Ichetucknee Springs State Park - Florida State Park

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Ichetucknee Springs State Park

State Park Information

State Park Overview

Trails
Nature Trails

There are three unique hiking trails located at the North Entrance of the park. Trail maps are available at the Ranger Station or information booth.

Blue Hole Trail A 1/2 mile walk through the Ichetucknee forest and cypress flood plain, which leads to Blue Hole Spring, the largest spring in the park.

Trestle Point Trail This shaded path winds along the crystal clear waters of the Ichetucknee River. The self- guided trail will take you back in time, when in the early 1900s, phosphate ore was mined in the area. Walk time is approximately 30 minutes.

Pine Ridge Trail A frequently overlooked area of the park is the majestic sandhill, with its towering longleaf pine and wide open vistas. View the natural diversity of this unique and vanishing ecosystem. The self- guided 2 mile loop trail will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Picnicking

Boating
Canoeing & Kayaking

Canoeing is available year-round at both the NORTH and SOUTH Entrances and is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the river.

During the summer-season, there is an in-park shuttle service available.

During the off-season, you must arrange your own transportation service either with a local canoe outfitter, or private vehicles.

Canoe rentals are available from local vendors outside the park.

The one-way canoe trip from the NORTH Entrance (UPPER LAUNCH) to the LAST TAKE-OUT POINT is about 2 hours (see park map).

Canoeing is recommended during the weekdays during the summer-season due to the high volume of tuber traffic.

Canoes must yield right-of-way to tubers.

Canoeing Fee $5.00 per person year round.

Swimming
Swimming/snorkeling is available every day of the year from 8 am until sundown at the North Entrance. Here, you may swim at either Ichetucknee Spring (head spring) or Blue Hole Spring.

Ichetucknee Spring provides for excellent swimming however, Blue Hole Spring should be used by experienced swimmers due to depth and strong current.

History of the Area

More Info

IChetucknee Springs State Park Overview
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...dlife Viewing Site Ichetucknee Springs State Park Great Florida Birding Trail site Description Two self-guided trails at the north entrance of the park offer views of the river - oak
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Area Attractions
Scuba Diving

SCUBA diving is allowed at Blue Hole Spring from October through March.

Divers must be cave certified.

SCUBA diving is not permitted in the river or other springs.

There is a 1/2 mile trail to Blue Hole Spring many divers bring a cart or wheelbarrow to transport gear.

Dives cannot extend past 500 p.m.

Diving Fee $10.00 per person, October through March.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is available in designated areas

Tubing

NOTE To keep the Ichetucknee River pristine, NO food, drink, tobacco or disposable items may be taken on the river.

NO pets are allowed on the river.

North Entrance-Summer SeasonMay 27, 2005 through September 5, 2005.

Cost $5.00 per person (children 5 and under is free).

Should you wish to tube the entire river - 32/2 hour float, it is suggested that you arrive early -s we have a daily limit of 750 tubers per day at the north entrance off CR 238. The driver of the vehicle -fter paying entrance fees, will need to drop all passengers and tubes at north picnic area. Only the driver takes the vehicle to the main parking lot at the south entrance and boards the SHUTTLE VAN to return to the north picnic area then rejoins his/her party to float down the river. You can exit the river at Dampiers Landing - 22/2 hour float, with a 5 minute walk back to your vehicle or, exit the river at the last take-out point. You will return via a tram to the south parking area.Note The last river trip is sold at 200 p.m. unless daily carrying capacity has been reached. The last shuttle back to the North Entrance is 245 p.m. The last time to enter the river at the North Entrance is 300 p.m.

South Entrance-Summer SeasonMay 27, 2005 through September 5, 2005.

Cost $5.00 per person (children 5 and under is free).

Mid-point Launch closes at 400 p.m. or when carrying capacity reaches 2,250 tubers which ever comes first.

Dampiers Landing closes at 500 p.m. or when parking area reaches capacity. The trams are operational the entire summer season. Park your vehicle and board the tram that will carry you and your tube to the mid-point tube launch area. You can float for 30 minutes, exit at Dampiers landing and walk 5 minutes back to your vehicle, or continue the float one more hour to the last take-out point. You will return to the parking area via tram.

South Entrance-Off-Season

From after Labor Day until the day before Memorial Day, tubing is ONLY available through the south entrance off US 27. Park in the main parking area and follow the midpoint trail or tram road to the launch area, midpoint dock (about a 15 minute walk). You can then float 1/2 hour to Dampiers landing and walk 5 minutes back to your vehicle, or continue floating for 1 hour to the last tube take-out. Return to the main parking area via the tram road (about a 15 minute walk).

Cost $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). An Honor Fee of $3.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle) or $1.00 per person is payable at the pay station when the Entrance Station is closed.
From the north, take I-75 south to exit 423. Take SR 47 south, turn on CR 238 and follow the park signs.

From the south, take I-75 north to exit 399. Take US 441 north to the city of High Springs. Take US 27 north to Ft. White, stay on US 27 north approximately 4 miles to the South Park Entrance.