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Big Shoals Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 225 Google reviews · Running trail in White Springs, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Shoals Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking trails with picnic areas and a restroom along the Suwannee River with views of shoals and rapids.
What runners say about Big Shoals Trail
“It's well maintained, and has gotten wider recently, though there are still a few spots where it is easy to stumble.”
“The hardwood canopies, pine and palmetto forests are not to be underated with charred pines and oaks that make the landscape beautiful.”
“I miss the Smoky Mountain trails with rapids, and was surprised to find this peaceful similarity which is rare in Florida.”
It was a beautiful meandering walk near the rivers edge. A great way to spend a couple morning hours. The trail was clean. There are some picnic areas and view areas of the rapids as well. Would definitely recommend!
Had the opportunity to hike the trail here as part of the Florida State Forest Trailwalker Program. This was a pleasant surprise as the trail goes along the river and there were several look out points to see the river. I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for a short hike.
Love this trail! We hiked 3.6 miles here and will be going back! Only $4 per vehicle and such an amazing view. So many beautiful viewing spots.
Big Shoals Trail is fantastic. Plenty of shade for a comfortable hike. Enjoy the picnic tables and benches along the way. Well kept. Not crowded. You can hear the water as you get closer. Lots of things to take pictures of along the way.
Trail conditions & character
“The hardwood canopies, pine and palmetto forests are not to be underated with charred pines and oaks that make the landscape beautiful.”
“We took road 18 to make a loop, and also hiked the northern trail marked with blue blazes near the restroom area which was nicely shaded and with neat changes of elevation.”
“We took road 18 to make a loop, and also hiked the northern trail marked with blue blazes near the restroom area which was nicely shaded and with neat changes of elevation.”
“I miss the Smoky Mountain trails with rapids, and was surprised to find this peaceful similarity which is rare in Florida.”
“It can be the only Class 3 Rapids in Florida when the river level is at 59 - 63', but at higher or lower levels it's still beautiful and awesome.”
“Hike is easy, with some stumps and roots, but for the most part, it's a pretty level.”
Plan your run at Big Shoals Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefloridastateparks.org
- Phone(386) 397-4331
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
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