A fine morning for Big Shoals
As I was in White Springs this weekend to provide an orientation to volunteers who’ll be leading the hikes at the first-ever Florida Hiking Festival in March, I had a chance to do a couple short hikes with folks who’ll be helping out. This morning, it was Big Shoals, and with the Suwannee River roaring with fresh rainfall over the region these past few days, the shoals were the best I’ve seen yet (and noisy!). It was a nice out-and-back walk on the yellow-blazed Trailwalker trail; we’d hoped to do the loop using the blue-blazed trail but it’s closed due to logging. This is Florida’s ONLY Class III whitewater, and it was in rare form this morn - perhaps even Class IV in places. This shot is from a bend along the trail, looking ahead at the whitewater to come. Learn more about the trail here…
February 25th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Big Shoals is one of the most beautiful places on earth and by far my favorite place to hike. I only wish it were in my backyard. I thank who ever thought of having a hiking festival in White Springs. It will surely be a success to all who attend. I plan on having a blast. See you there!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
About 2 decades ago, canoeing was the only way to get to Big Shoals. I remember setting up our tents on the left bank above the foam, and roping our canoes past the 5-6 foot standing wave where the river dropped over a ledge.