Lindaosm

Anyone do any mountain biking there? Hubby and I are planning a trip up to Stephen Foster Memorial State Park in White Springs. We'll ride the trails there that run down to the Suwanee but I'm curious about the Big Shoals area and how advanced those trails are. According to the map, it is not too far from White Springs. I did notice there was a paved trail inside the park but I think it's only a couple of miles long. I don't mind the single track stuff but I'm still pretty new at this and normally just ride the yellow (beginner) trails. If anyone has been, I'd love to hear which trails you rode.

LindaN

zzOtherlandzz

Nope.... Never rode them.... BUT I will be eagerly awaiting your report and pictures ...... LOL Think Imma con my friends into trying The Orange Creek Restoration area that you rode a bit ago..

shelbyfv

It has been a few years, but as I recall the trails were not technical. Mostly meander among pines and palmetto. Some nice areas along the river.

Walter B

Suwannee Bicycle Association is headquartered in White Springs. The big shoals trails are beautiful and are not difficult riding. This is a helpful link. https://www.suwanneebike.org/trails.htm

Lindaosm

Thanks for all the info. The maps at the Suwannee bike site were great. (see my post on "did you ride"). Trails were great. The only one we didn't attempt was really a canoe launch on the far east side. Too many stairs and too steep for me. The trails are very well marked at all intersections too. Overall, nice ride on Saturday.

bikecrate

Glad you got a chance to go. The Gov. is talking about closing Big Shoals.

Lindaosm

I had no idea!! After I saw your post, I was extremely upset and decided to find out what was going on. Initially there were 53 parks that were put on the list by the Fl DEP. I could not believe it! But, after reading the list of parks and all the responses from everyone I then found this.

https://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/1...arks-will.html

Hopefully this article is true and the governor will keep his word.

As a native Floridian, many of my childhood memories involve visits to so many wonderful Florida state parks. My husband, who was also born and raised in Fl, never really had the opportunity to visit many of them until just recently when we started mountain biking and camping. It's been such a treat to re-visit many of those parks and find new ones to explore.

I am going to make sure I stay involved and make sure my voice is heard (along with so many others)if this subject of park closings comes up again. Thank you for posting this!

bikecrate

Not to get too P&R, but many proposals coming from the FL legislature are very anti environmental/pro business. I find it very depressing. Did you hear the one proposal to turn 5 state parks into golf courses? It got shot down over some loud public outcry.