Blackwater River State Park

Black water doesn’t sound all that refreshing -- but trust us, it is. The dark, tannic water of this 56-mile river (two miles of which run through the state park) is home to striped bass, catfish, and the occasional friendly river otter (and less friendly gator). So paddle on down the river, or take a dip and try to reach the sandy bottom; Blackwater River is one of the purest sand bottom rivers in the U.S. Dry out beneath towering longleaf pines and white cedars. Or hike one of the parks two trails that wind past ox bow lakes and sandy banks, and listen to the trills of warblers and woodpeckers. We have a feeling that once you leave, you’ll be returning to Blackwater River State Park again very soon.