The diverse blending of natural zones at the confluence of the Suwannee River estuary and the Gulf of Mexico creates an unusually rich wildlife environment. Largely undisturbed by development and protected by the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge the area is home to over 250 species of bird, reptiles such as turtles, sturgeon and bottlenose dolphin, which may venture a mile or two upstream.

The near-shore Gulf waters of the Suwannee Sound, rich with nutrients from the river create excellent habitat for fish, shrimp and shellfish and attracts thousands of shorebirds such as herons, egrets and diving ducks feed in the marshes, tidal flats and oyster bars. Raptors, including osprey, bald eagles, red-shouldered hawk and the seasonal swallow-tailed kites, sail the skies above the river and Gulf. East Pass, a broad, winding arm of the river populated with tall cypress, is a nesting area for osprey, while both osprey and bald eagles nest in the old growth trees of the tiny Islands dotting the shallow near-shore Gulf waters.

Often hidden among the tangled roots of cypress, spicy-scented sweet bay and myrtle along the river and estuary creeks, an ever-changing display delights wildflower lovers with splashes of multi-colorful lantana, spider lily, morning glory, or in spring, brilliant purple iris with hearts as yellow as butter. In upland communities look for wild air plants and Spanish moss festooning the trees.

The Suwannee River estuary and near-shore Gulf waters are prized by boaters of all kinds for great natural beauty and peaceful seclusion. Although more readily enjoyed in shoal draft craft (4 feet or less) anyone who loves to be on the water will appreciate this unique combination of fresh and salt environments.

Considered a "low energy" coastline, the area around the Suwannee River mouth typically offers mild conditions and flat seas to ocean going boaters. While most come to fish in the rich near-shore waters of the Suwannee Sound, a growing number of sail boaters and pleasure motor boaters are discovering the area's untouched natural beauty.

Houseboats are one of the favorite ways to enjoy the tranquillity of the Suwannee River. With navigation as far upstream as 70 miles, they offer the advantage of a safe and easy-to-operate craft with roomy accommodation. Laze through the arms of the delta or up the river and enjoy all nature has to offer.

The Dixie Mainline Trail parallels the coastline at the northeast edge of the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge. Once a logging access road, much of the trail was inaccessible until the U.S. Wildlife Service recently rebuilt five small bridges across the tidal creeks, opening up areas virtually untouched for a quarter of a century.

Hike, bike or slowly drive (25 m.p.h. maximum) this nine-mile trail north from the community of Suwannee. The trail passes through upland pine forest, hardwood hammock, wetlands and tidal creek environments. Expect special nature and wildlife experiences in this undisturbed environment. Watch for herons, egrets, ibis, barred owls, alligator, turtle, small mammals and a variety of plant life.

Along the trail stop at Salt Creek Lookout or turn left at paved CR 357 for access to Fishbone Creek Lookout and Shired Island County Park. (An interpretive guide to the Dixie Mainline trail is available from the U.S. Wildlife Service .)

Whether by canoe or kayak, paddlers will enjoy the diverse natural environment of the wide Suwannee River, deep fresh waters creeks, winding salt water sloughs and placid, shallow near-shore Gulf waters, all with easy access.

For best novice or family paddling, launch in the community of Suwannee at one of three marinas, Munden Camp or the public boat ramp and choose from three interlocking trails marked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on deep, unobstructed creeks. Follow winding Demory, Locke or Shingle into the Suwannee River with paddling times of one to 3 1/2 hours. Glide from shady hardwood swamp into sloughs snaking through sunlit meadows of water grasses.

Beyond marked trails, only experience and energy need limit your paddling adventure. In East Pass, meander to the Gulf as hardwoods give way to marsh. Watch for rolling sturgeon or osprey wheeling over untidy nests high in giant cypress. Discover lovely Dan May and Barnett creeks, a short trip south along the coast. Paddle the broad Suwannee to West Pass and watch sunset transform the world to gold. Pick through the shallow water and oyster bars of Pelican Bar or follow secret sloughs between walls of water grass.

At Salt Creek Point, Sanders Creek or Shired Creek (on the Dixie Mainline Trail) park along the trail, carry your canoe or kayak a short distance and launch at the bridge for a meandering paddle through lovely coastal marshes where motor boats are rarely seen. Further on, Fishbone Creek Lookout and Shired Island Park offer excellent launch sites for sea-kayaking in Horseshoe Cove, a protected area south of Horseshoe Beach. Experienced sea-kayakers will enjoy the low-energy coastline and shallow waters for longer trips south to Cedar Key or north to Steinhatchee.

Tides affect the estuary and as far as ten miles up the Suwannee River, where currents are strongest when the river is low. Very shallow tidal creeks may trickle down to nothing at ebb tide. For best paddling, consult a tide chart and plan in advance to take advantage of ebb and flow.

(Brochures are available from the U.S. Wildlife Service with maps of the marked canoe trails and an interpretive guide to the Dixie Mainline.)

THINGS TO DO

Suwannee Houseboats - Bill Miller
Experience the wild and beautiful Suwannee River aboard a houseboat
P.O. 280, Suwannee, FL 32692
352-542-7349
www.suwanneehouseboats.com