Take A Virtual Florida Vacation To Gilchrist County’s Spring-Fed Swimming Holes

Now, while travel (local, regional, national and international) has slowed, it’s the perfect time to get out the maps, and take a “virtual vacation” to Natural North Florida. We’ve got plenty to see, and hope to see you (at a safe social distance!) once time get better. There are bigger springs along the Suwannee River …

The Suwannee River and It’s Tributaries–The Beating Heart of Natural North Florida

Florida’s mighty Suwannee River represents the heart (and arteries) of our Natural North Florida region.  It flows over 200 miles from south Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico, on the border of Dixie and Levy counties.  It is fed by countless springs, each flowing from the Floridan Aquifer, as well as tributaries like …

Suwannee River Paddling Festival, April 5-7, 2019

If you’re an avid paddler, you don’t want to miss this event.  There are several 8-12 mile options on both the Suwannee River and the upper Withlacoochee River, all departing from Suwannee River State Park.  In addition to the many paddling opportunities, attendees will experience kayak and canoe demonstrations, a  silent auction, as well as …

Float The Santa Fe River, Then Enjoy Music at Rum 138 Outfitters, March 2, 2019, In Fort White, FL

  Doug Jipson and Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson’s Rum138 Outfitters has become a gathering spot for paddlers and music lovers in southern Columbia County.  Located on CR138 (off US27, west of High Springs) at the corner of Rum Island Road, the building houses a thriving canoe and kayak rental/livery as well as some spectacular art. Out back, …

Paddle Natural North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail With Paddle Florida, October 19-24, 2018

North Florida’s  Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (SRWT) starts at White Springs and follows the river for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This fall’s 65-mile trip will start at Madison Blue Spring State Park and end at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford.  Expect fair fall weather and a downstream paddle, suitable for all levels …

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park–Florida’s Newest State Park Now Open!

  Gilcchrist blue Springs State Park is the latest addition to Florida’s state park system.  The 400-plus acre park was previously privately owned, and in 2018 it was sold to the state of Florida.  Located just a short “run” from the Santa Fe River in Gilchrist County, the main spring is a second-magnitude vent pushing …

Fort White–The Good Jumping-Off Spot for Ichetucknee Springs State Park!

The Ichetucknee River and springs put Fort White on the map, so to speak.  Originally settled near “Fort White”, a military post built in the 19th century at the time of the Seminole Wars, this Columbia County town is truly a gateway to one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks.  Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches …

Fish Taylor County’s Lonesome (and Shallow!) Gulf Coastline

Taylor County, Florida has a a long and rugged Gulf of Mexico coastline, taking up a good portion of the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the lower 48 U.S. states.  Beginning at the fishing village of Steinhatchee and stretching towards the mouths of the Aucilla and Econfina rivers, it’s not only lonesome for anglers, …

Natural North Florida’s Gilchrist Blue Springs is Now Florida’s Newest State Park, 11/1/17

Florida now has 175 State Parks, and everyone’s excited that the transition from private to public for Gilchrist Blue Springs is now  a “done deal”.  The property, which contains six natural springs and includes approximately one mile of frontage along the Santa Fe River, has been providing recreational opportunities as a private park since 1958. …