big shoals state park

CB166

Went to Big Shoals for a day hike and surprised to see rapids in Florida. Park has hiking as well as biking trails with mixture of pine forest and other varieties of trees/shrubs. Trail ranged from hard packed to a bit mushy in some areas due to recent rains. Trail is marked but advise to take a trail map from the ranger station or trailhead since a few different trails cross over each other in a few different areas. One thing that I would like to see in the future is clearer mileage increments on maps provided for sections to aid in better planning for hikes.

WalterM409

Big Shoals offers hiking and biking alongside the Suwannee and an up-close look at Florida's only class III Rapids.

neptune-mick

There is a great trail at Big Shoals. You can actually get to it from a trail head in White Springs that is just across the street (across the tracks) from the Suwannee River boat launch. Head towards town 50 feet, turn right, and right after the tracks is the trail head on the right. The trail has a fair amount of double track in a couple of places, but the singletrack portions are wonderful. They are challenging enough to keep a good rider interested without being technically too demanding. Everyone stops at the Shoals to appreciate whatever level the water is at, and riding down the steps for the Long Branch section is always fun!

JST824

We hiked to the "big shoals" and it was a gorgeous hike thru the timber. It's an easy hike of about 2.5 miles roundtrip. The hike takes you to a scenic overlook of the shoals. Great place to picnic as well.

DeborahM234

We did the WALK (all 3.4 miles in each direction for nearly 7 miles of hiking in the 101 degree heat), and if this place wasn't as beautiful as it was, I would have hated life. It's a LONG hike along the Hummingbird paved trail from Little Shoals to Big Shoals (with 2 kids, arthritis, and the heat) but we saw plenty of WONDERFUL on the way, from a gopher tortoise moseying along, to five deer leaping across the trail in front of us (one was a fawn!!!), and the water was still as a mirror where we ended up. We never DID see the rapids (I twisted my ankle walking down the "steps" to the water so we turned around), but all in all, it's a truly enjoyable experience. I wouldn't suggest YOUNG children be made to walk that trail though (even though it is level and paved) as 3.4 miles is longer than you think and there is little shade.

SharonS0

I am only rating this as average because of the severe flooding in the area when we were there. We wanted to see the rapids and canoe them but were unable to. We will return to this park to canoe the rapids and hike when the flooding is gone. Just drving around it though it seemed like a great place to go. I will rerate it after I go there again.

The_Hailes

This is our second trip here in four years and we see the continuing effort to build on the trails. We did the rapids trail and enjoyed a river side picnic it is a peaceful location and nicely kept. The only scary part was the local dogs who chased our car down the long country road leading into the park. I was afraid of hurting them even when we slowed.

chachaSH

We took our kids and did a couple hours hiking there. You will pass the sign of little shoal entrance and then turn when you see the sign of big shoal entrance. It is a little bit driving to find the parking lot. So if you feel why I still can't see the parking lot, just hang on and you will get there. By the end of the trail, you will hear the loud sound of the white water rapid. It is amazing. We also did a picnic in the park. A very peaceful park.

travelerkent

This is a great place to bring a picnic and check out the river. They also have a nice walking trail that runs along the river. The shoals size and really vary depending on the water level in the river.

TravelingRphFlorida

Beautiful view of the rapids at the end of a short trail. There are plenty of creatures to see. I would pair this trip to a visit to the Stephen Foster park. The entrance to the Big shoals public area is not very well marked. It is at the end of a dirt road. There is no park ranger. The fee is $4 per vehicle.

303carolw

We have taken two sets of guests to this place and both of them mentioned how peaceful and quiet it was there. The hiking trails are well marked. For those who enjoy taking photos, down by the river is best. Once finished the hike, well maintained restrooms are by the parking lot.

debip238

This is such a naturally beautiful place. We walked all around just looking at the water and foliage. We took a picnic to sit and enjoy as well.

VinceNCheri

The paths you can hike here are magnificent. The sound of the Suwannee River as it rushes over Big Shoals is awe inspiring...then you get to see it....in all of it's majesty. There is delightful nature all around you and the park makes you feel so welcome in it's embrace. If you like hiking and breath taking scenic views, don't miss Big Shoals State Park.

TryppAdams

I entered through the Little shoals entrance and wasn't too sure where I was going. I followed a sign towards big shoals and found myself on this narrow sandy road through the woods. My rental car handled it fine but it was one of those moments where you're driving and you're not sure whats around the next corner and just hoping you don't get stuck. Although after I found my way to the big shoals entrance - I was totally happy I took this little scenic way in. When I arrived at "Big" shoals, I found as nice parking lot and some trails, one which brought me down to the water. This was a very scenic area and I wish I had a canoe and new a local who could put me in the water somewhere around here and let me know where to get off. Perhaps someday I will return with one.

JoEDestin_FL

Go to Big Shoals, not Little Shoals. The hike to Little Shoals was a bit long and confusing and really Little Shoals is nothing to see. It is a nice, straight forward hike along the river to get to Big Shoals and although nothing like what you see in Tennessee, is certainly worth seeing for Florida. Be prepared - the Swanee is a blackwater river, which means you will get thirsty for some sweet tea :-) Also for anyone with kids/pets in a stroller or disabled - they have a really nice paved walk through the woods from the Little Shoals entrance to the Big Shoals entrance. This is a beautiful walk, I believe about 3.5 miles long one way, and would be easy to do with a stroller or wheelchair.