Cone Bridge to Big Shoals

After checking the county map, I decided to see if the road to Big Shoals was still open behind the St James AME Church off 131. It had been years since I had walked in when the road to St James was still dirt. This time, the road is paved and the road down to the shoals gated. I rode on to see where the pavement would lead and it came out on 441North at Deep Creek. Since I was already near Cone Bridge, I drove up and got the mountain bike off the rack. The mile and a half road leading down to Cone Bridge had been mowed on both sides, thus no butterflies were about. On the way in, a flock of turkeys ran ahead of me. I took the bike and rode along the riverbank upstream for about a mile, stopping to take a few photographs. Returning to the car, I had to wait for the County Road Grader to pass. My the improvements!
Retracing my route to 131, past two large deer prisons with the high fences, I ventured to Morrell Road and Bell Springs. Fortunately, this area is owned by the Suwannee River Water Management so access was allowed. I rode down to where Bell Springs trickles into the Suwannee, the left the bike for about a two mile hike upstream to Big Shoals. It was a good hike on high bluffs, through palmetto trails under large pines and various oaks. With the river on my left, I often made stops to observe the low state of the river. Arriving at Big Shoals, I was amazed at the amount of rocks showing. The only flow was a narrow stream on the Hamilton Bank.
I walked about the rocks, easily getting to the far bank. The only people around were two Rangers who walked up from the Hamilton path. Making the hike back, I stopped at Robinson Branch to observe the falls there. It was now over eight feet high, with a small flow from Falling Creek. In the past, this was quite a roaring creek with the waterfall wide and about four feet high.
Further along, I finally came to the Bell Springs Run to the river. This too, but a small flow, but pretty under the canopy of lush trees and backlighting.
For those wishing to take a nice day hike, I recommend the Bell Springs to Big Shoals hike. The path is entirely scenic and shaded. Take water and a snack along though,something I did not do. I do not know how you would get across Robinson Branch if the water was up, as there are some deep holes just above the falls where the path goes across. If you did not step carefully, in or over the falls you could go. Otherwise, you could hike further upstream to where it would not be as deep.
For now, no problem. If you need a guide, my fees are outrageously low. Give me a call.