Dog Days 2001 Road Ride Description and Conditions
Rides and conditions subject to change.
Anderson Springs
This trail is located in the Anderson Springs Tract of Twin Rivers State Forest, along the Suwannee River, just south of Ellaville. It lies across the river and south of the South Ellaville Tract. The entrance to the tract is on River Road, just south of the I-10 crossing. The tract has a long section of river frontage and a first magnitude spring, Anderson Spring, at the edge of the river. When water levels are high, the spring is covered by river water. But when the water in the river is at lower levels, the spring pumps large quantities of clear water into the river and makes a great swimming place. Singletrack trail follows the river for a couple of miles. The trail affords spectacular views of the river, and large gar fish can often be seen making incredible splashes in the murky water. This ride will be offered in different levels of difficulty, from easy to quite technical with lots of hillocks and tree roots to traverse.
Twin Rivers
Twin Rivers State Forest - South Ellaville Tract has a good network of jeep roads which are often rideable and go through a variety of forest types. Riverside track follows the Suwannee for over two miles, along a stretch with numerous limestone outcrops and quite a few shoals. There are many river overlooks and interesting banks to explore. The stretch of bicycle trail along the river is also shared with the Florida Trail, a state-long hiking trail, so watch out for and be courteous to any hikers you meet. At the north end of the river section is an old hunt camp. The bottomland forest along the river has many wildflowers and huge trees which provide shade along most of the ride. In March Atamasco lilies carpet the forest floor. Later in the season poison ivy grows in thick carpets along the trail, as well. This area also has many sinks.
Away from the river the roads go through old homestead and pine plantation land. It is higher and drier with long leaf pine savanna returning. High bush blue berries, Chickasaw and hog plums and lots of hawthorn bushes provide fruit for many types of wildlife that inhabit the area. Armadillo, feral pigs and deer are plentiful. Gopher tortoise holes can be spied by sharp eyed cyclists. Kestrels can often be seen over the old borrow pits on the south end of the tract.
After a ride at Twin Rivers - Ellaville be sure to visit the springs of this area, Suwanacoochee, Falmouth and Anderson Springs, which are between a half to two miles from the tract.
Big Oak
Big Oak is located right at Suwannee River State Park! A lovely little seven mile ride known for its ease and beauty.
