General Description Characteristics -- If you only
canoe one river in the southeast United States, this should be your choice! The beautiful
Suwannee River's source is in the Okefenokee Swamp of Georgia. It starts out as a
meandering stream in a dense swampy forest of cypress and other hardwoods. The banks are
sandy, and the water is coffee colored from the tannin of the local vegetation. As the
river progresses on its southwestward course, it runs through areas of spectacular rock
outcroppings, a big rapid, a few riffles, and colorful vegetation. Eventually, the
Suwannee sprawls into a coastal river and flows into the Gulf of Mexico at a small village
named for the river. Much of the land along the Suwannee River has been protected by the
state of Florida, so it retains a substantially natural character, particularly in the
upper sections. The Suwannee is an ideal canoeing destination in the winter. Water levels
are generally lower in the fall and early winter -- this makes for the best camping and
the best look at the beautiful rock formations and sand bars.
The Okefenokee Swamp (Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge)
can be enjoyed by canoe, with canoe trails and designated multi-day trips of varying
length (but no more than 5 days).
Location Canoeable Mileage -- If you can manage to
put in upstream of Fargo, GA, at one of the private camps near the beginning of the river,
you can float the 99 miles or so to Suwannee River State Park and see the best of the
Suwannee. Fargo to Suwannee River State Park is 84 miles. You can continue down the
Suwannee all the way to its mouth, another 130 miles beyond the state park. Below the
state park, the Suwannee is less scenic than the upper section, campsites may be difficult
to find, and the river is slow and wide.
Interesting Features -- The Suwannee River became
familiar to the world by Stephen Foster's song, "Old Folks at Home" ("Way
down upon the 'Swannee' River"). Near the town of White Springs, you will find, right
on the river, the Stephen C. Foster State Folk Cultural Center. Dock your boat and walk up
to see the exhibits of the history of this American composer, along with other exhibits of
local interest. This is a truly fascinating and unique park, though we're told that Mr.
Foster never actually visited the Suwannee River.
The middle and lower sections of the Suwannee are famous
for the many springs that flow into the river from its bed or the nearby rock formations.
Many of these have substantial volume, and contribute noticeably to the river's flow.
Wildlife is abundant, and different from what you might
find further north. Alligators are commonly seen along this river. In fact, if the
conditions are right, you might spot one at just about every one of the many bends on the
upper river.
There is a major rapid upstream from highway 41. Big Shoal
is reportedly the largest rapid in Florida, and can be dangerous at some levels. There is
a portage trail on the left if you want to walk around it, which we recommend with loaded
canoes.
The Withlacoochee River enters the Suwanee just downstream
from Suwannee River State Park. This beautiful river is a good canoe stream in its
own right, though not as long as the Suwannee.
Camping -- At low/normal water levels, the upper
sections of the Suwannee offer abundant natural camp sites on sandbars. At high water the
upper section may be difficult for camping due to the lack of dry land. There are some
designated campsites on high ground, but they have no amenities and are serviced by roads.
Much of the land along the river is publicly owned, so it is permitted to camp up in the
woods. There are some private camp grounds along the river with varying amenities.
