They cap the number of people who can go on the full tube run and it usually fills up quickly, especially if the weather is nice. If youre planning on going ichetucknee river tubing, youll need to be prepared. Tubing down the river caught in the rain ichetucknee springs state park fort white, florida duration. The ichetucknee river and its springs are not the only waterways in florida at risk. Tubing from the north entrance ichetucknee springs state park. Also if you do ichetucknee youll want to get there super early. The ichetucknee is under threat from chemical and nutrient runoff as well as from lowered water levels which affect the ecology of the ichetucknee s multiple ecosystems and the quality of the water that people from all over the world have enjoyed for so long.
Tubing the ichetucknee river means going with the flow, letting the waters carry you past beautiful springs and through everchanging habitats. Ichetucknee tube center, the first, original tube vendor, familyowned and operated since the best choice when tubing ichetucknee springs even though summer unofficially ends on labor day, the hot weather almost certainly will continue into the fall in florida. This video serves as an example of how what we do upriver and aboveground can affect our aquifer and springs. Loncala phosphate company owned the land surrounding ichetucknee springs during the 1950s and 1960s. About us ichetucknee river and ichetucknee springs. View dining and picnic options at ichetucknee springs state park. Lowes tubeland your source for ichetucknee river tube. Although ichetucknee springs doesnt offer camping at their facilities, there are plenty of nearby state parks that do making it a great day trip for an extended stay in the area. Most of the river runs through the state park, located in.
Ichetucknee springs is located near fort white, florida in the northern part of the state. Took a little trip to northern florida, and explored ichetucknee springs. Tubing, swimming, camping, and more in perfectly clear water. Started tubing at the north entrance of the ichetucknee springs and working our way down. Devils eye ichetucknee 03012015 by ichetucknee springs adventure. Tubes can be rented from vendors outside of the park or visitors can bring their own. Ichetucknee is technically no bottles or cans anything disposable. Ichetucknee springs campground is a hideaway nestled in 20 acres of woods. Located 4 miles northwest of fort white florida, this 2241 acre. From the end of may until early september, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the park. A short video of a float down the ichetucknee springs.
Enjoy tubing the crystalclear, 72degree waters of the famous ichetucknee river at ichetucknee springs state park. It was during this time that folks discovered tubing and droves of college students from the gainesville area crowded into the river and springs. Best trails in ichetucknee springs state park florida. Go tubing, swimming, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and more in the ichetucknee river. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Compilation of clips from our adventure at ichetucknee springs. Ichetucknee springs state park in fort white florida, some great trips getting lost on our way there. Although wellknown for its warm weather tubing, the 2,669acre ichetucknee springs state park is also a wildlife haven, where beaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey, wood duck and limpkin all find a home. It appears the ichetucknee is seriously threatened, and all responsible floridians should be concerned. In ichetucknee springs state park in florida, you can go tubing down the springfed river water.
From the ichetucknee park head springs to the last take out. Ichetucknee river house great for large family gatherings. During your visit, you may spot many different species including manatees, turtles, river otters or gopher tortoise. Find the best places to park for tubes, kayaks, sup, hiking and swimming at ichetucknee springs state park. Nestled up in fort white, fl, which is about 140 miles northwest of orlando off of us 27, this is the perfect place to take a relaxing ride in a tube down a crystalline river.
That said, you can still experience an enjoyable day of tubing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and trail hiking at ichetucknee springs state park. The ichetucknee springs and river have a long history of human usage, with 23 archeological sites identified in the state park. Tubing ichetucknee springs, ichetucknee springs tube rental information about tubeing, canoes, kayaks, sup, swimming and hiking within the park. Aug 10, 2015 grizzly good media explores ichetucknee springs. Grab a tube from a local shop youll see them lining the road or bring your own. Although wellknown for its warm weather tubing, the 2,669acre ichetucknee springs state park is also a wildlife haven. Summer adventure tubing directions for online reservations.
Even though the water of the river will keep you cool, the sun will still be very strong, especially when it reflects off the clear water. Fortunately, the good news is that there are still relaxing ways to beat. She answered all our questions and made our trip to ichetucknee, memorable. If you are seeking a fun, inexpensive way to cool off during the hot summer months, then tubing at ichetucknee springs is the place to go. We are a privately owned campground only 12 mile from the state park. We will try to respond soon if a response is necessary.
Tubing is the favorite recreation of thousands of summertime visitors to ichetucknee springs state park, where eight major crystalline springs join together to create the sixmile 9. This is what the parking lot at the north entrance looks like. Also available is a general store located on property make it easy to get everything you need to tube, canoe, kayak, swim or hike at ichetucknee springs state park. Feel free to send us a message at the email address below. A national natural landmark, the ichetucknee headspring is one of numerous springs that add to the flow of the ichetucknee river, one of floridas top tubing runs. Ichetucknee springs state park fort white 2020 all you. Ichetucknee family canoe and campground, ft white, florida. Ichetucknee family canoe and campground posts facebook.
