Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Seasonal Hunting
Paddling
Big Shoals State Forest comprises 1,814 acres of the 3,919-acre Big Shoals Public Lands (BSPL). BSPL is managed jointly by the Florida Forest Service, Florida State Parks, Suwannee River Water Management District, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Suwannee River flows along the entire southern boundary of BSPL. The State Forest portion is located on the northern side of the public lands.
Located in the southeastern corner of Hamilton County, this property (formerly known as the Brown Tract) was purchased from the Nature Conservancy by the state of Florida in 1986 through the Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) program. It was designated as a State Forest in March 1989.
There are several natural community types within Big Shoals State Forest. The dominant type is mesic flatwoods; however, upland mixed forests, basin swamps and cypress domes are also well represented. Most of these communities are good examples and have been well maintained. A perennial stream, Four Mile Branch, flows through Big Shoals and into the Suwannee River.
The primary management objective of the Florida Forest Service is to restore, maintain and protect all native ecosystems. Through sound multiple-use management practices, a proper balance is maintained between resource utilization and resource protection. The forest provides habitat for many species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox squirrel and wild turkey.
While Big Shoals Public Lands is noted for its whitewater rapids associated with the Big and Little Shoals on the Suwannee River, the State Forest portion offers many other recreation opportunities. These include nature study, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, fishing and hunting.
Big Shoals State Forest has a hiking trail and horseback riding trail included in the Florida Forest Service Trailwalker and Trailtrotter programs. There is also a very popular 4-mile paved bicycle trail. A canoe launch is located on the northern section of the river, but please note: The shoals are very dangerous and should not be navigated when the water level is high.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about State Forest fees and rules.
Note: Proof of current negative Coggins test is required for all horses in all Florida State Forests.
Day use is from sunrise to sunset.
Big Shoals State Forest
11360 SE County Road 135
White Springs, FL 32096
(386) 339-6472
Email Big Shoals State Forest
Passes are no longer available at the State Forest office. To purchase a pass or make a reservation, visit ReserveAmerica or call 1-877-879-3859.
Big Shoals is located on the east side of the town of White Springs. There are three entrances to Big Shoals Public Lands: the “Little Shoals” entrance on the west side of the property, the “Big Shoals” entrance on the east, and the FWC Check Station entrance located between the other two.
From White Springs, travel 1 mile north on County Road 135 and then turn right into the Little Shoals entrance. From the Little Shoals entrance, continue north on County Road 135 for 2 more miles, then turn right on Southeast 94th Street (Old Godwin Bridge Road) and follow it to the end of the Big Shoals entrance. The entrance to the FWC Check Station is located 0.1 miles north on County Road 135 from the Little Shoals entrance.
Total Acreage: 1,814
County: Hamilton
Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the State Forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our State Forest map, which is georeferenced.
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Contact:
James Karantinos
James.Karantinos@FDACS.gov
