The Santa Fe River runs along the northern border of Gilchrist County, is fed by over 55 known springs in our area, and at O'Leno State Park disappears underground, passing through the limestone caverns of the Cody Scarp, reappearing three miles to the southwest, at River Rise. It converges with the Ichetucknee River just before flowing into the Suwannee River. The Suwannee River Water Management District manages the river, see the floodplain map.

This river is part of the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area - Jena Unit, with more than 12,000 acres that stretch across the coast from the Steinhatchee River to Horseshoe Beach, providing a dazzling array of ecosystems and natural habitats. Of particular interest are the Steinhatchee Falls. The coastal marsh areas of the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area provide naturalists an opportunity to view a tremendous variety of wildlife, especially birds, that inhabit these unique coastal ecosystems. Exploring the coastal marshes is best done by canoe, kayak or small boat. The viewing tower at Hagens Cove is also a good spot to observe wildlife. Fishing the brackish waters of the coastal creeks rivers is another popular pastime in the region. More information.

This magnificent river arises in the Okefenokee Swamp straddling the Florida-Georgia border. It's massive flow is fed by over 197 pristine freshwater springs and unnumbered creeks and tributaries. Lying in Florida's Big Bend section between the peninsula and the panhandle, it is one of nature's dividing lines between subtropical southern Florida and the more conventional northerly environments. Managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District, it offers a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and limited overnight camping. All District-owned tracts are primitive by design and in some cases can only be accessed by foot or boat. The District, in conjunction with the Park Service, has implemented the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, a consortium of public and private entities creating a wonderful paddling experience for everyone. For more information, contact SRWMD, at (800) 226-1066 or (904) 362-1001.

On this river's banks is the Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park, accessible only by boat. This park comprises 32,000 acres of land, and is a small remnant of the once vast Gulf Hammock, providing canoeing, fishing, boating and nature viewing. The river also runs through the Devil's Hammock Wildlife Management Area and has many public access points off of State Road 24 south of Bronson. Depending on rainfall, the river is sometimes not navigable or parts may need to be portaged. The is run on this river every spring.

In the area of the Withlacoochee River is the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway - Inglis Island, stretching more than 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, and creating a unique recreational opportunities at Inglis Island in Levy County. The river has a dam, forming Lake Rousseau, at the southern border of Levy County. Paddling is easy to moderate on the river, and there are very many access points on its 100-mile course.