By Starr Munro Riverbend News
There are times in history when certain things happen simply because it was at the right place at the right time. The rivers of the Withlacoochee and the Suwannee converge in Florida at a place where the water benefits three counties. Twin Rivers State Forest encompasses eastern Madison, western Hamilton and northwest Suwannee Counties. Today, the forest faces a busy Florida highway, but in the age of the steamboat, it was an important area that helped the towns within the aforementioned counties receive the supplies they needed that weren't available at a local general store.
In 1995, the Florida Forest Service was given the lead role in managing the area under a special lease agreement with the Suwannee River Water Management District. This management has helped turn what was historically an important area for commerce into a place where the people of today can go visit places that remind one of yesterday. Both the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers were used as major commercial routes and steamboats were a very common sight if you were to stand along some of those banks that reside in the State Forest.
Twin Rivers even hosts a trail that leads into another part of history, the remains of the Ellaville. Remnants of the Drew Mansion can be found right off the northern path. In the winter, when the weeds have died back, you can find worn pathways from another time that lead straight to the river's edge, where the people of Ellaville in the early 20th century would go to picnic and swim. A forgotten spring also can be found in the area, the Suwannacoochee Spring is one swimming spot that is sure to be deserted when you find it. With worn limestone walls lining the river's edge, the water that rushes out of the spring and into the river can be heard from the path and found by ear.
A short hike through Twin Rivers State Forest provides the opportunity to investigate into the past and take note of the history. A window into another time is open to the public for them to enjoy and learn from, and is easily reached. It's a place for a clear view of the river and you can almost see an image of a regal steamboat, rolling down in all its glory. Twin Rivers is located on U.S. Highway 90, approximately two miles west of the town of Live Oak.