Four Freedoms Trail, Withlacoochee River, Madison County, Florida 2019-10-17

Here’s the Withlacoochee River from the only public access near State Line Shoals: the Madison County, Florida, Four Freedoms Trail. It’s on the former right of way of the Valdosta Railway, formerly Valdosta Southern Railway (VSO), formerly Georgia and Florida Railroad, built in the late 19th century as Florida Midland and Georgia Railroad. The same Valdosta Railway is still in use from Valdosta to Clyattville, Lowndes County, Georgia.

[RR Trestle, 2019:10:17 15:59:24, 30.6294432, -83.3186451]
RR Trestle, 2019:10:17 15:59:24, 30.6294432, -83.3186451

You can paddle down the river to the Four Freedoms Trail from Nankin Boat Ramp, about six miles, past McIntyre Spring.

Or upstream about four miles from State Line Ramp, although that could be challenging right now with the Withlacoochee River this low.

All these points are on the Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail (WLRWT).

Onshore

[Picnic tables and roofs, 2019:10:17 16:00:50, 30.6294432, -83.3186451]
Picnic tables and roofs, 2019:10:17 16:00:50, 30.6294432, -83.3186451

River from viewing area

[RR pylons, 2019:10:17 16:01:07, 30.6294432, -83.3186451]
RR pylons, 2019:10:17 16:01:07, 30.6294432, -83.3186451

Inland end of Trail

[Sign, tables, and roof, 2019:10:17 16:10:42, 30.6075603, -83.3549072]
Sign, tables, and roof, 2019:10:17 16:10:42, 30.6075603, -83.3549072

Going there

[Canopy Road, NE 221 Ave., NE Pineapple St. 2019:10:17 15:51:13, 30.6263253, -83.3512308]
Canopy Road, NE 221 Ave., NE Pineapple St. 2019:10:17 15:51:13, 30.6263253, -83.3512308

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can join this fun and work by becoming a WWALS member today!