This 13-mile loop takes about six to eight hours to hike from Suwannee River State Park, but can be extended to an overnight camping adventure. Hikers can use the primitive campsite located at the confluence of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers (register with rangers at Suwannee River State Park). Approximately 11.5 miles are on the Florida Trail and 1.5 miles are on a connector trail from the State Park.
The Florida Trail and Suwannee River State Park: How to ConnectThe 1.5 mile connector trail from Suwannee River State Park is not blazed, but foot traffic makes the path fairly obvious in most spots. Pick up a map from the rangers at the entry gate to the state park.
- start behind the old ranger station (now houses a gift shop)
- walk the very short Earthworks Trail
- cross over railroad tracks
- follow gravel road through residential area
- turn right at agricultural check station
- cross Suwannee River on old Route 90 (open to foot traffic only)
- bear right at DeSoto Park and cross parking lot
- bear left and follow railroad tracks
- join the orange-blazed Florida National Scenic Trail and cross beneath the railroad overpass to continue
Backpacking in Florida is Fun; Rivers Add Appealing Views
The terrain is relatively flat with some slopes and dips as the Big Oak Trail follows along the bluffs overlooking the Withlacoochee and Suwannee rivers. Almost all the trail is within forested areas consisting of pine, live oak, and saw palmettos, thus providing some relief from the hot Florida sun. There's no potable water along the trail, so carry plenty with you.
Another difficult spot in following this section of the Florida Trail, is the right turn hikers need to take immediately after the bridge over the Withlacoochee (County Road 141). At the end of the bridge guardrail, hikers must take a sharp right downhill turn to catch the next set of orange blazes. There is a "Private Property" sign that may cause confusion—the trail is to the left of that sign.
The confluence of the Withlacoochee and Suwannee indicates the halfway point on this loop. The Big Oak (an ancient live oak) is located about 1-1.5 miles after the confluence. It's not marked, so keep a sharp eye out for it!
About 2 miles after the Big Oak, hikers connect to the thru-section of the Florida Trail, which returns them to the bridge over the Withlacoochee and to the trail that follows this river back to the connector trail to the Suwannee River State Park.
Great Florida Hiking and Camping
Learn more details about hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail, plus download a Big Oak Trail brochure from the Florida Trail Association. The Florida Trail extends for 1,400 miles and is one of only eight national scenic trails in the US.
The Suwannee River State Park is located 13 miles west of Live Oak, Florida. It's open year-round and offers a comfortable camping experience plus direct access to the Suwannee River. Visit the park's website for information on accommodations and fees plus several short trails available once the Big Oak Trail has been accomplished!
Cheryl Pratt - Cheryl Pratt has been a technical writer/graphic designer for a medical software company for the past 10 years. She has published articles ...
