Looking for a new place to visit this summer? Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, the newest addition to Florida State Parks, is home to a stunning display of natural springs that will entice you with its calm, crystalline waters. This Florida natural wonder is ideal for an outdoor excursion, where you can spend the day canoeing, snorkeling, and taking in the captivating splendor of its second-magnitude spring.
The Gilchrist Blue Spring produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day and discharges water to the Santa Fe River via a shallow spring run about a quarter-mile long. Other springs to see on the property are the Little Blue Spring, the Naked Spring, the Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the variety of wildlife that can be seen here, from curious turtles to bright schools of fish. Bring your sunscreen and spend a family-friendly day at this lovely park, where outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or a leisurely walk along its elevated boardwalk.
Bring your lunch and enjoy it in the pavilions’ shade, or buy food and beverages from the concession stand. Those who want to observe the rich vegetation that surrounds the park can take a stroll through the gorgeous hiking routes, while fishing sites sprinkled along the peaceful Santa Fe River provide a relaxing atmosphere.
Not quite ready to leave? Spend the night under the stars at one of the park’s 25 campsites and wake up to the sight of unspoiled natural surroundings.
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is five miles west of High Springs in Gilchrist County, in the north-central region of the state along the Santa Fe River. The park is approximately 25 miles south of Lake City and approximately 20 miles northwest of Gainesville.
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park:
Address: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643
Phone: (386) 454-1369
