Blackwater River State Park
You'll find Blackwater River State Park in the upper region of the Florida Panhandle. A hardwood forest surrounds this 590-acre park. The Blackwater River is known for its white sandy bottom and shorelines and boasts being one of the purest, sand-bottom rivers in the country. The state has designated the river "a Florida canoe trail." The last two miles of the trail run through the park. If you do not have a canoe with you, you can rent from a local outfitter just outside the park. The park offers hiking trails, picnicking, fishing and 30 wooded, full-facility campsites.
Blackwater River State Park
7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Holt, FL 32564
(850) 983-5363
floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver/
Suwannee River State Park
If you are traveling in the northern part of the state, visit Suwannee River State Park in Live Oak, just south of the Georgia state line. The scenic Withlacoochee River meets the Suwannee River inside the park. The white, sandy beaches and high limestone cliffs make this a scenic place to canoe and stop for a swim. Many swimming holes can be found along the river's edges. The rivers are surrounded by a deep hardwood forest. The park offers canoe rentals as well as campsites for those wanting to spend the night.
Suwannee River State Park
Route 8, Box 297
Live Oak, FL 32060
(904) 362-2746
floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver/
Wekiwa Springs State Park
The central part of the state offers Wekiwa Springs State Park. The heavily wooded park, on the Wekiwa River, offers canoeing in some of Florida's most natural waters. Canoeists can enjoy paddling down the river or the Rock Springs Run. Don't be surprised to see bears, alligators, turtles and other wildlife common to Florida. The park offers canoe rentals, 8 miles of horseback-riding trails, swimming, hiking and a full-facility campsite.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL 32712
(407) 884-2009
floridastateparks.org/WekiwaSprings/
