Live Oak — Andre Marcil, a member of the Florida Trail Association Suwannee Chapter, knows a good hiking trail when he sees one. He has planned guided hikes and helped maintain the Florida Trail for nearly 30 years – eight of those in this neck of the woods.

 

One of his favorites in north-central Florida is along the Suwannee River corridor. The terrain is hilly, with elevations of 50 feet in some areas, he says. There are creeks to cross. It is good exercise.

 

“I was at Holton Creek recently,” he said. “I felt like I could be some place up north.”

Marcil describes the woods as “God’s cathedral.”

 

“Hiking is a good way to connect with nature; it is good for the body and soul; some say it’s cheaper than therapy,” he said.

 

The Suwannee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association helps organize guided hikes and camping and canoeing trips, some of which take place on lands owned by the Suwannee River Water Management District (District). They also help maintain the Florida Trail, a 1,500 mile hiking trail that extends the length of the state.

 

The District encourages the public to explore nature by hiking on District or other public lands during the month of February in celebration of Florida Hiking Trails Month. The District provides 183 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

 

On District lands you can bird watch, admire flora and fauna along the way, and enjoy unique features, such as whitewater rapids and a creek that funnels into a sinkhole. In addition, more than 50 miles of the Florida Trail traverses District land.

 

“The District encourages hikers and others to take advantage of these recreational opportunities on District conservation lands,” said Edwin McCook, District land management specialist.

 

“If you are unable to participate in a guided hike sponsored by the Florida Trail Association, you may take a self-guided hike on District property anytime,” McCook added.

 

All District hiking trails are free and open to the public. Following is a list of some of the best hiking opportunities:

 

·         Columbia County: Bell Springs, Falling Creek Falls, Little Shoals, and Gar Pond

·         Hamilton County: Big Shoals, Holton Creek, White Springs Tract, and Camp Branch

·         Lafayette County: Owens Spring

·         Madison County: Ellaville Tract, Black Tract, Mill Creek North, and Mill Creek South

·         Suwannee County: Anderson Springs

·         Taylor County: Cabbage Grove, and Steinhatchee Falls



Maps to each of the above tracts are available under the Best Recreational Opportunities link on the District’s website at www.mysuwanneeriver.com/recreation. For more information, contact Edwin McCook at 386.362.1001 or recreation@srwmd.org.

 

For more information about planned hikes and other recreational opportunities hosted by the Suwannee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association call Sylvia Dunnam at 386.362.3256 or visit www.suwannee.floridatrail.org.

 

The District acquires conservation lands to restore and protect natural resources, and these properties are open to the public every day of the year.