased to protect its 800-acre shallow lake and wetlands, and to preserve green space (the area had been diked and drained in the 1950s for agriculture).
Together, Big Shoals State Park, State Forest and Wildlife Management Area comprise the Big Shoals Public Lands, a wild and impressive property jointly managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), Florida Forest Service, Florida Park Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This site borders the majestic Suwannee River (an Outstanding Florida Water), which has the largest whitewater rapids in the state, plus scenic vistas from 80-foot high limestone bluffs above the river. With 33 miles of trails and the river to explore, visitors have numerous options for a fun-filled day.
Managed through a partnership with Columbia County, this SRWMD property is a splendid little gem complete with mesic, wet and scrubby flatwoods and a lowland hardwood forest along Falling Creek. From the parking area follow the paved path past the historic structure towards the forest. Take the elevated boardwalk (wheelchair friendly), check the area for migratory songbirds and enjoy the view of the creek's "whitewater." A 10-foot waterfall (during normal water levels) creates rapids which are scarce in Florida.
Although world famous for its river tubing in warm weather, the wildlife, scenery and pristine waters at Ichetucknee Springs State Park are equally impressive. Winding through the park's hardwood forest stands and wetlands are a clear spring run and the first 3.5 miles of the 6-mile Ichetucknee River, where sightings of Florida Gar, Florida Softshell Turtle, Wood Duck, Anhinga, Limpkin, Broad-winged Hawk, Mississippi Kite, Prothonotary Warbler and American Beaver are possible.
The "Natural Land Bridge" between the River Rise and River Sink areas on the Santa Fe River has been an important crossing for travelers for at least 7,000 years. Dozens of miles of multi-use trails permit modern visitors to search for wildlife in these adjoining state parks' hardwood hammocks, river swamps and sandhills.
This site is listed by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. This is the smallest and least visited of Florida's national forests.Habitats include long leaf pine forest, cypress-lined lakes, and hydric hammock. The Forest has many amenities and trails, and lots of wildlife to find.
Visitors to this public recreation area have 12 miles of hiking/biking trails to wander and more than 150 bird species to search for. The property was purchased to protect its 800-acre shallow lake and wetlands, and to preserve green space (the area had been diked and drained in the 1950s for agriculture).
Together, Big Shoals State Park, State Forest and Wildlife Management Area comprise the Big Shoals Public Lands, a wild and impressive property jointly managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), Florida Forest Service, Florida Park Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This site borders the majestic Suwannee River (an Outstanding Florida Water), which has the largest whitewater rapids in the state, plus scenic vistas from 80-foot high limestone bluffs above the river. With 33 miles of trails and the river to explore, visitors have numerous options for a fun-filled day.
Managed through a partnership with Columbia County, this SRWMD property is a splendid little gem complete with mesic, wet and scrubby flatwoods and a lowland hardwood forest along Falling Creek. From the parking area follow the paved path past the historic structure towards the forest. Take the elevated boardwalk (wheelchair friendly), check the area for migratory songbirds and enjoy the view of the creek’s “whitewater.” A 10-foot waterfall (during normal water levels) creates rapids which are scarce in Florida.
Although world famous for its river tubing in warm weather, the wildlife, scenery and pristine waters at Ichetucknee Springs State Park are equally impressive. Winding through the park’s hardwood forest stands and wetlands are a clear spring run and the first 3.5 miles of the 6-mile Ichetucknee River, where sightings of Florida Gar, Florida Softshell Turtle, Wood Duck, Anhinga, Limpkin, Broad-winged Hawk, Mississippi Kite, Prothonotary Warbler and American Beaver are possible.
The “Natural Land Bridge” between the River Rise and River Sink areas on the Santa Fe River has been an important crossing for travelers for at least 7,000 years. Dozens of miles of multi-use trails permit modern visitors to search for wildlife in these adjoining state parks’ hardwood hammocks, river swamps and sandhills.
This site is listed by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. This is the smallest and least visited of Florida’s national forests.Habitats include long leaf pine forest, cypress-lined lakes, and hydric hammock. The Forest has many amenities and trails, and lots of wildlife to find.
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Russell Office Park
1875 Orange Ave. East
Tallahassee, FL 32311