Suwannee River Valley

Breathe in the sweet scent of Southern magnolias and Florida azaleas along this genteel slice of the Old South on a tour of small-town Florida, Suwannee-style. Flowing south from the marshes of the Okeefenokee Swamp, the famed Suwannee River winds its way for 266 miles to the Gulf of Mexico past communities centered around major springs and atop river bluffs. It’s a world-class destination for canoeists, thanks to the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and its river camps, and more than 200 springs along the route. This region, in fact, has the highest concentration of springs in the world, appealing to scuba divers and cave divers, and boasts ...

Breathe in the sweet scent of Southern magnolias and Florida azaleas along this genteel slice of the Old South on a tour of small-town Florida, Suwannee-style. Flowing south from the marshes of the Okeefenokee Swamp, the famed Suwannee River winds its way for 266 miles to the Gulf of Mexico past communities centered around major springs and atop river bluffs. It’s a world-class destination for canoeists, thanks to the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and its river camps, and more than 200 springs along the route. This region, in fact, has the highest concentration of springs in the world, appealing to scuba divers and cave divers, and boasts the only Class III whitewater in Florida at Big Shoals. Settle back in a rocking chair at a bed & breakfast, swim in a crystalline spring, go antiquing in the heart of old Lake City, camp within sight of the river, or rent a houseboat to explore the cypress swamps where these placid waters meet the Gulf — and don’t forget the sweet tea and pecan pie.

About the Expert

Sandra Friend has written 12 books about Florida, including the Explorer's Guide (Countryman Press) series to Florida.