The Best Things to Do in Union County Include a Lake

Natural North Florida’s Union County may be Florida’s smallest county, but it delivers big with a fantastic diversity of activities. It is a perfect day trip from Gainesville with a laid-back atmosphere, Rails-to-Trails walking trails, historic buildings, fishing, and a freshwater lake. But get there early—there’s a lot to do! Splish, Splash! Watery Fun on …

Lake Butler, Florida–One of Natural North Florida’s Hidden Treasures

Florida’s Union County isn’t big.  In fact, it was originally part of several other counties, and its history can be confusing.  In an effort to simplify matters and not “rewrite history”, here’s a direct quote from the county’s current website: “The area that is now Union County, Florida was originally part of St. Johns County …

Wild Florida Adventures, December 2017 Events

Greetings Outside Enthusiasts! I’ve just updated the Wild Florida Adventures event calendar for the rest of the month of December with the link here www.localendar.com/public/bbarker This weekend we’re planning two fresh water paddles as the coastal tides aren’t that conducive to good water levels. Plus with the lower temps, its better to paddle venues that …

Way Down Upon The Santa Fe River–A Suwannee River Alternative!

Spring has “sprung” and while our Natural North Florida region is largely rural, crowds flock to our rivers to boat, fish, or simply float.  The Suwannee River begins in south Georgia’s Okeefenokee Swamp and meanders downstream to the Gulf of Mexico for over 240 miles.  About 170 of those final miles are in our region …

Looking For Some Great Cycling? Download Our Ultimate North Florida Cycling Guide

The Visit Natural North Florida Biking Guide is online and ready to use. You can read it online, or download it as a PDF.   It features 26 one-day cycling trips and 2 multi-day trips, all linked to the RIDE WITH GPS app that’s available for smartphones or certain Garmin GPS units. To use the …

Heading To The Water? Use Florida Boat Ramp Finder For The Best Access

If you’re heading to the Gulf, the rivers or the lakes in our Natural North Florida region, be assured we have plenty of boat ramps with public access for your use.  And the best way to find them is to use the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boat Ramp Finder.  It’s a complete listing, …

Take a Ride in Bicycle-Friendly Lake Butler, in Union County, Florida

If you’re looking for a quiet, low-key place to have a leisurely bicycle ride, head to Lake Butler, in Florida’s Union County.  Union County is small and rural, but there are plenty of sights to see from either the Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail or the not-very-busy city streets.  The trail’s western terminus is in downtown …