gilchrist blue springs State park

About Gilchrist Blue Springs

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is the most recent addition to the Florida State Parks system.

An impressive collection of naturally occurring springs can be found within the park, including a large second-magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. In addition to having exceptional water clarity, this spring, known as Gilchrist Blue Springs, also discharges water through a shallow spring run that is approximately one-quarter mile long and empties into the Santa Fe River.

In addition to the aforementioned springs, Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring are also located on the property and provide scenic vistas and photographic opportunities.

The spring run stream and floodplain communities are among the most important ecological habitats in the area, according to the National Park Service. Wildlife species such as turtles, fish, and invertebrates have made the main spring run a popular destination for photographers. In waters with exceptional visibility, redbreast and spotted sunfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish can all be found.

Activities in Gilchrist Blue Springs

This is a recent addition to the Florida springs state parks. So that’s why you can visit this park in every weather and enjoy the park’s nature. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park offers in-season and off-season experiences. Here we are listed a few main experiences that usually people do. 

In-Season Experiences

• Swimming

  The water temperature at Ruth B.Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park remains constant at 72 degrees Fahrenheit/22 degrees Celsius. Because the spring is 24 feet deep, it’s possible to swim over and around it.

  If you’re a Floridian, this is quite cold, but it’s not too bad if you’re riding a tube, going in and out of the spring, or paddling in a boat.

  

• Boating

  Gilchrist Blue Springs also offering the boating experience in the crystal blue water. If you’ve ever fantasised about paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard across some of the world’s most beautiful blue and turquoise water, you don’t have to imagine any longer.

  Paddlers are welcome to bring their own boats and cruise the river while being transported back to their starting point, which can be either up or down the river by the river shuttle. If you don’t have your own boat or paddleboard, there are a variety of rental options available at various price points. Paddlers can choose to paddle within the park or to venture outside of the park to the river, depending on their preference. For information on the cost of rentals, transportation, and excursion drop-off and pick-up times and pricing, please contact the park’s customer service department directly.

• Scuba or Snorkeling

  Snorkeling in Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is very different from snorkelling in open water in the ocean. Because the water in the Gilchrist Blue Springs is so transparent and blue, it appears to be from another planet. Bring a mask and snorkel set with you to add another layer of excitement to your day on the water. Seeing the fish, plant life, and even the occasional manatee from below the surface of the water adds a new level of excitement to the experience. Wearing a mask and snorkel is optional; you can either purchase them or bring your own. Immerse your head in the springs to gain a new perspective on the natural beauty of the Gilchrist Blue Springs area.

• Springs View of the park

  The Gilchrist Blue Springs, which are comprised of five clear-water springs, are the attraction that draws visitors to the park. The Blue Springs pool, which is the largest swimming area, is the largest pool. It’s 24 feet deep and has a water temperature of 72 degrees, making it ideal for swimming. The springs are surrounded by a jumping platform and a white-sand beach, giving swimmers two options for getting into the water. Only one of the smaller springs is suitable for swimming, with the other three being strictly for observation. Whether you choose to swim in the springs, tube, paddle, or simply relax along the shoreline, the scenery is something you won’t want to miss out on.

  

Off-Season Experiences

• Hiking

  When it comes to soothing sore muscles, nothing beats warm spring water. Guests at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park have the option of getting some exercise in the fresh air and then relaxing in the healing mineral waters of the springs later on. A variety of options are available to walkers when it comes to exploring the park. The boardwalk is the ideal place to take a leisurely stroll along a scenic pathway. The Nature Trail is an unmarked trail that begins just past Naked Spring and leads to the beach. It is an official footpath. Depending on where you start, you can choose between a 1.5-mile loop and a 1.75-mile loop for your walk.

• Day Use

  Because the hot springs are the main attraction at Gilchrist Springs, the park’s layout is designed to accommodate water activities in almost every capacity. Guests who are interested in learning more about the springs should stop by the concession stand for more information. The concession stand is where visitors can rent equipment, purchase snorkelling gear, and make arrangements for river excursions, among other things. Ice, firewood, and food are also available for purchase at the concession stand. Because it is open all year, every season can be considered hot springs season! If you don’t feel like going for a swim, then take advantage of picnic areas to enjoy the day.

• Fishing

  Fishers should take advantage of the warm spring-fed Santa Fe River and try to catch Florida’s native Suwannee bass, which can be found in abundance in the river. While the bass is a smaller fish that lives primarily in coastal rivers, it is kept warm and happy by spring-fed sections of rivers that are fed by these springs during the colder months. Anglers can launch small boats, kayaks, and canoes from a number of public boat launches along the Santa Fe River, which are open to the public. If you don’t have your own boat, there are a number of rental options available in and around High Springs. All freshwater bass are subject to bag and length restrictions in the state, so make sure you are familiar with the regulations before heading out onto the water. Age restrictions and licence requirements for fishing in Florida vary depending on the species, the age of the angler, and the type of waterway or property where the fishing will take place. For more information, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Gilchrist Blue Springs Camping

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is a small campground for tents and RVs that is open all year long. It is possible to make reservations at the campground, and any sites that are not already reserved or occupied may be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. It is permitted to bring your pet on a leash into the camping areas. Pull-through and back-in camping sites with 30-amp electrical hookups and water are available. Each site also includes a picnic table and an area for a campfire. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length can be accommodated in the driveways. There is a restroom with hot showers, but there is no dumping station at the park. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to sundown every day except Sunday. To obtain the gate combination if you plan to arrive after sunset, call the park before 5:00 p.m. local time to make arrangements. Between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, it is considered quiet time. During these hours, all noise, including generators, should be turned off.