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    Big Shoals State Park

    4.5 (8 reviews)

    Big Shoals State Park Photos

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    Reviews With Photos - Big Shoals State Park

    River overlook.
    Lilli E.

    Got to visit for a short bit while camping at Stephen Foster across town. This was my first time seeing the Suwannee and this park provides great views and quiet trails to feel one with nature. The bat house really was so cool to stand under and hear the bats above in the box and my parents and I liked seeing the old bridge ruins a little short way down the trail to the right of the parking area. Want to return soon to hike all the trails completely and see the rapids as well so I will be back soon

    Big Shoal

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Falling Creek Falls - spiderweb with water droplets with waterfall in background

    Falling Creek Falls

    4.4(8 reviews)
    7.4 mi

    It's very nice waterfall when there's enough water to actually fall. A cute little park for the…read morekids to play picnic area for parties and a nice walk in the woods to the fall.

    Small little Columbia County Park co-managed with Suwannee River Water Management District- this…read morepark has a boardwalk out to view the falls, picnic tables, a playground and a historic building- a church. Parking lot is small- can hold maybe 20 cars, this park is north of Lake City and right off I10. I had read about this little known waterfall recently and when we stopped at a gas station for a pit stop, I saw the sign and off we went! Directions: Travel north on US 41, pass under I-10, turn right on NW Falling Creek Road; travel 1 mile. The park is on the right before crossing the creek. The boardwalk splits at one point for a loop that leads parallel to the creek, while the other (clearly marked Falls with an arrow) leads to overlook the falls. It's only a quarter mile hike in and you will hear the water before you see it. Rusty- dark color water flows down the creek, the limestone rock worn from the water. The forest around is lush and green. The only critters we saw was one turtle, spiders galore and a butterfly. We heard birds- but I didn't spot them. Tiny little pit stop gave me some great photo opportunities! I recommend bug spray if you are heading out!

    Photos
    Falling Creek Falls - Foam from waterfall

    Foam from waterfall

    Falling Creek Falls - Chocolate river

    Chocolate river

    Falling Creek Falls - Chocolate waterfall

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    Chocolate waterfall

    Madison Blue Springs State Park

    Madison Blue Springs State Park

    4.6(12 reviews)
    31.4 mi

    Great little spot. Tons of space to have a picnic. Looks to be a hot spot during the summer…read more There's a volleyball net, restrooms & trash cans placed throughout. Even little grills To cook out. We came after it poured down. Not the most ideal LoL it made for a mosquito haven. We went on the short nature trail but water had flooded a lot of the areas to look down at the water. Park ranger on duty at all times during business hours. Glad we came.

    Absolutely loved our stop at what was voted the best swimming hole in the U.S by USA Today! We came…read morehere late Sunday morning. There were already a good amount of people and the parking lot was almost full, but there was still plenty of space for people in the springs. There isn't a lot of space to put your belongings as there aren't really any large open spaces, but people pretty much just put their stuff where they can. You can either enter the springs via some stairs that take you right to the deep portion, or you can walk around the springs and enter at a shallower section. If you do go in at the shallower section, be aware that there's quite a strong current that can be difficult to fight against to get into the deep area. I would also recommend chacos or sandals of some kind as there are a lot of rocks in the shallower end that can be very slippery. The water is VERY cold, so be prepared for that, but know that it will also feel amazing afterward and soak any body aches/pains away. The springs are one of the most beautiful swimming areas I've seen--so much beautiful nature surrounding it. If I could go there WITHOUT the loud crowds of people, it would be the most absolutely perfect spot to relax and spend a day. Even with that it was fantastic and I would 100% return.

    Photos
    Madison Blue Springs State Park - Map

    Map

    Madison Blue Springs State Park - Spring

    Spring

    Madison Blue Springs State Park - The spring, beautiful and blue again in September, 2024.

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    The spring, beautiful and blue again in September, 2024.

    Rum Island Park

    Rum Island Park

    3.8(5 reviews)
    35.0 mi

    Rum Island offers one of the only free entries into a spring in our state, and certainly the only…read morein the area. It is a county park managed by Columbia County, and is well taken care of. The porta potties are always relatively clean, and it is rare to find liter. The spring is not as deep, blue, or beautiful as other area springs, but you can't beat the free entry. It does offer a larger shallow area than most which is helpful on weekends, holidays, or summer days when it becomes overcrowded. The spring will "brown out" due to overflow of the Santa Fe river when it has rained a lot. It is still safe to swim in however it is not as attractive from the surface. The tanin does however create a neat effect when you free dive/look up. Rum Island Park is a great launch and pick up spot for those wanting to paddle the Santa Fe River. Many outfitters use it, as well as individuals. I personally frequently use it to launch with a paddle board. I like to paddle down to Blue Springs and back before work (in High Springs). Overall, Rum Island Park is a nice launch spot and free swimming hole.

    Rum Island Springs County Park is located in the Fort White/High Springs area of North Central…read moreFlorida, 28-miles from Gainesville. It's $5 entry per vehicle and hours are 8am - 7pm daily. Rum Island is a tucked away natural springs pool that's catered towards younger crowds (imo) with mostly shallow waters. There's a row of buoys separating the springs from the Santa Fe River. Visits here can be real quick, under an hour unless you're launching kayaks or barbecuing with family for the day. The white sands of the springs are crystal-clear most times throughout the day and the waters showcase vibrant aquamarine colors when the sun breaks from the clouds. There's even a turquoise limestone cavity that pumps out the pool's 72-degree spring waters. There are some opportunistic moments for worthwhile picture takings and recordings, but...Rum Island is so small and shallow that it feels like standing in the center of the kiddie springs at a waterpark. As much as I enjoyed the views, I felt out of place. It wasn't my favorite Florida springs park to visit, but I still respect it for its scenic surroundings. Finally, there are plenty of kayakers and paddle boarders floating past the springs. Visitors can leave their belongings anywhere on the grass. Overall, I'm glad I got a glimpse into what Rum Island Springs Park is about, which has me motivated to visit the local gold standard benchmarks...Ichetucknee Springs, Ginnie Springs and Gilchrist Blue Springs.

    Photos
    Rum Island Park - This is Rum Island Springs County Park located in the Fort White/High Springs area of North Central Florida.

    This is Rum Island Springs County Park located in the Fort White/High Springs area of North Central Florida.

    Rum Island Park - Straightforward pathway to reach the springs

    Straightforward pathway to reach the springs

    Rum Island Park

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    Big Shoals State Park - hiking - Updated July 2026

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