From Bella Terra we went to Blackwater River State Park. It opened in 1968 and totals about 600 acres. A destination for canoeists and kayakers.
Blackwater River State Park
Outside the park there is a private vendor who will drop you off upriver with a canoe, float for miles, then they pick you up when done! The Blackwater river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for swimming, fishing, camping, and paddling. There are four covered picnic pavilions that overlook the river. Great for large family/friends get togethers.
Quartz is the most important sand-forming mineral because of its resistance to both physical and chemical weathering. Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of pulverized coral; some beaches in Florida have sand that is 99% quartz, most of which comes from the Appalachian Mountains. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot. It’s estimated that the sand is millions of years old, having its origin in the Appalachians and flowing down the rivers from the mountains until it eventually was deposited along the shore. Tender foot Floridians would burn their toes on a California beach on a hot day!
The sand reminded us of White Sands National Monument in New Mexico but of a different chemical composition. White Sands is composed of gypsum instead of quartz. We visited the park a few years ago. The temperature was in the high 90’s, yet we could walk on the sand barefoot. Long ago, an ancient sea covered most of the southwestern United States. It was during this time that layers of gypsum were deposited on the seafloor. The rise and fall of the sea level millions of years ago influenced the making of the gypsum sand found at the monument.
The water is colored black because of tannins. As vegetation decays, tannins leach into the water, making a transparent, acidic water that is darkly stained, resembling tea or black coffee. The average depth is 2.5 feet, therefore, the dark color is not from the river being deep.
The Blackwater camp site was huge. Could have put 2 class A motorhomes side by side on it. Very private because of the trees. Full hookups. Nice showers. Quite a mix of campers from tents to large class A.
There had been rain, so most trails were flooded. During our last night the pedestal power went out from the rain.
Even the trails had white sand. Looks like snow. Jake loves hiking and is always looking for squirrels.