I've done three trips on the Suwannee River. I wouldn't consider it a "wilderness" but it is a very beautiful river. It's about 250 miles and starts in Georgia at the Okefenokee Swamp and empties into the Gulf. It is a wild black water river that cuts through the Florida limestone. It runs at an average of about 2mph.

In Florida you can camp on the many sand banks/beaches of the river. Or the State of Florida has River Camps that have sleeping platforms and primitive camping, the River Camps are free of charge. The river also passes a few FL State parks and many of the natural springs.

If you ever have watched Axe Men on the History Channel, then you have seen the guys logging the Suwannee. If your heading to FL on I-75, you might want to consider taking a few days and exploring the river.

Kurt

I totally agree. I've done several canoe trail trips in the Okefenokee Swamp (permits are limited), but the last time I didn't do a loop, I paddled out the S end and down the Suwanee R to White Springs, Fla. Fantastic paddling, lots of wildlife, no bugs in Feb., only one other boat, great camping spots....and...the only whitewater rapid (note singular) in all of Florida. Highly recommend this paddling experience.

Gosh, I hope you don't run into James and Jimmy, the "Axe Men." Those two, and the others on that part of the show are a hoot!

LP, we haven't paddled north of White Springs, only south of there.

AWB, we were looking for them but never saw them.

I have only done between Fargo and Spirit of Suwanee Music Park below White Springs.. a nice four day trip when there is water.