Suwannee comes from the Creek Indian word meaning echo, and at places along the river, you can hear how the river got it's name. A number of sparkling springs that are perfect for a cooling dip, feed the river all along the trail. There are also several sets of challenging shoals.  Above White Springs, you will encounter "Big Shoals" rapid. You can hear the roar of the rapids long before you come to them. Even experienced canoeists are recommended to portage these dangerous rapids.

Big Shoal Rapids

The river flows through pristine river swamp with tall cypress, as well as oaks, pines and palmettos. Along the bends of the river, you will often find white sand beaches, many of which make good campsites. The woodlands are home for a wide variety of wildlife. You can often see deer, raccoon, otter, and the teeth marks on trees that are evident of beaver. Overhead, red-tailed hawk and osprey fly in lazy circles. Songbirds, including the parual warbler, call from the trees, and long-legged wading birds including the great blue heron silently search the shallow waters for food.

Limestone outcrops line the banks. Ancient ocean fossils in the limestone are evidence of a time when the shoreline extended further inland and the sea covered much of present day Florida. There is also evidence of early man in the form of arrowheads and pottery fragments. Near the junction of the Whithlacoochee and the Suwannee River, you can see the remains of earthworks built by Confederate troops to protect the railroad bride over the Suwannee.

The upper Suwannee River ends at Suwannee River State Park. Along the trail, the Stephen Foster State Culture Center is also accessible from the river.

Most of the time, the lower part of the river is wide, tranquil and gentle, an the scenery is spectacular. The lower section of the Suwannee has more motorboats than the upper section, but wildlife is still more common than people. Kingfisher sit motionlessly on limbs and soprey soar effortlessly overhead. The presence of beaver is evident by the teeth marks on trees along the bank.

Another characteristic of the Suwannee is the limestone bluffs that rise from the river's edge. The evidence of an ancient shoreline. Ocean fossils have been found here indicating that at one time the ocean covered much of present day Florida.

Allow 7-14 days to canoe the entire length of the Suwannee River.

Notes and Precautions:
During low water, some shoals may become exposed along the trail. Approach them with caution and portage is necessary!  It is illegal to leave cars on the bridge near I-10. There is heavy motorboat traffic near Branford.