Ichetucknee Springs State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ichetucknee Springs State Park | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape) | |
  |
|
| Location: | Columbia County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city: | Fort White, Florida |
| Area: | 2,241 acres |
| Governing body: | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 2,241 acre Florida State Park located four miles northwest of Fort White off State Road 47 and State Road 238. It centers around the six mile long Ichetucknee River, which flows through shaded hammocks and wetlands into the Santa Fe River. The Park contains hardwood hammock and limestone outcrops. Like many rivers in this part of North Florida, the Ichetucknee is fed by natural springs which boil up (in various holes) from the aquifer.
Contents |
[edit] Biology
Park wildlife includes white-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons. There are also aquatic mammals, fishes and reptiles: ie. turtles, water snakes, juvenile alligators, otters, manatees in the winter months, crayfish, bream, bluegill, largemouth bass, alligator gar, mullet, catfish, and several types of minnows.
[edit] Recreational activities
During the summer, one of the most popular park activities is floating down the Ichetucknee River in an innertube. From the end of May until early September, "tubing" down the river is the premier activity in the park. As the water in this spring-fed river is remarkably clear, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are extremely popular. The river's year-round temperature is 72 °F (22 °C) and therefore makes for a refreshingly cool escape from the hot afternoon temperatures in the region. Tubes and rafts, as well as snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented from private vendors outside the park.
The tubing season from the North entrance normally begins on May 27th. At the South entrance, the tram service operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rented innertubes and rafts are dropped off (at the end of the trip) in designated areas at the "take-out" point. This is a popular weekend getaway for the students (and faculty) of the nearby University of Florida. A word of warning: On busy summer weekends (and holidays) the park regulates the amount of people it will allow into the park. It's best to arrive early because the park often reaches its maximum capacity by noon.
Amenities within this state park include a concession stand, nature trails and picnic tables.
[edit] Hours
Florida state parks are open between 8 A.M. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays). The Education and Exhibit Center is open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
[edit] External links
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park at Florida State Parks
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park at State Parks
- Ichnetucknee Springs State Park at Absolutely Florida
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park at Wildernet
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park at Town Of Fort White
- Florida's Springs
