Suwannee River White Springs Paddling
The Suwannee River is one of Florida's canoeing and kayaking gems. The Suwannee River starts in Southern Georgia and flows into North Florida, right through the town of White Springs. Finding its origin in the Okefenokee Swamp, the Suwannee River cuts through Florida and terminates in the Gulf of Mexico. This paddling report will focus on canoeing and kayaking the Suwannee River in White Springs, FL from the Big Shoals entrance to the Big Shoals State Forest down to the boat launch located at the Highway 41 Bridge.
The Suwannee River is a “Blackwater River” which means the water has a tea-colored appearance from the tannins in the water. There are cypress trees and limestone bluffs along the banks of the river. Be on the lookout for alligators which are surprisingly elusive, yet ever present in these waters.
From the Put-In in the Big Shoals State Park, it is about 1 mile to 1.5 miles to the Big Shoals Class III rapid. At river levels in between 59 feet and 61 feet this rapid is a Class III rapid that should only be run by expert whitewater paddlers. On the approach there will be a stop sign on river left. You can get out here and portage around Big Shoals. The takeout is about 4 miles from Big Shoals. At some point you will come to Little Shoals. At low water Little Shoals you will need to walk around Little Shoals. At high water, Little Shoals will be washed out and you won’t even know it is there.
Suwannee River in White Springs Overview
- Trip Length: 5 miles
- Difficulty:Class I with 1 Class III rapid
- Hazards:Alligators, Trees along the river, Big Shoals Class III Rapid in between 59 feet and 61 feet
- River Gauge:Suwannee River at White Springs
- Stephen Foster Ranger Station: 386-397-2733
Suwannee River at White Springs River Level Recommendations
- Below 51 feet: very shallow, will require walking canoe or kayak through sections
- 51 feet to 59 feet: Normal Paddling Conditions. Current is slow to moderate. Portage Big Shoals on river left.
- 59 to 64 feet: High water conditions where water is above the tree line. Use caution near river's edge. Portage Big Shoals on river left.
- 65 feet and Above: It is not recommended to paddle at this level.
Getting to the Suwannee River in White Springs
- From Jacksonville, FL: White Springs, FL is 1 hour and 15 minutes and about 70 miles from Jacksonville. Head west out of Jacksonville on I-10. Exit 301, take Route 41 and follow the signs to Lake City / White City. This road will go right into White Springs.
- From Tallahassee: Head east on I-10 and take exit 301. Follow Route 41 into White Springs.
- From the South: Take I-75 North and take exit 439. Follow signs to White Springs.
Suwannee River White Springs Put-In:
Take CR 135 north out of White Springs. You’ll see signs for the Little Shoals entrance to the Big Shoals State Park. Pass the Little Shoals entrance. There will be a sign to turn right at the Big Shoals entrance down a dirt road. Drive into the park and be sure to pay the $4 fee at the gate. Follow the signs for the canoe launch in the park.Suwannee River at White Springs Take-Out:
Take-Out: Head east out of White Springs on Highway 41. There is a Boat Launch at the Highway 41 Bridge.Suwannee River Trip Description
The Suwannee River is a “Blackwater River” which means the water has a tea-colored appearance from the tannins in the water. There are cypress trees and limestone bluffs along the banks of the river. Be on the lookout for alligators which are surprisingly elusive, yet ever present in these waters.
From the Put-In in the Big Shoals State Park, it is about 1 mile to 1.5 miles to the Big Shoals Class III rapid. At river levels in between 59 feet and 61 feet this rapid is a Class III rapid that should only be run by expert whitewater paddlers. On the approach there will be a stop sign on river left. You can get out here and portage around Big Shoals. The takeout is about 4 miles from Big Shoals. At some point you will come to Little Shoals. At low water Little Shoals you will need to walk around Little Shoals. At high water, Little Shoals will be washed out and you won’t even know it is there.
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