Suwannee River (Upper)You can enjoy a day or a week paddling on the beautiful Suwannee River.

DescriptionThe Suwannee River, made famous in the song by Stephen Foster, originates in theOkefenokee Swamp in Georgia. Suwannee comes from the creek word meaning “echo”,and at places along the river, you can hear how the river got its name. Many peopleenjoy paddling the entire length of this legendary river over a one or two week trip;however, numerous access points along the trail make it easy to customize your trip. Theriver flows through pristine river swamp with oaks, pines, palmettos, and tall cypress.Along the bends of the river, you will often find white sand beaches, many of whichmake good campsites. The woodlands are home for a variety of wildlife. You can oftensee deer, raccoon, otter, and the toothmarked trees that are evident of beaver. Overhead,red-tailed hawk and osprey fly in lazy circles. Songbirds, including the parula warbler,call from the trees, and long-legged wading birds including the great blue heron silentlysearch the shallow waters for food. Limestone outcrops line the banks. Ancient oceanfossils in the limestone are evidence of a time when the shoreline extended further inlandand the sea covered much of present day Florida. Arrowheads and pottery fragmentsindicate early human habitation. Near the junction of the Withlacoochee and theSuwannee Rivers, you can see the remains of earthworks built by Confederate troops toprotect the railroad bridge over the Suwannee. A number of sparkling springs that areperfect for cooling dip feed the Suwannee River all along the trail. There are several setsof challenging shoals. Above White Springs, you encounter “Big Shoals” rapid. Youcan hear the roar of the rapids long before you come to them. Even experienced paddlersare recommended to portage these dangerous rapids. The upper Suwannee River ends atSuwannee River State Park. The Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center is alsoaccessible from the river.

Mileage: 69Skill Level: Beginner, except for rapidsDifficulty: EasyUsual Current: Average (2-3 mph)

Notes and PrecautionsThere are numerous shoals exposed in low water. Approach with caution and portage ifnecessary. Big Shoals above White Brings is a dangerous white water area and should beportaged. Portage on the left bank. Allow 7 – 14 days to paddle the entire length of theSuwannee River. You can begin the trail at Fargo, Georgia or in the Okefenokee Swamp.It is illegal to leave cars on the bridge of I-75.

Access1. SR 6 Bridge – Take SR 135 7 miles north of White Springs to SR 6. Turn east and

go less than 1 mile to bridge.2. Cone Bridge Road – Take SR 441 north of I-10 14.7 miles. Turn west on Cone

Bridge Road. (8.9 miles)3. Big Shoals Recreation Area – Take SR 135 north of White Springs 3.5 miles. Turn

right to recreation area. (9.7 miles)4. US 41 Bridge – 1 mile southeast of White Springs. (6 miles)5. SR 136 Bridge – At White Springs. (2.2 miles)6. US 129 Bridge – Suwannee Springs. From I-10, take CR 129 north; just before

bridge, turn right to springs. (19.6 miles)7. SR 249 Bridge – From Live Oak, take SR 249 north to bridge. (15 miles)8. Suwannee River State Park – Off US 90. (7.6 miles)

There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here.Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.

Emergency Phone Numbers – 911 or Columbia County Sheriff / (904) 752-9212 Hamilton County Sheriff / (904) 792-2004 Suwannee County Sheriff / (904) 362-2222

Florida Greenways and Trails System

TRAILS – whether for paddling, bicycling biking, horseback riding, or jogging – are a greatway to discover and explore Florida’s unique and beautiful environment. The Florida Department ofEnvironmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails, administers the Florida Greenways and TrailsSystem to encourage outdoor recreation in Florida, especially on trails. The 38 canoe trails are part of thisstatewide system and were designated so people could learn more about some of the rivers and creeks thatprovide enjoyable paddling.

A canoe trail is a publicly owned stream. When flowing through private property, the banks areprivately owned and are not open to public use. A state canoe trail is used not only for canoeing/kayaking;these public waters are open to many kinds of users, including motorboats. Courtesy and common senseare important for a safe and enjoyable trip.

PADDLING TIPS

SAFETY EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST:! Flotation gear. (Florida law requires a Coast Guard approved, readily accessible and

wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for each occupant. PFD’s must be worn byall occupants under age 6.)

! Extra paddle.! First Aid kit. Add insect repellant and sunscreen.! Bow and stern lines. (About 15’ long is best)! Flashlight and extra batteries.

PLAY IT SAFE:• Secure your car and take keys with you.• Paddle in a group or with a buddy.• Watch for motorboats. Stay to the right and turn the bow into the wake.• Let someone know your plans – where you are going and when you plan to be back.• Place food and gear in water-tight containers and tie them securely to your boat.• Carry drinking water.• Allow a minimum of 2 miles per hour paddling time under normal conditions.• Know about river conditions – if water is flooded, normal, or low.

RESPECT PROPERTY!• Don’t litter or pollute the water with trash or other wastes. Please no glass.• Be careful with campfires. Use cookstoves whenever possible.• Access to private land should be by invitation only.

Office of Greenways & TrailsFlorida Department of Environmental Protection

3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 795Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

Toll Free 1-877-822-5208 / www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt