Experiences & Amenities

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and offers visitors ample opportunity to bird-watch throughout the park. Bird enthusiasts might see a variety of water birds, American kestrel, Northern bobwhite, Eastern wild turkey, barred owl, red-headed woodpecker, Bachman’s sparrows and many more. Bring your binoculars and checklist on your next visit!

Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.

• Operation Recreation GeoTour 

There are three 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 half-mile walk through the Ichetucknee forest and cypress floodplain leads to Blue Hole Spring, the largest spring in the park. Blue Hole Trail closes one hour before sunset.
• 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 to the early 1900s when phosphate ore was mined in the area. Walking 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, two-mile loop trail will take approximately 75 minutes.

Canoeing and kayaking is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the river. It also provides an opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife, including wading birds, manatees and river otters. See all of this while enjoying the views of moss-draped cypress, limestone banks, and some of the nine different springs that make up the Ichetucknee River. Paddling is accessible year-round from the north or south end.

• Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented and transportation arrangements can be made through Paddling Adventures at the general store located in the south entrance.

• Picnicking is available at the north and south entrances. Areas are equipped with picnic tables and grills.
• Pavilions are closed.

Scuba diving is allowed at Blue Hole Spring. Divers must be cavern or cave certified. Scuba diving is not permitted in the river or other springs. There is a half-mile trail to Blue Hole Spring; many divers bring a cart or wheelbarrow to transport gear. Dives must be finished one hour prior to sundown.

Snorkeling is available in designated areas.

• Swimming/snorkeling is available every day of the year from 8 a.m. 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 only, due to the depth and strong current.
• Swim at your own risk; no lifeguard on duty.

Please help us protect the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee. Food, disposable items, pets, fishing, radios, coolers, tobacco items and trash are prohibited on the river.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the river and within the park’s boundaries. All items may be inspected for compliance. All visitors are to be off the river by 6 p.m.

For your convenience, tubes are available for rent within the park. Visitors are welcome to bring their own tubes or rent from outside vendors. All tubes cannot exceed 60” in any two directions.

The shallow and sensitive north section of the river is closed to tubing. Tubing is available year round from mid-point or Dampier's Landing located in the south main entrance off Highway 27.

For more information, please see Tubing Information under the park menu.

The crystal-clear Ichetucknee River and head spring is a spectacular location for weddings. People have gathered here throughout history! Picnic areas equipped with tables and grills are available throughout the park. Pavilions that accommodate up to 50 people are located at the south end of the park.

• Please call the administration office at 386-497-4690, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for pricing and availability for your special day.
• Weddings at Ichetucknee

Wildlife is most often spotted along the river as visitors paddle by. Wildlife may include wading birds, manatees and river otters.