Suwannee

I ran Big Shoals alone on March 1st at a level of 63.5 feet (maybe 5000-6000cfs). My overall opinion of the whitewater run is that the Big Shoals shows a lot of potential as a fun playspot, but is more or less washed out at 63.5. There is a big green wave and a bunch of wave trains but the ratio of white to green is meager. The water flows fast and there are two big eddies on either side of the river. One of which provides eddy service and has a very strong eddy line which can yield serious squirts and pirhouettes.

I would believe that at levels of 61 feet or so the waves will become more like reciprocating holes and could prove some great play. Or bring a surfboard and get up on the big green wave!

The river is quite beautiful. The water is black and the flatwater offers crystal clear reflections of the scenery. Big Shoals is easy to find and the trailhead is a well maintained park with friendly people about.

I suggest you go, at 61 ft of water.