The
Steinhatchee Falls Tract is an area of 1,766 acres in Taylor County along and to
the west of the Steinhatchee River. The area is owned by the Suwannee River Water Management District.
The Steinhatchee
River flows 35 miles from Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County, through Taylor and
Dixie counties to the Gulf of Mexico. Just north of the town of Tennille, at the
south portion of the Steinhatchee Springs WMA, the river goes underground and re-emerges
about a half mile further south. The land area where the river comes back out of
the ground is referred to as the Steinhatchee Rise or "River Rise".
The
Steinhatchee hiking trail runs south of Tennille along the river for 3.3 miles through
oak hammocks, flatwoods and forested areas before ending at Steinhatchee Falls -
claimed to be the widest falls in Florida. Even though the falls have a small drop
over limestone ledges, they are still very impressive. There are restroom facilities
at the trailheads at both ends of the trail. And a kayak/canoe launch is available
near the falls.
There are several access points to the Steinhatchee
Falls Tract. The north trailhead for the 3 mile Falls
hiking trail is
along SR51 just south of its intersection with U.S. 19. The multi-use trail winds south along the river to Steinhatchee Falls.
At Steinhatchee Falls, there is a park with a kayak launch, picnic shelter and
restroom. Access to this area is via a dirt road along the east side of S.R. 51
about 2 miles south of U.S. 19. From the kayak launch, a shaded trail continues
south along the river bank.
Activities & Facilities
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Mountain bike trails
River or lake kayaking
Fishing