Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Florida’s Tubing and Paddling Paradise
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White is a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. While not exactly a hidden gem, this spot is the perfect place to enjoy a Florida spring for the first – or tenth! – time.
Words and photos by Sara Sheehy
Live Wildly Lead Adventurist
I’d been hearing about Ichetucknee Springs State Park for months before my first trip. The moment I started paddling the river, I thought “ahh, so this is what everyone was talking about!” The crystal clear water, calm current, wildlife, and spring head pools all combined to create an unforgettable time in wild Florida. Whether you want to float, paddle, or walk the trails, don’t miss this special Florida State Park.
Things to Do at Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Kayaking and Canoeing the Ichetucknee River
My first adventure in Ichetucknee Springs State Park was to rent a kayak from Paddling Adventures at the south entrance. From there, you’ll get shuttled up to the headspring by the north entrance and then paddle the 3+ miles back to your car.
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The paddle can take as little as an hour, but I recommend savoring it and letting the current pull you along for most of the way so that you can soak in the wildlife sightings and incredible beauty of the river corridor.
I spotted shorebirds, fish, alligators, turtles, and even a manatee! I couldn’t recommend this adventure enough, especially if you’re new to Ichetucknee. No motorboats are allowed, so you’ll have this quiet, chill experience mostly to yourself.
Tubing the Ichetucknee River
Tubing is the most well-known activity at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Paddling Adventures also facilitates this experience, with a tram shuttle and tube rentals from Dampier’s Landing down to the takeout. The tube run is currently around 3/4 of a mile (due to a closure at the midpoint launch), so it’s quick and easy.
Keep an eye out for fish, turtles, and wading birds along the way. Note that you can jump into the water to swim from your tube, but you must always have a flotation device and take care to never touch the river bottom.
Swimming and Snorkeling at the Headsprings
Ichetucknee has two designated swimming areas at Ichetucknee Springs head spring and Blue Hole Spring, both of which are a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
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Ichetucknee Springs is the more family-friendly of the two, with a more gentle spring uprising and a shallower entry. I loved swimming around the edges of this spring with my snorkel, spotting fish in the roots of the trees and shrubs that line the water. Look for gar, mullet, and turtles! No tubes are allowed in the head spring.
Blue Hole Spring is a short hike from the head spring. Blue Hole is deep, fast, and has a deep entry. This spot is best for experienced swimmers. I enjoyed trying to swim toward the uprising (it was a workout!) and observing the deep, dense spring entrance from above.
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
There are three trails at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, all of them accessed from the north entrance:
- Blue Hole Trail is a half-mile walk through the forest to Blue Hole. Even if you don’t plan to swim at Blue Hole, it’s worth walking over to check it out.
- Trestle Point Trail is a one-mile trail that is partially along the river and shows some history of the phosphate mining that once happened in this area.
- Pine Ridge Trail is a two-mile loop trail through sandhill and longleaf pine with some peeks at the springs.
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Ichetucknee Springs State Park is also on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail, making it a great spot for birdwatchers. Look for wild turkeys, swallow-tailed kites, and pileated woodpeckers.
Plan Your Visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park
- Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.
- Fees: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) or $2 per person if you walk or bike in.
- Pets: Allowed in certain parts of the park; must be on leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed to enter the water.
- Facilities: Kayak launch, kayak rentals, tubing rentals, shuttles, snack bar, and restrooms.
Discover the clear waters and peaceful trails of Ichetucknee Springs State Park for yourself. Grab a tube or kayak and explore the wild beauty of Ichetucknee.
