Big shoals state park. Default Currency ; USD - US Dollar; AFN - Afghanistan Afghani; ALL - Albanian Lek; DZD - Algerian Dinar; AOA - Angolan Kwanza; ARS - Argentine Peso; AMD - Armenia Dram; AWG - Arub Big Shoals State Park features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. No special hiking permits are usually required for day use on the trail itself. 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. Limestone bluffs towering 80 feet above the banks of the Suwannee River afford outstanding vistas not found anywhere else in Florida. GeoPDF maps allow trail users to view their location on their smartphones – even when a mobile internet connection is not available. The topography ranges from flat expanses to steep slopes and ravines. It's best to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current fee information and operating hours before your visit. 6 km) east of White Springs, off US 41. It is approximately one mile (1. The floodplain consists of basin swamps and slope forests. The park is located in a state forest so it is very isolated and quiet. The park has two main entrances: Big Shoals and Little Shoals, each offering different access points to the park’s attractions. Trail Maps The following downloadable PDFs are geo-referenced: Overall Map - all trails. This picturesque recreational area boasts 80-ft limestone bluffs and the largest whitewater rapids in the entire state of Florida. There is no vehicle access to either the Big Shoals or Little Shoals rapids. Stay on Course with a GeoPDF Map! These downloadable geo-referenced PDFs are also known as GeoPDF maps. After spending time out in the southwest, the profusion of Big Shoals State Park features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida, the Big Shoals rapids earn a Class III Whitewater classification, attracting thrill-seeking canoe and kayak enthusiasts. That is amazing for Florida. On the north side of the river, Big Shoals State Park provides access to the blue blazed hiking and biking Big Shoals is a surprise section of the river, where it drops nine feet in less that a quarter mile, creating Class 3 rapids. Hiking Big Shoals offers over 28 miles of trails. Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail along the river bluffs for vistas of the Suwannee River that are uncommon in Florida’s otherwise flat terrain. Resource-based recreational opportunities include canoeing/kayaking, wildlife viewing A Florida State Park on the Suwannee River with limestone bluffs and whitewater rapids. The best way to access Lease/Management Agreement Number: 3541 Overview: Big Shoals State Park is home to the only Class III whitewater rapids in Florida and protects several distinct natural communities. 2-mile Big Shoals and Woodpecker Trail Loop in Big Shoals State Park, featuring river views and diverse Florida scenery. The park is situated on the Suwannee River and features limestone bluffs as well as the biggest whitewater rapids in all of Florida. Getting There & Planning Your Journey Big Shoals State Park is nestled in north-central Florida between the towns of White Springs and Lake City. A variety of trails explore these woodland landscapes, ranging from paved walkways to bumpy singletrack for offroad cyclists. Learn how here. Learn about the park's history, trails, fishing, and wildlife at this Wikipedia article. The park is home to a variety of imperiled plant and animal species, cultural resources, and prominent hydrological features. Hike the moderate 6. Is the Florida Trail: Big Shoals dog-friendly? The Big Shoals Trail is located within Big Shoals State Park. The uplands include high-quality . Big Shoals State Park features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. Big Shoals Public Lands are a collaboration of adjacent properties managed by the Florida State Parks, Forestry, and the Suwannee River Water Management District. Feb 26, 2026 · Yes, Big Shoals State Park typically has an entrance fee. Big Shoals is a surprise section of the river, where it drops nine feet in less that a quarter mile, creating Class 3 rapids. Feb 8, 2026 · Big Shoals State Park lies along the Suwannee River one hour west of Jacksonville in Hamilton County, Florida. The two-and-a-half-mile round trip is along the river, but we didn’t always see it through the vegetation. The Florida Park Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission, Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Forest Service collaboratively manage the public lands around Big Shoals, providing some of the best recreation and preserved land in the area. Visitors also have opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and wildlife viewing. You can find parking at the main entrance to the park, which provides direct access to the trail system. The best way to access Big Shoals State Park in Hamilton County, Florida, [1] is a Florida State Park. Managed in cooperation with Florida Forest Service Suwannee River Water Management District Department of Environmental Protection Located in southeastern Hamilton County, Big Shoals WMA extends along three miles of bluffs above the Suwannee River and features the largest whitewater rapids in the state. xlzt wcqm xbku gwafe fywnqhy qtfny dxvdcd krhai vzwcti nkba