Splash Into the Springs Near Gainesville, FL
Discover crystal-clear water flowing from underground at 72 degrees year-round. North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs and the largest collection of First Magnitude freshwater springs in the United States. The springs make a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing in nature. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered with our list of nearby springs, great places to stay and fun things to do.
Local county parks and Florida State Parks provide abundant opportunities to enjoy these natural resources all year. When visiting a state or county park, remember our springs need our help. Water quality, clarity, and levels have been decreasing in many of our springs. Learn more from Alachua County Environmental Protection Department.
Local outfitters help make the most of your springs adventure. Paddle 8 Springs in 8 Miles with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures. Create custom excursions with Aquatrek Expeditions.
Poe Springs Park
28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
352-268-6847
www.AlachuaCounty.us
Parking is $6 per vehicle and $1 for visitors walking or cycling to the park.
Park summer hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April to September.
Park winter hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October to March.
Poe Springs is the largest spring in Alachua County and is open to visitors 7 days a week. The spring pumps 45 million gallons of cool, refreshing water daily. Park amenities include pavilions and picnic shelters, play areas, multi purpose fields, volleyball courts, and bar-b-que grills. There are loop trails throughout the park for hiking, and a boardwark that traverses the cypress swamp leads visitors to the springs. A boat launch and dock afford watercraft access to the river.
The Park may close when the Spring reaches capacity of 100 persons.
Pets are allowed in the park on a handheld leash at all times. Pets are not allowed to swim in the spring.
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
7450 NE 60th St., High Springs FL 32643
386-454-1369
www.FloridaStateParks.org
The park contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has outstanding water clarity and discharges water through a shallow spring run about one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. Admission is $4 (single occupant) to $6 (2-8 people) per vehicle.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 SW US Hwy 27, Fort White FL 32038
386-497-4690
www.FloridaStateParks.org
Floating down the spring-fed Ichetucknee River is the perfect summer tradition and a refreshing, relaxing way to escape into nature. Blue Hole Spring is the largest of several springs at the park, producing on average 67 million gallons of water per day. The clear water is the main attraction, but wildlife is also in abundance with sightings of birds, turtles, otters, fish and more. Admission is $6 per vehicle.
Rum Island Park
1447 SW Rum Island Terr., Fort White, FL 32038
Rum Island Park provides you with access to the Santa Fe River and the beautiful, clear, freshwater Rum Island spring. Take a scenic hike on the nature trail located near the boat ramp. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
Plan Your Visit at a Nearby Place to Stay:
America’s Best Value Inn, Alachua
16100 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, FL 32615
386-462-3251
Blue Gem Motel
19544 NW US Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643
385-545-1701
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Alachua
16367 NW 167th Blvd. , Alachua, Florida 32615
386-518-6777
High Springs Country Inn
19663 US Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643
386-454-1565
Quality Inn Alachua
15960 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, FL, 32615
386-462-2244
High Springs Inn
15920 NW US Highway 441, Alachua, FL 32615
386-289-2654
Hampton Inn & Suites, Alachua I-75
15930 NW 163rd Ln., Alachua, FL 32615
386-315-8100
High Springs Campground
24004 NW Old Bellamy Rd., High Springs, FL 32643
386-454-1688
Travelers Campground, Alachua
17701 April Blvd., Alachua, FL 32615
386-462-2505
Find more places to stay in Gainesville and Alachua County here.
