PARKS & REC
Florida Springs and Nature
By Hayli Zuccola
Natural Wonders
With the entire central and southern half of the state bordered by the Atlantic and Gulf coasts , it isn ’ t much of a surprise that Florida has more than 11,000 miles of rivers , streams & waterways , according to stateofflorida . com . Even better , you can find a handful of those rivers , glistening springs , and a few mesmerizing cave-diving opportunities right here in Suwannee County .
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Suwannee River State Park 3631 201st Path Catering to outdoor lovers with opportunities to hike and bike along the banks of the Suwannee River while witnessing overlooks of Little Gem Spring and Lime Sink Run ; photography enthusiasts who can encounter bird sightings of herons , woodpeckers , barred owls and warblers ; and history buffs interested in seeing remnants of a 19th-century steamship and two reclaimed ghost towns , Suwannee River State Park offers a little something for everyone .
Ellaville Tract and Anderson Springs Located alongside the Suwannee River , Ellaville Tract spans 4,285 acres and has two entrance points on US 90 . The area offers opportunities to explore hiking trails , the Florida Trail road and Florida Trail footpath as well as views of the Suwannee River , Twin Rivers State Forest and multiple springs . The nearby Anderson Springs encompasses 1,314 acres and can be accessed while traveling west on River Road , crossing over
I-10 and entering at the foot of the overpass on the right . In addition to the sight of the main spring , Anderson is also home to hiking and biking pathways .
Charles Springs 15465 237th Drive Named after Ruben and Rebecca Charles who lived in the area in the mid-1800s , Charles Springs covers five acres of land along the Suwannee River and is a designated historic site . The wooded area ’ s main attraction is the small but beautiful spring , which is about 25 feet in diameter and has a depth of 2-to-10 feet . Aside from that , the area also features a paved parking area , boat ramp , walking trails and a portable restroom .
Falmouth Spring Just outside Live Oak , by following US 90 , spring-hoppers leaving the Suwanee River State Park can stop at Falmouth Spring – a 276-acre property that ’ s recreational accommodations include biking , hiking and horseback riding trails ; wildlife viewing and swimming in the shallow spring .
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs 18532 180th Street With land surrounded by water , speckled with springs and carved by rivers , Florida offers some of the best opportunities for cave-diving enthusiasts . Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park attracts divers from all over the world who wish to explore one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States , according to floridastatepark .
92 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2021-2022