Florida's unique geology greatly influences how water moves through the state.  The area we are exploring has a karst landscape.  This is a process where slightly acidic rain, dissolves the limestone rock underground.  This process creates the springs, caves, and sinkholes this area is known for.  The porous limestone deep underground is known as the Floridan Aquifer system and is where we draw much of our drinking water.  It is one of the largest Aquifer systems in Florida and extends throughout Florida into Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.  You can see the aquifer as it rises above ground along the Suwannee River.  At Big Shoals, the Cody Scarp can be seen and creates rapids.  The Cody scarp represents an ancient shoreline in Florida and a location of intense recharge of surface water to the aquifer (SJRWMD, 2022).

Here, the Suwannee River elevation drops 9 feet in less than 1/4 mile creating the Big Shoals; Florida's most extensive river rapid system. The river bed is lined with limestone outcroppings commonly described as karst topography. Hike along the river to view the Big Shoals Rapids (2 miles round trip), which can range from no flow in drought periods, exposing the entire river bed to a Class III rapid when the water levels are between 59 & 61 feet. 

Recreation
The Suwannee Springs Park is a historic park featuring the old spring house that was built in the 1800s around the sulfur springs. Visitors can swim in the springs, picnic, and enjoy the snow white river sand bars.

Visitors may also enjoy fishing, as well as biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing on the Suwannee Springs Tract’s administrative roads. Canoes and kayaks may be launched from the Suwannee Springs Launch.

Access
Suwannee Springs Park:
Travel north on US 129, turn right on 93rd Drive (Old US 129), travel north to 32nd Street, turn right, and follow the street to the parking lot.