M: Suwannee
M: Suwannee
The famed 266-mile Suwannee River dominates this region. The upper river is marked by high bluffs, stately trees and shoals, while the middle section boasts numerous clear springs. Other paddling trails include springfed rivers such as the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Withlacoochee North. The new Potano paddling trail system near Gainesville is also part of this region.
27: Upper Suwannee / Withlacoochee
Marked by high bluffs, stately trees and shoals, the upper Suwannee River dominates this section. While the actual 170-mile Suwannee River Wilderness Trail begins at White Springs, many paddlers start their long distance journeys on the Suwannee just across the Georgia border at Fargo or at the river's headwaters in the Okefenokee Swamp.
Along the established wilderness trail, paddlers can stay at "river camps" where they can choose from screened sleeping pavilions or rustic tent sites, and utilize hot showers, restrooms and electricity. Cabin rentals are available in some locations. At river town "hubs," paddlers can stay in either motels, campgrounds, cabins or bed and breakfasts, and enjoy local restaurants.
The Suwannee Wilderness Trail is considered the Cadillac of paddling trails in Florida, a cooperative effort of state of local governments.
Florida Cities: Lake City, Live Oak, Madison, Jasper
Contact: Contact our Region M Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps
Areas
Multiday Trail Maps
Upper Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (128 miles)(also see Region C for Lower Suwannee River Wilderness Trail)
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Union County Sheriff: 386-496-2501
Baker County Sheriff: 904-259-2231
Columbia County Sheriff: 386-752-9212
Hamilton County Sheriff: 386-792-2004
Suwannee County Sheriff: 386-362-2222
Madison County Sheriff: 850-973-4151
Lafayette County Sheriff: 386-294-1222
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
28: Ichetucknee / Santa Fe
Boasting numerous clear springs, the lower Suwannee River flows deep and wide along high stately banks to the Gulf of Mexico. Paddlers can take advantage of numerous river "hubs" and river camps along this Cadillac of paddling trails. For more springs and scenic bends, check out the 26-mile Santa Fe River Paddling Trail.
The new Potano Paddling Trail system near Gainesville is also worthy of exploration. A major feature is Newnan's Lake, site of the largest find of early Native American dugout canoes in North America during a year 2000 drought. The lake was likely a manufacturing and trading spot for dugout canoes, being strategically located near the center of the state and accessible via small watercourses to the Ocklawaha River, which, in turn, connected to the larger St. Johns River. Large forests of virgin pine and cypress adjacent to the lake provided an ample supply of logs. The other part of the Potano trail, is the Prairie Creek Trail at the southwest end of Newnans Lake.
Florida Cities: Gainesville, High Springs, Lake Butler, Starke, Fort White, Waldo
Contact: Contact our Region M Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps
Areas
Multiday Trail Maps None at Present
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Alachua County Sheriff: 352- 367-4000
Gilchrist County Sheriff: (352)-463-3181
Lafayette County Sheriff: 386-294-1222
Levy County Sheriff: 352-486-5111
Dixie County Sheriff: 352-498-1220
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922