Outdoors & Nature Insider

Welcome to White Springs! Credit: Kevin Mims, VISIT FLORIDA Outdoors & Nature Expert

White Springs, Florida.

Just the name itself invokes thoughts of old Florida, when riverboats churned through the tea-colored waters of the Suwannee River, and when people sought out the healing waters of White Sulphur Springs, Florida's original tourist attraction.  Out of the fame of these waters grew the town of White Springs, with businesses catering to the attraction, and historic hotels such as the Telford Hotel, which is still in operation today.

Whenever I find myself with a day to spare, or when I am passing through the area, I always find myself heading off Interstate 75 and into White Springs for the perfect Florida outdoors day trip.  Home to the State of Florida's Nature and Heritage Tourism Center, Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park, Big Shoals State Park , and the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (just to name a few places), White Springs is considered the epicenter of outdoors recreation by many.  It's one of those places that you can spend an hour in - or a month, if you choose.

On a recent trip, I set out at the crack of dawn, making it to White Springs early enough to catch the fog rising above the Suwannee River.  I didn't bring my kayak, and I always end up regretting it when I see paddlers in the water.  But, with plenty of hiking to keep me busy, afterwards I was content with just sitting on the banks of the river at Big Shoals.  If you have never been out to Big Shoals, make plans to do so.  During times of lower water, Big Shoals is a 4-mile stretch of intermediate Class III rapids!

Did someone say hiking?  The Florida National Scenic Trail passes right through White Springs and rolls along the steep banks of the Suwannee, making it one of the best hiking locations in the state.  White Springs is also a Florida Trail Gateway Community, a program that recognizes key communities along the trail that offer hotels, restaurants and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

For paddlers, head over to American Canoe Adventures, an excellent outfitter that will get you set up with a boat and in the water. 

I'll post some more in the future in detail on Big Shoals, the Nature and Heritage Tourism Center, Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park and the outstanding bike trails that are in the area.  Also, look for a VISIT FLORIDA video in the not too distant future about White Springs!

See you on the trail!