Where Trails Begin & End in Florida

Where Trails Begin and End in Florida

By Jeweliana Curtis

Located in Hamilton County, White Springs is best known for its historic charm. White Springs is home to the annual Florida Folk Festival, a threeday celebration of Florida’s heritage, featuring music, food, stories, crafts and so much more. The popularity of the area comes from the abundance of natural sites, from the stunning rivers and springs to the breathtaking hiking and biking trails. If you love exploring the natural beauty in North Florida, or even if you have yet to step foot into the lush landscape in this part of Florida, read on to learn more about the conservation e orts in the area and make a list of spots to check o your bucket list this year!

With so much history woven into the White Springs area, it is imperative that the resources are preserved and maintained. This is one of the duties of the Suwannee River Water Management District, and it is not a responsibility that they take lightly. Edwin McCook, Senior Land Management Specialist, weighed in on the importance of preserving Florida’s natural resources. “We’re protecting the river and the water resources. Ultimately that’s where our drinking water comes from, those sources on the river, the underwater aquifer. We want to protect those spring basins and the quality of the water,” Edwin shared. “We want quality water for people and for nature, or rather quality water for nature and quality water for people.”

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Suwannee Home Care o ers the highest level of complete care in your own home. A team of skilled nurses, home health aides, and therapists works together with your physician to develop and execute an individual plan of care. All to keep you right where you want to be. Home. LIC #: 216090961

Academic & Professional:

•Hamilton County High School - Class of 1982 • Graduate Florida State University - Class of 1986

Bachelor of Science in Accounting • Certified Public Accountant 1994 • Chief Financial Officer - 29 Years

Public Service:

•City of Jacksonville Beach – Board Member – Community

Redevelopment Agency 2017-2019 •Hamilton County Planning and Zoning Board - Current • Town of White Springs, Planning and Zoning Board - Current •Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization – Treasurer

Summer on the Suwanne at Swift Creek. Suwannee River at White Springs

Edwin McCook Troy Roberts Suwannee River below White Springs—Limestone Banks

In addition to managing the resources in Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District also strives to provide many recreational opportunities for the communities it operates within. The goal is simple: to provide public access to natural Florida, therefore promoting public use of hiking and biking trails, shing and camping spots, and canoe and paddleboarding tracts.

“Acquiring land for water management purposes is just part of the district’s commitment to resource protection,” Troy Roberts, Communications and Outreach Manager, explained. “District lands are managed under a policy that emphasizes water resource protection, maintenance and restoration of the land’s natural state and condition, but we also strive to provide public access and opportunities for recreational activities.” The Suwannee River Water Management District owns nearly 160,000 acres of land across the 15-county district, and approximately 97 percent of those are open to the public for recreation. This includes nearly 280 miles of trails, all of which are waiting to be explored by locals and travelers alike. The list of bike trails, walking paths, hiking routes, canoe trips and shing spots is quite expansive, proving that there is adventure all around if you are willing to explore it. “No district land is the same. Some o er parking areas and marked trails; others are so remote they can only be reached by a canoe or kayak. But, whether someone wants to hunt or sh, hunt, bike or ride a horse, they’ll nd a site that is right for them,” Troy expressed. “They get to be their own tour guide, free to explore North Florida’s natural lands and waterways.” “All state parks have hiking trails, and if you wanted to do some other backpacking trips, the Florida National Scenic Trail runs along the Suwannee River from just above White Springs at Big Shoals on the Columbia County side down to just above Dowling Park on the Lafayette-Madison side of the river,” Edwin explained, stating that readers can contact the district for more information and guidance when planning out trips. Although the list of exceptional spots for recreation seems endless, there are a few key spots that Edwin suggests checking out rst. The trip from the Roline boat ramp to County Road 6 will bring you to the Cypress Creek Canoe launch, and the area is very peaceful. It is also full of tupelo trees, a tree that honeybees create nectar from, resulting in coveted tupelo honey. Another suggestion for exploration is the Cody Escarpment, a geological divide in the State of Florida. At this spot, Big Shoals drops in elevation over 9 feet in less than a quarter of a mile because of

the divide. Once you pass below the Cody Escarpment, you will begin to see the springs. From Suwannee River State Park down to Manatee Springs is described as spring country! “The hike from Bell Springs to Big Shoals is gorgeous, especially in the fall! If you think the trees along the mountains are beautiful, that hike is for you! Late October to early November is a great time to view the foliage. The cypress trees turn a golden rust color, and the sun re ects o of the white, limestone rocks and against the white sand on the bank… It’s just absolutely gorgeous,” Edwin expressed. “The ideal time to visit is when you have time to come. The spring and the fall are ideal, but anytime is a great time to visit. Come and experience nature!” If you are searching for the perfect spot to explore this summer, whether solo, with a buddy or with your family, make plans to adventure in White Springs. Experience the beauty of historic North Florida, all while making memories that will last a lifetime. For more information about the local springs and recreation, or to learn more about the Suwannee River Water Management District, visit mysuwanneeriver.com.

