nature walks
The 16 Best Things to Do in Lafayette County and the Suwannee River
The Suwannee River runs through South Georgia into Florida and down to the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee is a 235-mile black-water river that hides artifacts and fossils. Although the river became well-known because of Stephen Foster’s “Old Folks at Home,” it remains well-known because of the wildness it discloses. You can travel for miles …
The Best Things to Do in Union County Include a Lake
Natural North Florida’s Union County may be Florida’s smallest county, but it delivers big with a fantastic diversity of activities. It is a perfect day trip from Gainesville with a laid-back atmosphere, Rails-to-Trails walking trails, historic buildings, fishing, and a freshwater lake. But get there early—there’s a lot to do! Splish, Splash! Watery Fun on …
Crane Viewing at Payne’s Prarie!
Now through the end of February, head out ot Payne’s Prarie to get a glimpse of Florida’s real “snow-birds”. Thousands of migratory sandhill cranes are making their winter home right outside of Gainesville on Payne’s Prarie. The best times to go are at either sunrise or sunset, as you’re likely to see the most birds …
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
See one of Florida’s most unique, and most threatened ecosystems at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. Scrub habitats are easy to spot, because they look like a patch of beach or desert even though you’re nowhere near the water. Scrub habitats resemble mini-islands, because when Florida was still mostly underwater, these bits of scrub are …