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PLACES TO GO
1.- Blue Springs:
This
commercially operated spring is known for its exceptionally clear water
and stunning underwater scenery, making it popular with underwater
photographers. Though scuba
diving is not allowed, it's a delightful spot for swimming and
snorkeling. A playground, picnic area, camping/RV site, bathhouse and
concession store are just some of the accommodations that await
visitors.
A 1,500-foot boardwalk follows
the spring flow to the Santa Fe River. For more information,
contact Blue Springs, P.O. Box 331, High Springs, FL 32655, or call
1-386-454-1369.

2.- Ginnie Springs
Outdoors, LLC:
A
200-acre site popular with families and serious divers alike, the park
is built around a system of seven springs. An extensive underwater
cavern makes this a highly-rated dive
destination. Camping
(wilderness or sites with electricity), a rental cottage and rental
VARDO, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, tubing and
volleyball are available for visitors. For more information, please,
contact Ginnie Springs Outdoors, LLC, 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd., High
Springs, FL 32643, or call 1-386-454-7188.

3.- Santa Fe River:
The
Santa Fe River has its origins in the Santa Fe swamp and wetlands of
lakes Alto and Santa Fe in Bradford County. It disappears underground
at O'Leno State Park and, three miles
later, reappears at River Rise Sate Preserve just north of High
Springs. The spring-fed Ichetucknee River joins the Santa Fe River near
Fort White before its confluence with the
Suwannee River just south of Branford. Because the lower Santa Fe River
is fed by numerous springs, and its waters are crystal clear, it is
popular with canoeists and swimmers and offers productive fishing for
anglers.

4.- Ellie Ray’s
River Landing:
Located
on the beautiful Santa Fe River, this RV park features a winding
boardwalk and spring-fed “swimmin’ hole” right off
the river’s bank. A floating dock provides
convenient docking and easy river access for boaters, as well as a
great spot to watch for manatee and other Florida wildlife. The RV park
offers entertainment for the whole
family!
For more information, please, contact Ellie
Ray's River Landing, 3349 NW 110th St., Branford, FL 32008 or call
1-386-935-9518.

5.- Suwannee River:
Largemouth
and Suwannee Bass provide excellent fishing opportunities. Both can be
caught along the shoreline near fallen trees or stumps. Several species
of catfish are plentiful
and offer real excitement for anglers young and old alike. Redbreast
and spotted sunfish are the most abundant game fish in the river and
are easily caught near shoreline brush and
stumps. The peak season is May through September, but good catches are
possible year round. During the winter months, fish tend to concentrate
in the many deep holes found along
the river bends. Access points include boat ramps at Hart Springs off
of CR 344 and CR 232 west of Bell; Eula and Wannee Landings, both off
CR 341, Rock Bluff at the CR 340 bridge
and several other locations. Obtain a map of the Lower Suwannee River
Boat Ramps & Canoe Launches from the Gilchrist County Chamber
of
Commerce at (352) 463-3467.

6.- Hart Springs
Park:
A
family-oriented recreation area, the park boasts one of the
area’s largest swimming facilities and a half-mile boardwalk
through the pristine cypress hammock. From
volleyball to pedal boat rentals, Hart Springs also offers a wide
variety of amenities with the family in mind. Why not take
advantage of our area, the largest concentration
of fresh water springs on Earth?
Contact: Hart Springs Park, 4240 SW 86th Ave., Bell, FL 32619
or call 1-352-463-3444.

7.- Nature Coast
State Trail
:
This
park is a 31.7-mile paved trail for walkers, runners, skaters, hikers,
cyclists and horseback riders. Connecting all three counties, the Trail
cuts through quaint towns,
rustic farmland and unspoiled forests, carrying visitors across the
historic Suwannee River on an abandoned railroad trestle. It is a
wonderful to stay in shape and enjoy nature at its best...
More
information? Contact Fanning Springs State Park, 11650 NW 115th St.,
Chiefland, FL 32626 or call 1-352-463-3420.

8.- Fanning Springs
State Park:
This
beautiful State Park is one of the wonders of our county... Manatees
often enter the spring run during cool weather at this 188-acre state
park. Amenities include a playground, volleyball courts and a softball
field. This is an
excellent spot for picnicking, hiking and swimming.
For more information, please, contact Fanning Springs State Park, 11650
NW 115th St., Chiefland, FL 32626 or call 1-352-463-3420.

9.- Lower Suwannee -
Santa Fe Conservation Lands:
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for solitary, back-to-nature experiences
will want to explore some of these public lands that feature natural
communities along the Santa Fe and
Suwannee rivers. The tracts offer minimal facilities, often just a
parking area and information sign. Road access is often limited because
of the swampy nature of the river
floodplain. Nonetheless, the lands are open every day during daylight
hours for hiking, nature study, fishing, bicycling and horseback
riding, unless otherwise posted. Request a
copy of the recreation guide from: Suwannee River Water Management
District, 9225 CR 49, Live Oak, FL 32060. Phone 1-800-226-10666 or
1-386-362-1001.
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