Update 2022-09-08: Nice day for a portage around Big Shoals, Suwannee River 2021-05-19.
Update 2021-05-18: It’s a half mile portage, so bring boat wheels and be prepared to haul over some rough spots down to the beach of the two gators.
Paddle to and portage past the biggest rapids in Florida: Big Shoals and Little Shoals on the Suwannee River, on this short weekday trip.
Big Shoals, 20 and 21 Feb 2021, Map
When: Gather 9 AM, launch 10 AM, end 2 PM, Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Put In:
Big Shoals Tract Launch.
From White Springs, travel north on CR 135 to SE 94 Street (Godwin Bridge Road); turn right and follow road to Big Shoals, in Hamilton County.
Portage:
The portage is 400 feet long.
Participants must be able to carry everything they bring from the beginning of the portage to the re-launch.
Also must have fairly good physical conditioning and balance to climb up and down banks to re-launch.
Shirley Kokidko, experienced with this section of the Suwannee, says, “I’m 65 and I can do it, but it’s not easy, and takes a good bit of teamwork to get everybody re-launched. No children. Let’s keep this group to a safe number. On a weekday that probably won’t be a problem.”
Everyone must have a bowline, rope of any sort, very much needed to help lower boats back into the water after the portage. Continue reading