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Ichetucknee Springs State Park:
A great place to either take in the beauty of the flora and fauna of Northern Florida or a way to keep cool while having fun floating down the crystal clear waters of the Ichetucknee river. Tubing is the floatation of choice and they or even small inflatable boats are available from vendors outside the park. Tubes stacked along side the road will let you know you are getting close to the park (see how to get there). If you didn't bring your own tube then stop and get some. They rent for 8-10 dollars for a double tube or 4-5 dollars for single tube. The vendor will tie it on your vehicle and then you need to decide where you want to put in and start your float. There is the North entrance which will give you about a 3 1/2 hour float if you go the entire distance. You can put in at the mid point and float for 1/2 hour to 1 1/2 hours. If you choose to put in at the North entrance you will get to see the head of the springs and the famous blue hole. Just a not on starting at the North entrance - The group and there equipment will have to be dropped there by not later than 1:40 PM and then some one must take their transportation down to the parking at the midpoint by going back out and following the highway to the south entrance, parking there and catching a free shuttle back up to the North entrance to rejoin the rest of the group. See a map of the Park If tubing is not your thing then there are many trails for hiking and the normal rules apply: stick to trails, do not feed animals, do not touch or pick plants. You will see Huge cypress and cypress knees, Hickories and a multitude of other plant species native to the area. Picnicking is encouraged and there are provision made for those that just want to sit in nature and admire it. There is also a small concession area at the midpoint parking area. Clean restrooms are Available at the three main river points. There is an abundant number of park employees to help direct you. Diving the blue hole is permitted after registering and paying your entrance and diving fee. see contact information. Camping is not allowed as this is a day park however camping is available at Oleno State Park just 12 miles away. How to get to the Ichetucknee State Park: See a Map From the Northern States or the East coast: South to I-10. Take I-10 west to I-75 South to exit #423 (old exit #81), take SR 47 south, then right on 238. Follow park signs. From Western regions Get to Interstate-10 to Tallahassee Fl. then take US 27 south and follow signs, or take I-10 east to I-75 South to exit #423 (old exit #81), take SR 47 south, then right on 238. Follow park signs. From South Florida Take I-75 North to exit 399 (old exit #78) then head west on US 441 north to High Springs, about three miles in you must veer off to the left onto US 27 north to Fort White and follow signs. At Fort white you can turn North on SR47 and turn left at Joann's Tubes to the north entrance or go straight through Fort White on 27 to the South entrance and the midpoint parking. or you can Some Useful notes The Ichetucknee River is a series of springs discharging 233 million gallons of water daily flowing for six miles through hammock and swamp before it joins the Santa Fe River. A sand hill community upland of the river supports an abundance of wildlife. The land that the Ichetucknee State park is located on was purchased in 1970 and became a State Park in 1972 the same year that the Ichetucknee's head spring was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The south entrance is open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year however the shuttle service to the North entrance ceases at 2:15 PM. Consequently the North entrance closes to tubers about 2:00 pm.
Park Fees Admission Fee (with river use during peak tubing season) - $5.00 per
person. Admission fee allows visitors access for tubing as well as picnicking,
swimming and hiking. Admission Fee (no river use) - $5.00 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 An Honor Fee of $3.00 per vehicle is payable at the pay station when the
Entrance Station is closed. Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, each
passenger in vehicle with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit -
Admission fee is $1.00 Bus Tour Fee - $40.00 or $1.00 per person, whichever is less (driver admitted
free). Admission fee allows visitors access for picnicking, swimming at the head
springs and hiking. During the off-season of early September through the end of May,
tubing is allowed from the south entrance only. Trams and shuttles will not
be provided. Large Picnic Pavilion Fee - $40.00 per day. This pavilion seats 80 to
100 people and is located at the South Small Picnic Pavilion Fee - $30.00 per day. There are two small
pavilions available. Each pavilion seats 40 to 50 people and are located at the
South Entrance. Please call the park to make reservations: 386-497-4690. Canoeing Fee - $5.00 per person year around. Scuba Diving Fee - $10.00 per person, October through March.
Ichetucknee
Springs State Park North Ranger Station:
(386) 497-1216 Visitor
Service Provider Citizen
Support Organization |
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