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| State Park Overview: |
 | The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of the Interior. From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area. In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from the river. Picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, are available throughout the park. A full-service concession offers food, refreshments, and outdoor products from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tubes plus snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented from private vendors outside the park. Located four miles northwest of Fort White, off State Roads 47 and 238. |
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| 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 1900's, 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: |
| Picnicking is available at the NORTH and SOUTH Entrances. Areas are equipped with picnic tables and grills. Facilities are first-come first-served. Covered picnic pavilions can be reserved. To reserve a pavilion, call (386) 497-4690. |
| 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: |
| Humans have lived and toiled near these beautiful springs for over 10,000 years. The Ichetucknee River and the surrounding forest have been home to many. Prehistoric creatures once roamed its banks. Native Americans hunted and fished here. A Spanish mission was built next to one of the many springs. In the 1800?s, a grist mill was in operation here. Travelers on the Bellamy Road often stopped at the main boil to quench their thirst. Early in the 20th century, phosphate was extracted from small surface mines which are still visible, although now heavily wooded. At the same time the turpentine and timber industries also flourished. From the prehistoric to the pioneer, Ichetucknee?s history is as deep and varied as the springs themselves. |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Ichetucknee Springs State Park - IChetucknee Springs State Park Overview | | Outdoors on Florida's Big Bend - Ichetucknee Springs State Park - ... | Destinations | Special Guides | Features Ichetucknee Springs State Park Fifteen minutes' drive from O'leno State Park, and ... State Parks Ichetucknee Springs State Park Peacock Springs State ... | | Ichetucknee Springs State Park - Florida information. Online hotel reservations, attractions and events. Florida State parks and ... Alphabetical Region: Northeast ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK Fort White, Florida Contact ... | | Ken's Page - Ichetucknee Springs State Park - ... tuck-nee") State Park Fort White, Florida The Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 2,241-acre park. Recreational activities ... we headed to Ichetucknee Springs State Park North Entrance. Between ... | | Wildlife Viewing Site - Ichetucknee Springs State Park - Wildlife 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, an oak ... | | Santa Fe River and Ichetucknee Springs State Park - Santa Fe River and Ichetucknee Springs State Park Launch from the boat ramp under US 129 Bridge. Traveled upstream until reaching the Ichetucknee River. Enter the Ichetucknee river and paddle ... |
| 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 5:00 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, a 3-1/2 hour float, it is suggested that you arrive early, as we have a daily limit of 750 tubers per day at the north entrance off CR 238. The driver of the vehicle, after 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 Dampier's Landing, a 2-1/2 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 2:00 p.m. unless daily carrying capacity has been reached. The last shuttle back to the North Entrance is 2:45 p.m. The last time to enter the river at the North Entrance is 3:00 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 4:00 p.m. or when carrying capacity reaches 2,250 tubers which ever comes first.
Dampier's Landing closes at 5:00 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 Dampier's 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 Dampier's 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. |
| Directions: |
| 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. |
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