White Springs: Florida’s Original Tourist Destination

Set among forests and a famous river in rural Hamilton County, White Springs, Florida doesn’t conjure the image of a bustling tourist town. As the town’s Vice Mayor Walter McKenzie describes it, you had to be there. “In the late 1800s and early 1900s, White Springs was the number one tourist destination in Florida because …

Serenola Forest Preserve–Gainesville’s Latest Hiking Destination

Officially opened in April, 2019 after acquisition in 2018, the Serenola Forest Preserve is the latest addition to the lands overseen by the Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT). Located south of the University of Florida, just off Williston Road, the preserve consists of 111-acres of hardwood forest, open to the public for an in-town hiking experience. Here’s …

Take a Long Bike Ride–Or a Short One–On Natural North Florida’s Cycling Routes

If you’re a bicyclist, our Natural North Florida region offers 32 excellent rides–long and short.  Many are on bike-laned roads and others follow routes originally used by the railroads and logging trucks. All our routes can be accessed and ridden using the BikeWithGPS app on your smartphone. Unlock the power and utility of our routes by …

Cyclists! Ride Tour De Melon, Chiefland, June 6, 2015

Excitement fills the air when communities unite for a worthy cause. Suwannee Valley Rotary Club holds this very exciting event each year on the first Saturday in June to unite the Tri County Area and involve hundreds of cyclists from all across the country. Our annual “Tour de Melon” event corresponds with Chiefland’s popular, well …

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 …

Camping at Shell Mound State Park

With the cooler weather on its way, October is the perfect time for camping in Florida.  Shell Mound County Park in Suwannee County is a great place to camp out.  Aside from the fishing, boating, biking, and birdwatching, the park is right next to the Shell Mound Archaeology Site.  The shell mound is the largest prehistoric shell midden site …

O’Leno State Park: Hiking, Camping, Biking and more!

O’Leno State Park is located on the Santa Fe river, and was one of Florida’s first state parks.  O’Leno was constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and much of their work can still be seen around the park, including a recreation hall, and a suspension bridge that crosses the Santa Fe river. O’Leno offers many activities …

Fanning Springs Voted one of Florida’s Top Parks for 2010

Located on the Suwannee river, Fanning Springs is one of North Florida’s many first magnitude springs and is one of the most popular parks in Florida.  Voted number 18 of the top 25 Florida state parks, Fanning Springs offers many activities including swimming, canoeing, camping, hiking and biking. Camping is available in both cabins and …

The La Chua Trail, Sandhill Cranes, Alligators, and More!

The La Chua Trail is on the East side of Gainesville, and is one of the best locations in the area for winter wildlife viewing.  The trail is located on Paynes Prairie which is home to many different species which can be viewed from the platform at the end of the trail.  The sandhill crane …

Nature Coast State Trail Part 3: Fanning Springs to Trenton

Part 1: Fanning Springs to Cross City Part 2: Fanning Springs to Chiefland The Nature Coast State trail is a 32 mile trail that runs through Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties.  For casual bikers, the trail is easily divided into three shorter pieces.  The third and final chunk of the trail is a 7 mile …