Along its winding 266-mile route between the Okeefenokee swamp and the Gulf of Mexico, the Suwannee River is home to countless Springs, sandy beaches and tributaries that descend into the river as waterfalls.

Florida’s first long-distance Paddle Trail, the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, offers an amazing adventure from White Springs to paddle in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Suwannee River Wild Trail is a partnership between Florida State Parks, the Suwannee River Water Management district and small towns along its route and follows the river more than 170 miles.

Travel

To plan your trip, you need to determine your starting and ending point and approximately where you want to Camp.

Paddlers can share most of the designated campgrounds along the Florida Trail Suwannee section, which follows the North Bank of the White Springs river through Twin Rivers State Forest near Dowling Park.

Convenience stores are within easy walking distance of the river in Suwannee Springs, Suwannee River State Park in Ellaville, Branford and Fanning Springs.

Camping

State Park campsites and cottages

The following state parks have campsites that you can use along the Suwannee River Wild trail. Each is charged and reservations must be made in advance.

River Camps

In addition to facilities at state and county parks and campsites, the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail has five River Camps.

Each of these hosted backcountry campsites has five armored sleeping platforms for 6-8 people, as well as extra space for tents.

They are located along the river at Woods Ferry, Holton Creek, Dowling Park, Peacock Slough and Adams Tract.

These facilities include toilets and showers.

Explore the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

The main reason for this trail is a week of paddling with the Suwannee River, with river camps, campsites, lodges and primitive campsites on the sandy beaches along the way.

Parks and hiking trails

Depending on where you are on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, you can leave your canoe or kayak and explore.

Stop and swim in a spring or explore one of the many nature trails in state parks along the route. These trails and parks are located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.