Ichetucknee Springs State Park & Ichetucknee River in Florida
"The Ichetucknee and its run, the most beautiful landscape in the world." Archie Carr, A Naturalist in Florida.
"The Ichetucknee's waters bubble out of the ground and flow like melted diamonds across a sandy bottom through a natural forest." Al Burt, The Tropic of Cracker.
Located in north Florida, the Ichetucknee River is a beautiful, natural crystalline, spring fed river that flows leisurely for six scenic miles through hardwood canopy forests and limestone outcroppings before reaching it's tributary, the Santa Fe River and then on to the famous Suwannee river before finally reaching the Gulf of Mexico. It is the most popular body of water in Florida that is fed entirely by freshwater springs, and it is one of Florida's oldest visitor attractions. The Ichetucknee River and springs is absolutely the most pristine waters in the state of Florida. The Ichetucknee River forms the border between the southern parts of Suwannee and Columbia Counties.
The Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a perfect summer destination for family outings. The park is located four miles northwest of Fort White, off State Roads 47 and 238. Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Admission to the park is $5 dollars. Ichetucknee Springs State Park spans 2,241 acres in Columbia and Suwannee counties. The park hosts huge numbers of visitors each year, all enjoying activities such as scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, tubing, paddling, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, picnicking and nature trails and simply relaxing and enjoying the serenity. It is truly a unique experience. Many people consider this to be the best tubing run in Florida. Although no camping is allowed inside the park, private campgrounds are available and located near the north entrance of the Ichetucknee Springs State Park, or at O’leno State Park 12 miles to the east, just north of High Springs, Florida.
The park has different launching and ending points, and you can choose to raft or innertube from anywhere between 1 to 3 hours. The river flows approximately one mile per hour. You can find vendors outside the park with tubes, rafts and snorkeling equipment available for rent at very reasonable rates, and the best part is that when you are done with your trip down the river, you can just drop off your innertubes at a designated spot and the tubing company will come pick it up for free.
The trip down river is a very beautiful one, with great shade trees and cool, clear water that remains a constant 72°-73°F all year round. The park has several hiking/nature trails to be enjoyed, and picnic areas are equipped with tables and grills. There is also a full concession stand with food and even some outdoor products that might be useful. Dogs are permitted only if kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the springs.
Map of Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
There are nine different named springs, and a large number of smaller springs that produce 233 million gallons of the most pristine fresh water within the 2,241-acre park each day. "Blue Hole" (also called "Jug Spring) is the deepest spring in the park, at 37 feet. The named springs are (in downstream order) Head Spring, Cedar Head Spring, Blue Hole Spring, Roaring Springs(also called Mission Springs), Singing Springs, Boiling Spring, Grassy Hole Springs, Mill Pond Spring, and Coffee Spring.
Driving directions: The Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located in Florida, four miles northwest of Fort White off State Road 47 and State Road 238. It is approximately a 15 minute drive from O'Leno State Park.
From the north, I-75 south to exit 423, then SR 47 south, turn on CR 238 and follow the park signs. From the south, I-75 north to exit 399, take US 441 north to the city of High Springs, then US 27 north to Ft. White, stay on US 27 north about 4 miles to the South Park Entrance. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 S.W. US Hwy 27, Fort White, Florida 32038
12087 S.W. US Hwy 27
Fort White, Florida 32038
Phone: 386-497-2511
GPS Location N29 57.844 W82 45.824
Friends of Ichetucknee Springs, Inc.
