Suwannee River Paddling
Suwannee River Paddling is the best way to experience this historic river and it's many natural springs!
Suwannee River Paddling is the best way to experience the many springs along the Suwannee River system. Visitors can peacefully paddle the river by canoe or kayak, and easily stop at the many springs along the way. How will you know if there’s a spring along the river? Easy, you’ll see bright blue water off to the side of the brownish water you’re currently paddling in! You’ll probably see people playing in the water and a sandy bank where you can park your canoe or kayak.
When you enter these springs from the river, there are no entrance fees.
Along the way, there are also river camps that are part of the State Park system. If you keep food, water and your tent/clothing in your canoe or kayak and you paddle long enough along the river, you’ll stumble upon a campsite. But best to get a map of the system and have a plan in place.
Drew Bridge used for the Suwannee and San Pedro Railroad was in use from approximately 1901 to 1918, and is possibly the oldest swing bridge in the U.S. (much of its history has been lost)
The Suwannee flows through the south of Georgia and north Florida for about 246 miles and then rolls into the Gulf of Mexico. The color and temperature of the Suwannee river is vastly different than the incredible natural phenomenon of the crystal clear blue freshwater springs INSIDE parts of the Suwanee River. You have to see it in person to believe it. Hint: whether you visit the springs in winter or summer, the temperature remains a chilly (approximate) 70 degrees. On a typically hot summer day, it’s a welcomed activity to jump into these chilly springs. But in winter months and up until March or April, it’s cold… very very cold.
If you plan to paddle the Suwannee during rainy season and the river’s water table is high, it’s possible it will cover over these springs and the experience won’t be as enjoyable. And if you visit during a drought and the water table is too low, it’s possible you’ll encounter other challenges like dragging your canoe/kayak over dry spots along the river, and the water level in these springs being very low.
Plan Paddling with Water levels in mind
We recommend picking a section of the Suwannee to paddle, and plan a nice 5-10 miles of paddling per day. This will get you to where you want to go (river camping?) while being able to take plenty of spring-breaks (pun, get it?!! : )
The 5-10 miles a day plan can take a few hours to a full day, depending on how strong the currents are, the current water levels, and how experienced/active the paddlers are.
When planning a paddling trip, pay close attention to current and anticipated water levels. Too low and you’ll have spots where you’ll need to drag or carry your canoe/kayak over rocks and logs. Too high and you won’t be able to see the springs. They’ll still be there, but the Suwannee’s murky brownish colored water will cover over the bright blue crystal clear spring water. And in case you’re wondering, the Suwannee’s brownish river water gets its color from the vast vegetation which creates tannins and that brownish tint. The water is very clean and healthy, as evident with all the fish and wildlife that live there.
And if you’re lucky and depending on the time of year, you may even see manatees in the Suwannee while you’re paddling!
Way down the Suwannee River
Far, Far away
That’s where my heart is yearning ever
Home where the old folks stay
~ Song, Stephen Foster, 1851
When you paddle the Suwannee, you’ll see acres of natural forests and wildlife up close and personal. There are trees that are hundreds of years old, huge (sometimes spawning/jumping) sturgeon as well as turtles and lots of birds. There are some spots with wild hogs. Are there alligtors? We presume anywhere there’s water in Florida, there could be alligators. But alligators in the Suwanee hasn’t been a concern that we’re aware of.
Paddling along the Suwannee and at some of the springs presents opportunity to enjoy the simple fun of rope swings! Some springs have cave systems and you’ll see divers cave diving. Some springs have access from the river and also land, so they’ll be full of kids playing. Other springs are only accessible by river.
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