Tucked away in the quiet woodlands at the edge of Madison County, Florida, lies the town of Ellaville. Once home to a thriving community, this ghost-town has since been swallowed up by nature, leading to its eerily beautiful look. Established in the 1860s by George Franklin Drew, a man who later became Florida’s 12th governor, Ellaville was originally built for a sawmill that serviced the booming logging industry.
The sawmill was one of the largest in the state at the time, leading to a growing local community thanks to the employment opportunities. At its peak, the town also boasted a railroad depot, post office, general store, and several other businesses that kept the community thriving. Sadly, after Ellaville’s mill burned down, the town slowly began to fade away. Its demise was furthered when the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers flooded on multiple occasions and ravaged the town’s buildings. Shops closed, people moved away, and by the mid-20th century, the streets were empty, with Ellaville becoming the ghost town we see today.
if you visit Ellaville now, and you’ll be able to see only traces of what it once was. The foundation of the Drew mansion, the abandoned and aged Suwannee River Store, the Hillman Bridge, and a small cemetery are all that remain. A trip to Ellaville isn’t just a journey through the woods. Instead, it is a rare opportunity to explore a piece of history, untouched by the modern world.
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How to get to Ellaville and what to see
Abandoned bridge in Ellaville – Roadside Discovery / YouTube
Ellaville is located just across the river from Suwannee River State Park and about 1.5 hours east of Tallahassee. Most visitors arrive by car, traveling along U.S. Route 90 to the park’s entrance. Once there, walk the Ellaville Loop Trail — a 5.5-mile path that winds through pine forests along the banks of the Suwannee River, and into the heart of this outstanding historic settlement. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and joggers, and you can even kayak down the Suwannee River. For a multi-day kayaking trip, journey to another underrated state park in Florida full of hiking trails and river adventures — Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.
But if you just want to explore the area on foot, follow the Ellaville Loop Trail and uncover the town’s history. Stop by the river’s edge for photography and wildlife watching. With white-tailed deer, river otters, and a thriving bird population, this destination is a must-see for both nature lovers and history buffs. The trail is open year-round between 8 a.m. and sunset and guests can enter the park for just $5 per vehicle or $2 if you’re walking or biking in.
Tips for visiting Ellaville, Florida
trail in woods – William Silver/Shutterstock
Ellaville is a great spot to visit any time of year, with each season bringing a unique charm to this forgotten ghost town. Spring brings blooming wild flowers and mild weather, making it a great time of year for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique outdoor adventure. The area is lush and green in the summer but comes with humidity and mosquitoes, so going in the early morning will be the most comfortable. Winter is a peaceful time of year to visit where you can enjoy all the activities of summer without getting too hot — the temperature rarely dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ensure you’re well prepared for the walk; water is always a must as there are no stores in the area. Bring layers of clothing in the winter, and bug spray and sunscreen in summer. Don’t forget a camera, either, as you’ll want to capture the stunning wildlife and the ruins of the small town of Ellaville. Since the town has no lodging or restaurants, pack a lunch and plan to stay in a nearby town. Madison, Live Oak (home to a Florida swimming hole that is a top-ranked spot for water adventures), and Jennings are all within a 30 minute drive , and boast plenty of great lodging options. From budget motels (starting at around $75 per night) to cozy bed and breakfasts and scenic riverside campgrounds, you can find the perfect home base for exploring the ghost town of Ellaville.
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Read the original article on Explore.