Hart Springs Park, Gilchrist County, Florida–New and Improved For 2018!

Florida’s State Parks are excellent, but often crowded.  However, we have a number of very fine county-operated parks in Natural North Florida that are generally less crowded, with the same spring access as the bigger state parks.  Hart Springs, in rural Gilchrist County, is alongside the famous Suwannee River, and has recently been renovated. The …

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 …

Way Down Upon The Santa Fe River–A Suwannee River Alternative!

Spring has “sprung” and while our Natural North Florida region is largely rural, crowds flock to our rivers to boat, fish, or simply float.  The Suwannee River begins in south Georgia’s Okeefenokee Swamp and meanders downstream to the Gulf of Mexico for over 240 miles.  About 170 of those final miles are in our region …

Your Guide to 55 Miles of Fun Along Natural North Florida’s Gilchrist Blueway

For a Natural North Florida county that has no Gulf of Mexico coastline, Gilchrist County sure has lots of waterfront!  In fact, few of our area’s coastal counties have shoreline to match Gilchrist’s 55 miles along the Suwannee, Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers.  The Suwannee River begins several hundred miles from the Gulf in Georgia’s …

Natural North Florida Ultimate Springs Guide Now ONLINE

Our Natural North Florida region has a greater concentration of freshwater springs than almost any area its size in the world.  Ranging from smaller springs along the Suwannee, Withlacoochee and Santa Fe Rivers to major springs bubbling up in what looks like dry land, our springs provide incredible opportunities to snorkelers, swimmers and paddlers.  And …

3-Day Trip: Dive into North Florida Aquatic Adventure

The Sunshine State is the ideal location year-round for underwater exploration. It’s no secret that Florida is surrounded by the vast bodies of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean; however, the state is also home to some hidden locations for those who seek more intimate, authentic aquatic experience. Dive into the caves, …

Trailblaze Through Natural North Florida

Gilchrist County is home to the largest collection of springs in north Florida. It’s located less than an hour away from Gainesville, FL, and features many hiking trails, scenic landscapes and an assortment of recreational amenities. Below is a one-day-trip guide that highlights the best of Gilchrist’s natural northern countryside: Gilchrist County Blueway Trail The …

Heading To The Water? Use Florida Boat Ramp Finder For The Best Access

If you’re heading to the Gulf, the rivers or the lakes in our Natural North Florida region, be assured we have plenty of boat ramps with public access for your use.  And the best way to find them is to use the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boat Ramp Finder.  It’s a complete listing, …

HERO FEST and Survival Race at Otter Springs Park in Gilchrist County, June 12 &13, 2015

Don’t miss the June 12-13 Inaugural Survival Race at Otter Springs There will be 50 boat Racers of Combat-Injured Vets & a First Responder and 200 other 2-man or woman teams starting out at Blue Springs. They’ll be going to Dorothy’s Landing & Spending the night (survival) with only what they brought—-or forgot. The next …