Manager's Message

As the summer is coming to a close and the fall colors are beginning to emerge, it’s a great time to visit Ichetucknee Springs. The summer crowds have gone so you can enjoy a peaceful, natural experience. Visit the North Entrance to swim in the Headspring or Blue Hole Spring or to enjoy one of three beautiful Nature Trails. Explore the ½ mile walk to the beautiful Blue Hole Spring or the less than 1 mile loop Trestle Point Trail which will take you along the river bank and back through a dense hammock forest near the old phosphate mining operation. If you are feeling more adventurous, the 2 mile Pine Ridge Loop will take you past the Trestle Point Trail and through a wide-open sandhill ecosystem. Fall is also an excellent time of year to experience the Ichetucknee River by canoe or kayak. Some private vendors outside of the park offer boat rentals as well as transportation or you can bring your own canoe or kayak. The gate at the Take-Out is open this time of year. It is just south of the main South Entrance on US 27. From this location, boaters can easily access the river to launch, paddle upstream, then leisurely paddle back to their vehicle. Another option is to bring two vehicles, leaving one at the Take-Out and taking one to launch the boats at the North Entrance Launch. If you are interested in tubing the river, please remember that the shallow, fragile North section of the river is closed to tubing this time of year to allow natural vegetation to re-grow. Tubing is permitted at the South Entrance but as the shuttles are no longer running, a short walk to and from the river is necessary. Whatever your interests, you will enjoy experiencing Ichetucknee in the fall season.

- 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

The park is open 8:00 a.m. until sunset 365 days a year. Information about Ichetucknee Springs State Park is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by calling 386-497-4690.

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.

Please Note: Dogs are not allowed on the river.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. No river use.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$4.00 Motorcycle Fee (one or two people).

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

River Use Fees

$5.00 per person: canoeing.

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

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

$6.00 per group of 2-8 people, tubing from South Entrance-Off-Season (Begins the Tuesday after Labor Day thru the Friday before Memorial Day).

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