Park Summary for Print - Troy Spring State Park

Welcome to Troy Spring State Park

The depths of this spring contain the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison, scuttled in the spring run in 1863 to keep it from being captured. A recent addition to the state park system, Troy Spring now has an entrance road, restrooms, an accessible walkway, picnic tables, and a riverside dock for canoeists and boaters on the Suwannee River. This 70-foot deep, first magnitude spring offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Only open-water scuba diving is permitted and divers must be certified; no solo diving is allowed. Trails for hiking and horseback riding are being developed. Located off County Road 425, 1.3 miles north of U.S. 27.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Troy Spring State Park, please call 386-935-4835.

Hours of Operation

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

Driving Directions

From Branford go 6 miles on US 27 North. Turn right on CR 425 and go 1.3 miles. Park entrance is on the right. From Mayo take US Highway 27 South approximately 13 miles. Turn left on CR 425 and go 1.3 miles. Park entrance is on the right.

Park Fees

Admission Fee (no scuba diving) - $3.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, each passenger in vehicle with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit - Admission fee $1.00

Or

Scuba Diving Fee - $10.00 per person. All diving is open water only. All divers must show proof of certification before diving. No solo diving is permitted.
Dives cannot extend past 5:00 p.m.

Activities at Troy Spring State Park

	Boating Troy Springs is located between mile marker 82 and 83 on the Suwannee River. A boat dock is available for day use.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing and kayaking is available year round down the famous Suwannee River.
	Fishing Fishing in the river is allowed with current Florida fishing license. NO fishing in swimming areas. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Horse Trail *Planned For The Future* A fourteen stall barn, wash rack, public restroom and primitive camping area. Continue to check this web site for updates. Equestrian trails are available on Suwannee River Water Management Ruth Springs Tract property located just outside Troy Springs. Call for more information. The barn has a single unisex facility that is ADA compliant.
	Nature Trails Enjoy a peaceful stroll on our ½ mile nature trail weaving through dense hardwood hammock.
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Troy Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in the springs.
	Picnicking Picnic facilities are located by the beautiful spring. Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come first-serve basis. The bathhouse located by the Spring/picnic grounds is ADA accessible.
	Scuba Diving FOR EVERYONES SAFETY THE RULES LISTED BELOW MUST BE FOLLOWED: All divers must show proof of certification before diving. All diving is open water only. No solo diving is permitted. Dives cannot extend past 5:00 p.m. No lights for open water dives. Instructors conducting a class must have a Commercial Dive Permit. Diving fees are $10.00 per person.
	Swimming/Snorkeling Swim in the 72 degree spring water while viewing a variety of fish and turtles. Snorkel down the spring run and see the remains of the scuttled Confederate steamship Madison. Swim at your own risk. NO lifeguard on duty.

Special Events for Troy Spring State Park

4TH ANNUAL OLD TIMERS DAY
Date: Saturday, May 17th, 2008. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Description: Troy Springs State Park would like to welcome back visitors who came to the area before the State Park opened in 2002 to learn more about their experiences at Troy Springs in years past. Enjoy a hot dog and hamburger cook-out sponsored by the North Florida Springs Alliance, a citizen support organization. Bring a lawn chair, a covered dish to share, and any old photos or stories about Troy Springs. We will have a photo scanner available. The public is welcome to share in the festivities and hear the history of Troy Springs.

Questions or RSVP contact Amy Conyers at (386) 935-4835 or email Amy Conyers
Fees: There is no fee for participants.
Contact: For more information, call 386-935-4835.

Troy Spring State Park Ranger Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about Troy Spring State Park

Question: How cold is the spring water?
Answer: The spring maintains 72 degrees year round.

Question: Is this the park with the remains of a steamship?
Answer: Yes. The Steamship “Madison” was scuttled in the spring-run during the Civil War around 1863 to keep the ship from getting into the wrong hands.

Question: What activities does the park have to offer?
Answer: Visitors can swim, snorkel, or SCUBA dive in the first magnitude spring, hike along the ½ mile nature trail, fish along the river bank, picnic, or stop by the Visitor Center.

Question: Is there camping?
Answer: No. There are nearby state parks with camping as well as private campgrounds and hotels. Call the park office for more information.

Troy Spring State Park History

Troy Springs contains one underwater historic site; the submerged remains of the steamship "The Madison". The Madison was built around 1844 or 1854 for Captain James M. Tucker and named for his hometown of Madison, Florida. The Madison served as a floating mail service and trading post during the 1850’s. During the Civil War in 1863, the Madison was scuttled in the spring run to keep it from getting into the wrong hands. Today, the remains of the Madison can still be seen through the clear spring water.

Troy Spring State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.