River Rise Preserve State Park

River Rise Preserve State Park

Witness the Santa Fe River emerge from underground, creating a stunning natural landscape

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective Dec. 12, 2025: A prescribed burn will be conducted at River Rise Preserve State Park. Trails will be closed until further notice. The closed sections are between trail markers 45 to 46, 46 to 51, 51 to 52, 52 to 58 and 58 to 46.

Hours

8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

373 U.S. 27
High Springs FL 32643

Get directions

Contact Info

386-454-1853

Welcome to River Rise Preserve State Park

The Santa Fe River goes underground in O'Leno State Park and reemerges 3 miles away in River Rise Preserve State Park as a circular pool before resuming its journey to the Suwannee River.


Surrounded by quiet woods and huge trees, anglers can spend a relaxing afternoon fishing on the river. Hiking and wildlife viewing are also favorite pastimes for park visitors.

Equestrians, hikers and fat-tire cyclists can explore over 35 miles of trails. Equestrians can end the day camping overnight at the park's primitive equestrian camp consisting of primitive campsites, a bathhouse, and a 20-stall horse barn available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Located on U.S. 27 just outside of High Springs.

Plan Your Visit

Portrait of Dennis Parson.
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Manager's Message

Enjoy the extensive trail system at River Rise Preserve State Park. Please remember to have a cellphone, trail map and water while on the trails.
a man walks down a dirt trail in a green forest
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Hike, Bike, Ride at River Rise

The premier trail system at O’Leno State Park is connected to that of River Rise Preserve State Park, creating over 35 miles of multi-use trails for biking, hiking or horseback riding.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

River Rise Preserve State Park Photo Gallery

River Rise Preserve
River Rise Preserve Riders on Trails
River Rise Preserve
River Rise Preserve Turtle
cypress tree roots are exposed in the middle of a forest
a white and grey osprey sits at the top of a tall pine tree with a fish in it's talons
sun shines through a thick forest of thin pine trees
an algae covered lake ringed with trees
a red kayak sits on the banks of a river lined with trees
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Geology of River Rise

O’Leno and River Rise Preserve state parks are two of the few places in Florida where a river disappears underground and reappears a few miles away.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
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Trails at Florida State Parks

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

People Make the Parks

a park ranger in uniform stands in the middle of school classroom

Staff Spotlight

O’Leno and River Rise Preserve state parks abound with history, and Jim serves as a steward of these valued resources.
a man in a volunteer shirt and hat smiles and waves in front of a log pavilion

Volunteer Spotlight

Jim began volunteering in 2005, working at River Rise Preserve and O’Leno state parks.
A river seen through a forest with dappled sunlight.

Friends of O'Leno

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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