Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ichetucknee-springs-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichetucknee_Springs_State_Park Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 2,241-acre (9.07 km2) Florida State Park and National Natural Landmark located 4 miles (6 km) northwest of Fort White off State Road 47 and State Road 238. It centers around the 6-mile-long (10 km) Ichetucknee River, which flows through shaded hammocks and wetlands into the Santa Fe River. The park contains hardwood hammock and limestone outcrops. Like many rivers in this part of North Florida, the Ichetucknee is fed by natural springs which boil up (in various holes) from the aquifer.

ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK NATURE AND HISTORY Perhaps the Ichetucknee’s greatest historical treasure is the Mission de San Martin de Timucua. This Spanish/Native American village was one of the major interior missions serving the important Spanish settlement of St. Augustine. The mission, built in 1608 flourished through most of that century. The river and springs were used consistently by even earlier cultures of Native Americans, dating back thousands of years. 12087 SW U.S. Hwy 27 Fort White, FL 32038 386-497-4690 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. With high quantities of limestone at or just below the ground surface, the area became early headquarters for North Florida’s phosphate industry in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Small surface mines are still visible throughout the park. Continuing through the 1940s, cypress and longleaf pine forests were harvested by the local timber and naval stores industries. • Pets are not permitted on or near the water. Where allowed, pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing is prohibited within the park. • Scuba diving is permitted year-round. No open water diving, divers must be certified. Ichetucknee Springs State Park was purchased by the State of Florida in 1970 from the Loncala Corporation to preserve one of the state’s outstanding natural wonders. In 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior declared the Ichetucknee Spring a National Natural Landmark. • Tobacco products are not permitted on the river. Food and drink are permitted on the river in nondisposable containers only. • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • To become a volunteer, visit FloridaStateParks. org/Volunteers. • Florida state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to all facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the waterfront visitor center at 850-561-7278. During the 1800s, early travelers on the historic Bellamy Road often stopped at Ichetucknee Springs to quench their thirst. Later that century, a gristmill and general store were located at Mill Pond Spring. An astounding daily average of 233 million gallons of water flows, from several large springs to form the Ichetucknee River. The 72-degree, crystal-clear river travels six miles before emptying into the Santa Fe River. The Ichetucknee is home to four distinct biological communities, including shady hardwood hammocks, sunny open sandhills, wild rice marshes and swampy floodplain forests. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK One of Florida’s most pristine spring fed rivers Ichetucknee Springs State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Camping is available at O’Leno State Park just 12 miles away. Private camping is also available in the area. Troy Spring State Park and River Rise State Park are also nearby. After tubing, visitors can stop and grab a bite at the full-service concession at the south entrance, open during the summer season. Ichetucknee Rd. N Canoeing W Concession North Entrance Ichetucknee Spring Head E S Hiking Parking Blue Hole Trestle Point Spring Vent Trail Picnicking Old Phosphate Mine Playground Restroom Scuba Diving Pine Ridge Trail ee R iver Showers Snorkeling uckn Visitors can enjoy Florida at its finest and spend a day at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The everflowing, clear aquamarine waters providing a view of the river bottom’s fish and plants is what makes the park a “natural wonder.” Canoeing or kayaking in the autumn, winter or spring allows paddlers an opportunity to see old Florida in its untouched state. Hiking the winding trails take visitors through different ecosystems and to the sights and sounds that make them distinct. The park offers picnicking under the shade of huge live oaks at the historic north entrance, swimming at Ichetucknee headspring where the edges are shallow, or scuba diving at Blue Hole Spring to depths of 40 feet (divers must be certified). The park offers several tubing options: 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours or 3.5 hours. Boat Ramp Swimming Tubing Midpoint Tube Launch Visitor Center Wildlife Viewing Ichet Take a cool, relaxing tube float or snorkeling trip on a steamy summer day, or a serene, soothing canoe or kayak excursion on a calm winter day. Whichever you choose, the tranquil beauty of the wild and natural Ichetucknee is not to be surpassed. Dampiers Landing dp t oin Mi South Takeout Tram Road il Tra Education Center Directions South Entrance 00252 Rev_01.19 Tram Shelter Take I-75 south, to exit 423, to State Road 47 south. Follow park signs. Or, take I-75 north to exit 399, US 441 n

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c