Stephen Foster State Park: Hiking along the Suwannee River

Somehow Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park (try saying that fast!) feels like coming home.  Probably from visiting the park frequently starting at the age of 1, no I do not recall that trip.  So, one would think I knew the park from the 25+ years of attending the Florida Folk Festival plus visits in my youth, adulthood, and other activities in the area.  Wrong. Over the years, more trails and roads have been cut through the backwoods and most needed to be explored or revisited. The next few days resulted in hikes along the river and through the woods.

Let me backtrack a bit... we arrived at the park as the Annual Stephen Foster Antique Tractor and Engine Show was setting up.

  

Farmall Tractor
Museum in the background

This was an organizational day for both the Tractor Show and us. As the exhibitors and vendors completed their preparation for the opening events we met the rangers, fellow volunteers, and our new front yard. 

Oaks and Pines on the trail
but not our back yard

 Our tie-down spot is at the back of the volunteer village affording us a lovely view of the tall pines, magnolia, and oaks for which the park is known. Of course they knew we both play the banjo, wonder if that influenced our location?   

Bill under wild Azaleas
Trail near the Gazebo 

Thursday opened it's eyes to a beautiful day with sunshine and gentle breezes. What better way to enjoy the day than a hike along the Suwannee River. So after checking with the rangers and completing the a few tasks we headed towards the trail head.

Grass shimmering in the sun
along the road

As with many Florida trails, you simply need to be quiet, go slow, and be aware to see wildlife.  Over the three days we encountered a herd of 7-10 deer, wild turkey, many frogs and toads, woodpeckers, hawks, and a black racer.

Beautiful Black Racer

Hiking the Florida Trail in this area gives many wonder views of the Suwannee River which is a running about 63 feet right now. 

The river is a bit high right now

 This means parts of the trail are flooded, sometimes you can find an alternate route.

And sometimes it becomes impossible.

Save this trail for later
Flooded Florida Trail

Just think what we will see when the water recedes a bit.

Hikers Bill (rear) and Marg