Best Outdoor Adventures in North Florida
There’s something about North Florida that invites you to slow down—really slow down—and our family’s recent trip to Live Oak and Suwannee County delivered exactly that kind of reset. ECC readers may remember Suwannee Music Park from past adventures; it’s a place we return to year after year for winter festivals and holiday lights, and one of our favorite camping spots anywhere in the state. Tucked along the Suwannee River, sprawling across 800 wooded acres, it somehow manages to feel both secluded and convenient, with town just a short drive away.
In recent years, though, our visits have been plagued by what we jokingly call the “Curse of the Camper…” rain, rain, and more rain. Those soggy trips kept us close to camp and sent us indoors. This time? Clear blue skies and perfectly mild 70-degree days.
We brought along Avery’s beloved sidekick, Bam-Bam—the youngest of our three dogs and a rescued terrier mix—while his older siblings enjoyed a spoiled staycation with the grandparents.
Hiking Suwannee River State Park
One afternoon was spent hiking Suwannee River State Park, where nature and history are deeply intertwined. Trails wind past remnants of 19th century steamship travel, Civil War earthworks built to defend the railroad crossing at the former town of Columbus, and two ghost towns slowly reclaimed by sandhill wilderness. The most haunting discoveries were the small cemeteries tucked into the woods, with headstones dating back as early as 1862.
Exploring Big Shoals State Park in White Springs
The following day took us to nearby White Springs and a long-awaited stop on our family’s Florida Bucket List at Big Shoals State Park, home to Florida’s only Class III whitewater rapids. Hiking out to the overlook, we were nearly alone, accompanied only by the crunch of our footsteps, Avery’s chatter, and the distant roar of rushing water. It felt like we’d stumbled into our own private corner of the state.
What we found on this trip wasn’t a packed itinerary—it was an easy rhythm. Campfire meals, hammock reading, bark-and-leaf boats drifting downriver, and long stretches of doing absolutely nothing together. And honestly? That was the best part.
Next Adventure
What’s next for our Live Oak visits? Nearby Olustee Battlefield and checking a few more springs off that bucket list. Until then, you can find more ideas for exploring Suwannee County and North Florida at VisitSuwannee.com and VisitFlorida.com.
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park | 3076 95th Dr, Live Oak 32060
Suwannee River State Park | 3631 201st Path, Live Oak 32060
Big Shoals State Park | 18738 SE 94 St, White Springs 32096
