Summary of Features
|
 |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
Directions
From Branford, drive SE on U.S. 27 for about 10 miles. Turn north (left)
at park sign onto State Road 137. Take first paved road on the right (State
Road 238) to the park entrance on the right. The spring is ¼-1/3
mile downstream from Devil's Eye Springs on the same (right or west) side.
For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida
Spring Description
The spring creates a small pool in a low area at the base of long,
20-foot-high natural levee to the west. The spring and its run are in a
swampy area and create a small, irregularly-shaped pool that is about 12
by 6 feet and 2-3 feet deep. There are other pool/puddle areas nearby.
There appeared to be more than one vent on the date of visit, but aquatic
vegetation and the overarching canopy made it difficult to see the bottom.
Cypress trees and knees grow around the spring, which forms a 200-foot
run of 4 inches to 2 feet deep to the river. The shallow run is clear but
filled with aquatic vegetation and cypress knees.
Use/Access
Personal ImpressionsOn date of visit (December 2000), the run was very shallow, and the authors could only paddle a short distance up the run. They walked the rest of the way to the spring, learning only later that they were not supposed to make any landfall. The run flows parallel to the river across from a wide grassy area of the river just before the river makes an S-turn to the left and then right. Look for several tree trunks that have been sawed just below the mouth of the run. There is a nature trail along part of the spring run just below nearby Ichetucknee Spring at the canoe/tube put-in on the west side. A shuttle service ferries tubers from the parking area to the river and back from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tubes must be obtained outside the park. This spring is one of a series of springs that form the Ichetucknee River. Altogether, the springs discharge an average of over 230 million gallons of water per day. Park fees are as follows: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people per vehicle, and no river use/tubing/canoeing); $3 for single car occupant; $3 for 1-2 persons on a motorcycle; $1 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with annual entrance permits; $5 per person for tubing. Tubing at the park can be done from three locations: North end (3 hours). Mid-point ( 1.5 hours), and Dampier's LAnding (1 hour). The peak tubing season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A shuttle service ferries tubers from the parking area to the river and back from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tubes must be obtained outside the park. The tubing is in the river and not in the springs. A citizen support organization, the Friends of Ichetucknee Springs, Inc., has been established to support Ichetucnkee Springs and its watershed. For more information, contact Craig Harper at 196 SW Mission Springs Court, Ft. White, FL 32038.The park includes bathrooms and picnic facilities, and a concession stand at the south entrance. There is a nature trail along part of the spring run just below Ichetucknee Spring at the canoe/tube put-in on the west side. A shuttle service ferries tubers from the parking area to the river and back from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tubes must be obtained outside the park. The park includes bathrooms and picnic facilities, and a concession stand at the south entrance.
Nearby Springs
Other Nearby Natural FeaturesBlue Hole Spring Cedar Head Spring Mission/Roaring/Fig/Singing Springs Devil's Eye Springs Ichetucknee Spring Mill Pond Spring Coffee Spring
Contact InformationIchetucknee Springs State Park O’Leno State Park San Felasco Hammock State Preserve Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site River Rise State Preserve
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 SW U.S. Highway 27
Ft. White, FL 32038
386-497-2511 (recorded information)
386-497-1216 (North Ranger Station)
386-497-2302 (South Ranger Station)