Manager's Message

As the air gets cooler and Fall is upon us, it is a wonderful time to visit Ichetucknee Springs. The crowds have dispersed and the wildlife is abundant. Fall is an excellent time to enjoy the peaceful river by boat. Bring your own canoe or kayak or visit a local boat vendor. Boaters with two vehicles can park at the Last Take-Out Entrance, now open just north of the South Entrance to the park on US 27, and launch at the North Entrance. Boaters with one vehicle can park at the Last Take-Out Entrance and paddle upstream and then enjoy a leisurely paddle back downstream to their vehicle. If you are interested in tubing, please remember that the shallow, sensitive north section of the river is closed this time of year to allow re-growth of vegetation but you may tube at the South Entrance year-round. The trams are not running this time of year so a short, 20 minute walk is required to and from the river. At the North Entrance, fall is an excellent time to walk the two self-guided nature trails. The Trestle Point trail is a 0.7 mile loop trail that will take you along the river and through a beautiful hammock and finally by an old Phosphate mining pit. If you are feeling ambitious, add the Pine Ridge Trail to your hike for a total of 2 miles. The Pine Ridge Trail will guide you out of the dense hammock forest and into the open sandhill where the quiet visitor may see a variety of wildlife and wildflowers.

- Sherry McGowan, Park Manager

Welcome to Ichetucknee Springs State Park

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, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. October through March scuba diving is available in the Blue Hole only (you must be cave certified). 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.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Ichetucknee Springs State Park, please call 386-497-4690.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving 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.

Park Fees

Admission Fee (no river use) - $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Single Car Occupant - $3.00

Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00

Canoeing Fee: $5.00 per person year round.

Tubing
North Entrance-Summer Season (Begins the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day) - $5.00 per person (children 5 and under are free).

South Entrance-Summer Season (Begins the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day) - $5.00 per person (children 5 and under are free).

South Entrance-Off-Season (Begins the Tuesday after Labor Day thru the Friday before Memorial Day) - $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle).

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

12087 S.W. US Hwy 27
Fort White, Florida 32038
Phone: 386-497-4690
Fax: Contact Park for Number

Citizen Support Organization

Friends of Ichetucknee Springs, Inc.
Craig Harper, 196 SW Mission Springs Court
Ft. White, FL 32038