Enjoying The Trails

Are you ready to get out and get moving while exploring the beauty of natural Florida? Here’s a few suggestions for where to begin. Whether you are planning a solo day trip, a weekend trip with your crew or bringing the kids along for a family day, here are a few great tracts to explore, catered to your interests and skill levels. HIKING Beginner: Big Shoals If you are just beginning your journey with hiking, Big Shoals is a great place to start. The trek is roughly a mile and a half one way, and the hike is full of beautiful scenery to enjoy. It’s also a great family-friendly spot that all ages and skill levels can experience. Intermediate: Camp Branch Trail For this hike, consider parking at the Camp Branch Tract trailhead and hike to Disappearing Creek, a unique creek that “disappears” and fl ows underground! There is a window about 50 feet from where it disappears for patrons to see the

water fl owing underground. Intermediate: Bell Springs to Big Shoals This hike has it all: scenic views, unique trees and a waterfall! Begin at the Bell Springs tract and hike up to see the Shoals from a new perspective. After viewing the waterfall, cross the plank at Robinson Branch, and along the way you will witness huge pine trees with tap roots that expand in different directions. The roots create a spidered archway among the trees, offering a great photo op along the trail. Advanced: Overnight from White Springs to Suwannee Springs Ready to take your hiking game to the next level? Plan an overnight backpacking trip! Begin in White Springs and hike the Florida National Scenic Trail to Suwanee Springs, testing your hiking skills all while enjoying beautiful scenery, spending the night along the trail. BIKING Beginner: Big Shoals Bike Trails Whether you are new to cycling or you are looking to bring the kiddos along, the Big Shoals Bike Trails are a great place to start. The Woodpecker Trail is a 3-mile paved trail one way, making the total trip 6 miles long. It connects the Little Shoals entrance with the Big Shoals entrance, and it provides a nice opportunity for kids and adults alike to get out, experience the trails and peddle. For the more advanced rider, try out the off-road bike trails. Intermediate: Gar Pond Trail On the Gar Pond Trail, visitors may enjoy biking, hiking and wildlife viewing on administrative roads and designated trails. The 11-mile bike trail is perfect for biking and hiking, and if you enjoy wildlife, this is a must-see! Deer, turkeys, birds and much more are often viewed on this trail. Advanced: Foster’s Hammock Loop in Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Foster’s Hammock Loop Trail is an 8-mile singletrack mountain biking and hiking trail. Bikers can explore the beautiful natural features of the area, traveling through high river bluffs, elevations in the swamp forest and much more. If you enjoy biking, this tract in the historic Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is for you!

Bicycling at Big Shoals Advanced: The Beast of Burden Trail in the Little Shoals Tract This trail is not called The Beast for nothing! Advanced bikers enjoy the challenge of this terrain, and the excitement carries cyclists through all 7 miles of this beautiful trail. Try your luck and enjoy the thrill of the ride! PADDLEBOARDING Beginner: Suwannee River Wayside Park Ramp – White Springs to Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center State Park Launch Located on US 41, the Suwannee River Wayside Park offers an entrance to paddle. Novice and experienced paddlers can enjoy this trip, taking in the beautiful views all the way to Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Launch. Intermediate: Suwannee River Wayside Park Ramp – White Springs to Woods Ferry Canoe Launch Once you have a paddling trip under your belt, consider traveling the path from White Springs to Woods Ferry. Woods Ferry River Camp is the fi rst river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, making it a great place to paddle to and enjoy for awhile. Patrons of this area can enjoy many amenities including a picnic pavilion, public restrooms with hot showers, sleeping platforms and a tent camping area. There is no drive-in access to the river camp. Take out one mile downriver at the Woods Ferry Canoe Launch. Advanced: White Springs to Suwannee Springs Searching for the perfect overnight trip? This one is sure to result in scenic views and lots of memories. Camp at the Woods Ferry River Camp, taking in all of the views by day and setting up camp in one of the screened pavilions for the evening. Dinner by campfi re is not mandatory, but is encouraged! ■