Canoeing the Suwannee River: Stephen Foster State Park to Hwy 41

Finally, we arrived at Steven Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park when the Suwannee River was navigable.  Being a balmy November day we launched the canoe from the state park and headed up the river towards Hwy 41, both points being at White Springs.

No canoe?
Rent one from the park

The river level just shy of 52 feet was perfect for the trip... not too low, not too high.  Too low and the snags and downed trees result in blocked passage.  Too high and the river is running fast, too fast for a safe paddle.  When in doubt of the level, you can always check the real-time river level chart provided by the Suwannee River Water Management District.

Plenty of shore line right now

There is an organized trail, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, with a system of river camps for overnight stops while traveling the 69 miles from White Springs to the Gulf or Mexico.  True, we paddled a short distance up and down the same section of the river but we experienced so much nature in those short 6 miles that I am ready for more.

Cypress trees line the banks

Along the white sandy banks you encounter outcroppings of sandstone, stone ledges, and enough water dripping from the rocks that you quickly recall those small waterfalls associated with mountain travel.  Who thought you would find water dripping from the banks along the Suwannee?

By studying the water, the springs that feed the river become obvious.  As you paddle along, you will see bubbles and swirls from beneath the surface for no specific reason... ah, a spring fed river.  As the river level is down just a bit, the Spring House in White Springs empties with a loud constant rush almost as a small dam.  Further up river you may encounter several springs spilling out of the banks and into the river.  There are over 300 documented springs on the river.

Springs bubble up in unexpected places

Not all the show is water, even in mid-November you may observe an alligator basking in the sun, a line of turtles grabbing a little fall warmth on a downed log, or a snake near the bank.  Speaking of snakes, a real treat was observing a red shouldered hawk winging her way home with a rather large indigo snake.  In the quiet of the river we heard migrating birds and the call of a barred owl.

Color abounds along the shoreline

Now, many of my friends head north for the fall color but the vegetation along the Suwannee paint a beautiful fall portrait.  The picture is complete as the blue sky, black river, and tall white banks are complimented with red maples, green and gold cedar, green oaks, red and yellow vines, and splashes of Spanish moss and dark green pines.  What more can you ask for a mid-November paddle?

Fall on the Suwannee