Reed Bingham State Park

A 1,613 acre park that surrounds a 375 acre lake and swimming beach, this park attracts boaters, water skiers, anglers, and swimmers. The Coastal Plains Nature Trail winds for more than 3 miles through a cypress swamp that provides views of pitcher plant bogs, sand hills, and other Georgia ecosystems. Especially prized is the gopher tortoise habitat. Facilities include picnic shelters, boat ramps, a 1/2 mile long Gopher Tortoise Trail, three fishing docks, and playground. Located 6 miles west of Adel, GA on Highway 37. Phone 229-896-3351.

Laura S. Walker State Park

Near the famed Okefenokee Swamp's northern edge is this 631 acre park, one of the few state parks honoring a woman. Laura Walker was a Georgia writer, teacher, civic leader, and naturalist. Her namesake park is home fascinating and unique plants and wildlife. From carnivorous pitcher plants to gopher tortoises, visitors can see a variety of plants and animals. Birders may sight owls, woodpeckers, great blue herons, and an array of song birds. Activities include boating, skiing, bicycling, picnicking, fishing, and hiking. Facilities include a swimming pool (available in summer months) and a championship 18 hole golf course called the lakes, which features a clubhouse and unlimited weekday play. The park is 9 miles southeast of Waycross on Georgia Rt 177. Phone 912-287-4900.

Fargo & Stephan C. Foster State Park

Foster is an 80 acre park that serves the primary entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp. It is named for composer Stephan Foster who wrote Old Folks At Home" also called "Suwannee River". This Most intriguing area of georgia features ink black waters that support habitats for alligators, black bears, racoons, turtles, deer, and more than 200 bird species. Visitors can view the flora and fauna from an elevated boardwalk trail. Guided boat trips are also available. In addition to miles of waterways, visitors can enjoy picnic shelters and rent canoes and fishing boats. A new $2 million dollar Suwannee River Visitors Center opened in 2004 adjacent to the Highway 441 bridge in Fargo and overlooks the river. Constructed primarily of recycled products, it features wildlife displays. The park is 18 miles northeast of Fargo and the Visitors Center on Highway 177. Phone 912-637-5274.

Madison Blue Springs State Park

One of the state's newest parks features a crystal clear first magnitude spring 50 feet wide and 25 feet deep. The spring is tucked along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. Woodlands of mixed hardwoods and pines provide ideal hiking. From I75 exit 467 drive southwest on CR 143 to SR 6 and then to the Withlacoochee River. The park sign is on the west end of the bridge. Phone 850-971-5003.

Twin Rivers State Forest

A recreation hub that provides scenic views with amenities such as hiking , boating, bird watching, and picnicking, this state forest is near where the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers join. Key features within this hub are miles of land along the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, the beautiful Falmouth and Anderson Springs, and also includes the Suwannee River State park. The center of Twin Rivers State Forest is where US90 crosses the Suwannee. Phone 386-208-1460.

Suwannee River State Park

Near the junction of the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, this park is an interesting historical site. Its history harkens back to the Civil War and earthen mounds along the Suwannee still stand sentry to prevent Union gunboats from traveling up river. The park also contains one of the state's oldest cemeteries. Hikers have a choice of 5 trails that range from 1/4 mile to 18 miles long. Canoeing, fishing, and picnicking are also favorite activities. The park is on US90 about 7 miles west of I10 exit 275. Phone 386-362-2746.

Big Shoals State Park

Florida's largest white water rapids are the highlight of this park. Rapids earn a rating of Class III white water when the Suwannee rises to between 59 and 61 feet above mean sea level. Four miles of the Woodpecker Trail connects Big Shoals' entrance to that of Little Shoals. Little Shoals is another smaller rapids downstream. Much of the hiking fun in the park is the paths along towering limestone bluffs that provide perfect views of the Suwannee River. More than 30 miles of wooded trails cater to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature watching. Freshwater fishing is a favorite activity. A picnic pavilion seating 40 people is available at the Little Shoals entrance. Big Shoals is on CR 135 one mile north of White Springs. Phone 386-397-4331.