Many millions of people have traveled all or parts of the Appalachian Trail, a meandering mountaintop forested trail stretching all the way from New England to Georgia.
To complete the wilderness walk is a special accomplishment shared by a relative few.
Now you can add another wilderness trail to the short list of special regions of this country: The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail in Florida.
This is an approximate 210-mile trail you can boat, hike or bike, with an emphasis on water travel.
Beginning near the Georgia border, the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers travelers a wonderful commune with Mother Nature, with pristine springs, azure pastures and forests and an abundance of wildlife. The trail ends where the Suwannee empties into the Gulf of Mexico in Florida's Big Bend.
The state of Florida and local communities have combined efforts to make the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail a special adventure for the entire family.
The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail begins at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park located in White Springs, Florida. From I-75, exit on State Road 136 (exit 439). Travel east on SR 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on US 41. The park entrance is on the left. From I-10, exit on US 41 North (exit 301). Travel approximately 9 miles to White Springs. The park entrance is on the left.
Several state parks are sprinkled along the route and many river outfitters provide canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes for various segments of river travel, ranging from one day to 22 days.
Cabins have been built at Stephen Foster State Park for those preferring indoor accommodations. Foster, of course, is the songwriter whose many famous songs include "Way Down Upon the Suwannee River."
A system of "hubs" on the river are in place and spaced about a one day paddle apart. "River camps" are now being completed and include such things as several "sleeping platforms." These are large screened-in wooden platforms suitable for people using air mattresses or sleeping bags. Space on these platforms can be reserved by individuals or groups, but reservations are not required.
The canoeing, kayaking and tubing along the river is among the best in the world, with an easy float on pristine waters for the most part (a small section of Class 3 whitewater is available at the Big Shoals area in the upper region of the river).
Side trips into Suwannee tributaries offer boaters a chance to mingle with everything from manatees, bald eagles, turtles, etc. There are few alligators in these waters. Snorkeling, scuba diving and underwater caving provide plenty of adventure for the more accomplished river goers. Nature hiking trails and horseback riding is also available at several locales along the route.
For more information on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail visit the Florida State Parks website at www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness or call toll-free at 1-800-868-9914. Maps are available at the web site.
The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a cooperative effort of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the counties, cities, businesses and citizens of the Suwannee River Basin, creating a public/private Partnership in Florida.
The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is accessible from "hubs", boat ramps, and public parks along its entire length. The Trail is also accessible from many trailheads for hiking, biking, birding and horseback riding.
The entire state of Florida includes an incredible 1,700 rivers and creeks, including 35 major rivers, 7,800 lakes and more than 350 springs. Most meander through the state and drain into the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, no major city is more than an hour away from a paddling trail in Florida. To find further information on Florida's Waterway Trails call toll free 1-877-822-5208 or visit www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com.

This story was published on 12 May 2005.