The Suwannee River, a federally designated wild river, winds for almost 266 miles from the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. It is the last major waterway in the southeastern United States that remains unspoiled.
We were at first worried that the Suwannee had become very polluted because the water was so dark, but we learned that the Suwannee River is a "blackwater" river. Are you wondering, what is a "blackwater" river? I did, so I did some research. Blackwater streams and rivers originate in swampy areas. They get their names because the water is stained dark brown by organic acids. The staining gives the appearance of "black" water.
While there are 55 springs along the Suwannee River, the Sulphur Springs at White Springs, Florida were promoted as a cure for almost any ailment in the 1800s. Visitors to the springs believed they could restore their health by swimming in the healing water. A log hotel was built beside the springs and White Sulphur Springs became a health resort and one of Florida's first tourist destinations. By the late 1800s, there were 14 luxury hotels and many more boarding houses that accommodated the many who arrived by train. The resort continued to attract visitors as late as the 1950s.
Today the river is popular with canoe and kayak enthusiasts looking to take in Florida's natural beauty.
