Paddle and Swim the Ichetucknee River and Springs in Fort White, Florida

If you’re into a peaceful paddle with opportunities to see and hear wildlife, get on the Ichetucknee River in the winter. We paddled our canoe in February of this year and saw lots of birds, fish and even a manatee!

Paddle or Float

Some paddlers shuttle their boats to the headspring at the Ichetucknee Springs State Park north entrance and float down to the takeout at the south park entrance.

Because we wanted to get in more miles (and see the river upstream and down), we launched our canoe at the Ichetucknee Springs State Park south entrance takeout. There are also opportunities to launch and /or take out at the between the north and south entrances, at Dampier’s Landing.

If you don’t have your own boat, the concession at the park offers canoe, kayak, tube and paddleboard rentals at the north entrance.

View a brochure to view a map and learn more about the park.

However you do it, the park entrance fee is $6, and may be self-service so be sure to bring cash.

Swim the Springs

You can also experience the springs just by jumping in, though some of us need to ease into the cool, 72-degree water. Park visitors can swim in the Blue Hole and the headspring at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The swimming area at the headspring is developed, with cement steps and handrails. The Blue Hole is accessible from a half mile trail, where you’ll find a metal platform with a ladder.

Some people SCUBA dive in the Blue Hole. Others explore the headspring with a snorkel, fins and mask (If you don’t have gear, you can rent a snorkeling setup at Extreme Exposure, a dive shop in High Springs). Me, I took my time getting into the water and had a refreshing experience until my extremities started to feel numb!

The same $6 park entrance fee applies here.

If you’re camping at O’Leno State Park in High Springs, it’s less than a 30-minute drive to the Ichetucknee. We highly recommend a stop!