Suwannee River State Park Trails

Park Overview

Off Highway 90 in a sleepy little town called Live Oak, one of Florida’s first state parks awaits. Suwannee River State Park spans 1,800-acres and features 6 hiking/biking trails, ranging from 0.25 miles to 12.5 miles. The park is also a popular recreational spot for fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping.

The Suwannee River rises from the Okeefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia and winds 246 miles through north Florida woodlands, spilling out into the Gulf of Mexico. Part of the Floridan aquifer, hundreds of springs in the Suwannee River basin spawn millions of gallons of freshwater every day.

Suwannee River Trail alongside the boat ramp

Suwannee River Trail

Walk from the campground or park at the picnic pavilion area to access the playground and multiple trail heads at Suwannee River State Park. We depart from our campsite to the boat ramp just past the cabins to access the main trail head where we hike the Suwannee River Trail to Balanced Rock Trail to Lime Sink Run Trail (for a total of 3 miles).

The early morning sun glimmers through the diverse landscape of oak, maple, and magnolia forest. Crossing over the boardwalk, we hike north along the Suwannee River banks with a view of the rapid river for our entire journey. The high level river is a tannin, root beer color with steep outer banks and towering pines and cypress surrounding that makes you feel like you’re not in Florida.

Suwannee River Trail Bridge over Lime Sink Run

Little Gem Spring Overlook

Lime Sink Spring is directly connected to one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. This limestone ravine leads to Little Gem Spring Overlook along the river’s edge. A single bench allows for different views of the river based on the seasonal water levels. With the spring hidden amongst the high waters, we admire large cypress trees scattered along the bank and listen to dark waters boiling below.

Balanced Rock over the years at Suwannee River

Balanced Rock Trail

We continue on Balanced Rock Trail that narrows and leads to another bench to view the large limestone (once 20 feet tall) that collapsed into the river in 2015. Be sure to check out this erosion phenomenon!

Southside of Lime Sink Trail

Lime Sink Run Trail

Opting to take the spur trail connector to Lime Sink Run Trail, we veer left where the trail narrows and winds along the fresh water spring through hardwood hammocks. Another boardwalk travels over the run with a small climb of stairs to reach the other side.

Along the Lime Sink Run shaded forest, you’ll also encounter a group camping area that features restrooms, showers, bonfire pits, and picnic tables with multiple trail head access.

Earthworks overlook and trail

Earthworks Trail

Returning to the main path, we loop back to the trail head by the boat ramp. Here you can set your sights on a new trail to explore! Take the Earthworks Trail to view the water change colors where the Withlacoochee River flows into the Suwannee River at the Ferry Landing & Confluence Overlook. This 0.25-mile trail features the park’s diverse history. Read more here:

Squirrel chase at Suwannee River camp site

Camping at Suwannee River State Park

And if you extend your stay like we did, there are a variety of camping options available – RV/tent camping, rental cabins, primitive camping, and private group camping. The 5 riverside cabins have a nearby boat ramp to launch your journey along the Suwannee. Stay the night under the stars at the park’s canopied campground, which features 30 sites with full hookups and a bonfire pit and picnic table at each site. There is a large bathhouse in the center with showers and a laundry facility. Squirrels chase each other around thick clusters of oak, pine, and magnolia, and the lightning bugs are a sight to see in the spring evenings. The campground is conveniently located across from where the Withlacoochee River joins the Suwannee River and all the park’s trail heads.

Suwannee River State Park Trail System

• Suwannee River Trail – 0.7 miles

• Balanced Rock Trail – 3 miles

• Lime Sink Run Trail – 0.75 miles

• Sandhill Trail – 0.8 miles

• Earthworks Trail – 0.25 miles

• Big Oak Trail – 12.5 miles (features a spur of the Florida National Scenic Trail with primitive camping)

More Things to Do

• Hiking/Biking

• Boating/Fishing

• Kayak/Canoe

• Swimming (when tide conditions are safe)

• Playground & Picnic Areas

• Camping – RV/tent, primitive, and private group sites, along with rental cabins

• Suwannee River Wilderness Trail - enjoy lazy day trips or multi-day adventures on the Suwannee

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