Fort White, Florida

Contact Information
12087 SW US HWY 27
Fort White, 32038
(386) 497-4690

Driving Directions
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located four miles northwest of Fort White, off S.R. 47 and 238.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Tubes must be launched by 4 hours before sunset.

Park Activities

Canoeing

Canoeing is available year-round at both the NORTH and SOUTH Entrances, and is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the river.

During the summer-season, there is an in-park shuttle service available.

During the off-season, you must arrange your own transportation service either with a local canoe outfitter, or private vehicles.

Canoe rentals are available from local venders outside the park.

The one-way canoe trip from the NORTH Entrance (UPPER LAUNCH) to the LAST TAKE-OUT POINT is about 2 hours (see park map).

Canoeing is recommended during the weekdays during the summer-season due to the high volume of tuber traffic.

Canoes must yield right-of-way to tubers.

Concessions

A full service concession stand is located at the SOUTH Entrance. It is open every day during the summer season, and may be operational during the off-season depending on park visitation. The concessionaire carries a wide assortment of food, refreshments, and personal items. There are also lockers available for rent.

The concessionaire does NOT rent tubes, canoes, masks, or snorkels, but there are several vendors outside the park which provide these and other services.

Nature Trails

There are three unique hiking trails located at the North Entrance of the park.

Trail guides are available at the Ranger Station or information booth.

Blue Hole Trail: A 1/2 mile walk through the Ichetucknee forest and cypress flood plain, which leads to Blue Hole Spring, the largest spring in the park.

Trerstle Point Trail: This shaded path winds along the crystal clear waters of the Ichetucknee River. The self- guided trail will take you back in time, when in the early 1900's, phosphate ore was mined in the area. Walk time for the .07 mile trail is approximately 30 minutes.

Pine Ridge Trail: A frequently overlooked area of the park is the majestic sandhill, with its towering longleaf pine and wide open vistas. View the natural diversity of this unique and vanishing ecosystem. The self- guided 2 mile loop trail will take you approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Picnicking

Picnicking is available at both the NORTH and SOUTH Entrances.

Areas are equipped with picnic tables and grills.

Facilities are first-come first-served; however, reservations can taken on covered picnic pavilions, call (386) 497-4690.

Scuba Diving

SCUBA diving is allowed at Blue Hole Spring in October through March.

Divers must be cave certified.

SCUBA diving is not permitted in the river or other springs.

There is a 1/2 mile trail to Blue Hole Spring; many divers bring a cart or wheelbarrow to transport gear.

Dives must be completed by 3 PM.

Swimming
Swimming is available every day of the year from 8 am until sundown at the North Entrance. Here, you may swim at either Ichetucknee Spring (head spring) or Blue Hole Spring.

Ichetucknee Spring provides for excellent swimming; however, Blue Hole Spring should be used by experienced swimmers due to depth and strong current.

Tubing
You can tube the beautiful Ichetucknee River every day of the year, from the SOUTH entrance of the park. You can tube from the NORTH entrance of the park Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.