Scenic Stops Along Highway 19/98: A Traveler’s Guide

Highway 19/98 winds through the heart of North Central Florida, cutting a scenic path right through Dixie County. Whether you're behind the wheel of an RV, towing a boat, or riding a bicycle, this route offers a slice of old Florida that’s rich in nature, history, and hospitality. This guide will walk you through the best scenic stops along the way. Dixie County is perfect for travelers who love the outdoors, birdwatching, hiking, photography, fishing, kayaking, and more.


1. Suwannee River: A Kayaker’s Paradise 


One of the crown jewels of Dixie County is the Suwannee River. This iconic waterway, fed by springs and stretching over 240 miles, is a haven for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Beginners and seasoned paddlers alike can enjoy calm currents, moss-draped cypress trees, and abundant wildlife.


You’ll often spot:


River otters

Wading birds like great egrets and wood storks

Freshwater turtles and even the occasional manatee


The Suwannee River Water Management District maintains several public access points along Highway 19/98, offering easy put-ins for paddlers. If you're up for a full-day excursion, consider paddling from Fanning Springs State Park to Old Town, a peaceful stretch lined with shaded banks and spring-fed waters.


2. Shired Island: Remote Camping by the Gulf


For camping in Dixie County, Shired Island is a must-visit. Set between the Suwannee and Steinhatchee Rivers, this remote location offers a quiet beach, salt marsh views, and some of the best wildlife watching around. There are basic camping facilities for RVs and tents, but what you’ll really enjoy is the stunning sunset over the Gulf of America.


Keep an eye out for:


  • Bald eagles

  • Roseate spoonbills

  • Bottlenose dolphins just offshore

This site is also a well-known spot for fishing in Dixie County, with both saltwater and freshwater species just a cast away.


3. Putnam Lodge: A Historical Stopover


Right off the highway in Cross City,thePutnam Lodge is a restored 1920s hotel that offers a charming break for travelers. Built during the area’s lumber boom, it’s now a boutique inn with vintage flair.


4. Horseshoe Beach: Small Town, Big Views


Known as "Florida’s Last Frontier," Horseshoe Beach is a quaint fishing village at the western edge of Dixie County. A detour off Highway 19/98 will take you straight to the Gulf coast, where you’ll find locals fishing off the pier, quiet lanes perfect for cycling, and panoramic views perfect for photography.


Don’t miss:


  • The peaceful marina

  • Fresh seafood from local eateries

  • Sunsets that light up the sky in pinks and oranges


5. Old Town: Small-Town Florida Charm


Old Town may be small, but it’s rich in history and a perfect example of rural Florida. Don’t miss the Old Town Trailhead, part of the Nature Coast State Trail, which follows old railroad beds and is great for cycling, walking, or birdwatching.


Local events, farmer’s markets, and friendly diners make this a nice spot to stretch your legs and connect with the community.


6. Steinhatchee Falls and Trailhead


This hidden gem, located just east of the highway, is one of Florida’s only naturally occurring waterfalls. A small cascade over limestone, the falls are beautiful in the rainy season and perfect for cooling off in the summer. The surrounding Steinhatchee Trail is part of an old railway converted into a flat, walkable path—ideal for biking, hiking, or even a quiet picnic.

Great for:


  • Families and casual hikers

  • Biking in North Central Florida

  • Wildlife spotting (deer and wild turkeys are common)


7. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge


Just minutes off Highway 19/98, this sprawling refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning over 53,000 acres, it protects tidal creeks, salt marshes, and hardwood swamps—an ideal setting for wildlife watching in Florida.


Did you know? The Suwannee Refuge is part of the Atlantic Flyway, making it an important rest stop for migratory birds. Expect to see herons, ibises, ospreys, and—if you’re lucky—bald eagles.


Popular Activities:


  • Birdwatching in Dixie County

  • Kayaking the Suwannee River

  • Nature photography

  • Easy walking trails

Trail Tip: Try the River Trail—a short, shaded boardwalk that leads to an overlook of the Suwannee River, perfect for a peaceful moment.


Ready to Hit the Road?


Explore Dixie County One Stop at a Time

Highway 19/98 is more than a road; it’s a pathway through one of Florida’s most serene and adventure-rich counties. Whether you’re RVing, hiking, kayaking the Suwannee River, or simply watching a heron take flight, Dixie County offers a peaceful connection to nature that’s hard to find anywhere else.


To plan your route, find the best places to stay, and explore local businesses that make Dixie special, visit www.VisitDixie.com and start building your scenic adventure today.