To reach ichetucknee springs take i75 to exit 78, then head north on 441 towards high springs and lake city approximately 6 miles. Go to the south entrance of ichetucknee springs state park, 12087 sw highway 27, fort white, fl 32038 pay the state park entrance fee at the south ranger station and present your reservation confirmation proceed to the reserved parking area of the south parking lot on. Ichetucknee family canoe and cabins kindly provided the tubes for our float trip. Tubing at ichetucknee springs state park florida youtube. This is how you go ichetucknee river tubing step 1. The ichetucknee springs water quality improvement project reduces nutrients entering the river and provides beneficial draining to the upper floridan aquifer, said darrell smith, the agriculture. Cool off as you drift down the ichetucknee, a unique springfed river where you can relax as you. For your convenience, tubes are available for rent within the park. The closest cities with large or mediumsized airports are gainesville, jacksonville and tallahassee. It centers around the 6milelong 10 km ichetucknee river, which flows through shaded hammocks and wetlands into the santa fe river. Ichetucknee tube center tubes, tubing, kayak, kayak rentals. Tubing tubing on the crystal clear ichetucknee river is a unique experience in florida. Then swam with manatees last video i would defiantly come back here to scuba dive the cave, but we saw lots of underwater life in the beautiful clear water. This is our 4th year that weve taken this trip and each year we learn a few more tips to make it more fun for the kids and adults.
The ichetucknee is the most pristine spring run in the. The ichetucknee river exhibits pristine natural beauty yearround. Every year our family joins 56 other families for our annual trip to ichetucknee springs state park to go tubing down the ichetucknee river. Before or after the normal tube season you may still tube the lower half of the river, however you will only have access to the south end of the park midpoint. Tubing is a great way to relax, tan, and cool off as you float peacefully down the river. One of the most popular activities are floating down the ichetucknee river in an innertube. Ichetucknee springs state park we had two amazing days of tubing at this park. We have been to the river many times and enjoyed its crystal clear 72 degree water throughout the year. A florida bucket list adventure cool down in 72 degree crystal clear water this summer there are no other springs and river like it on the. Official website for services and rentals at ichetucknee springs state park. We toured the my old college campus at the university of florida, and then the following day we visited ichetucknee springs state park for. The ichetucknee river is a pristine, springfed river that flows 6 miles from its head spring in the itchetuckee springs state park to its terminus in the santa fe river. Ive brought a thermos with, for lack of a better term, riot punch without issue.
Tips for tubing the ichetucknee river with kids a tampa. Then discover the natural beauty of ichetucknee springs as you. White go through the light go about three miles and you will see junction road take a right and follow to the stop sign and take a left on elim church road or cr 238 go just around the bend and we are on the left. Online guide to the beautiful ichetucknee river and ichetucknee springs in fort white, florida. Nowhere else can one enjoy the outstanding scenic qualities of the real florida while floating leisurely on a tube or float. Ichetucknee springs state park florida state parks. Pictures ichetucknee river and ichetucknee springs. Information helpful to plan your day at ichetucknee springs state park. As in all florida state parks, absolutely no fossil or artifact collecting is allowed in the ichetucknee river or any of its source springs within the boundaries of the ichetucknee springs state park. Learn how to pronounce ichetucknee and more about the ichetucknee word at. Ichetucknee springs trail closed florida alltrails. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. We are staying ichetucknee springs campground, the one with big green and white van in front.
Tubing at ichetucknee springs state park play hard. Guide to tubing down the ichetucknee river and ichetucknee springs in florida. Tubing, camping, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and more fun activities for the family in the state park and the river. While the park has no tube rentals or camping facilities, there are many nearby. Its a beautiful tube run full of wildlife above and.
There are three hiking trails located at the north entrance of the park. Dep has taken many measures to continue providing resource recreation at our state parks during this time, such as limiting operating hours and. Jul 25, 2014 every year our family joins 56 other families for our annual trip to ichetucknee springs state park to go tubing down the ichetucknee river. Ichetucknee springs state park in fort white florida. At the direction of governor desantis and to successfully uphold cdc guidance to maximize social distancing and avoid gatherings larger than 10 people, dep will close all florida state parks to the public effective monday, march 23. Ichetucknee tube center, the first, original tube vendor, familyowned and operated since 1971. These pictures were taken on a recent tubing trip down the ichetucknee river starting from ichetucknee springs state park. Ichetucknee springs love floating down the beautiful crystal clear water with the kiddos. Ichetucknee tube center 7354 sw elim church rd, fort white, florida 32038 rated 4. A swimming hole as a work of natural art, the deep gash in the earth that is ichetucknee spring glows an unearthly robinsegg blue, cradled in a limestone bowl.
Tubes must be smaller than 5 feet in diameter to float freely down the natural river. Alligator gar ichetucknee 03012015 by ichetucknee springs adventure. Tubing the ichetucknee by how to do florida how to do florida host chad crawford and his family enjoy a calming float and occasional dive and watergun fight on the crystalclear, 72degree waters of the ichetucknee river in northern florida, just north of gainesville and south of lake city. Ichetucknee tube center fort white 2020 all you need to. Get information about inpark transportaion and other services. The ichetucknee river located in fort white, florida flows 6 miles through shaded hammocks before it joins the santa fe river. Ichetucknee springs water quality improvement project completed. At the junction of state roads 27 and 20, follow the signs northwest approximately 20 miles to ichetucknee springs past fort white. Park info ichetucknee river and ichetucknee springs. Effectively, this means the portion of the river north of the us highway 27 bridge. Tubing the ichetucknee river is a summer pleasure wellknown to folks from the region, especially students from the university of florida in gainesville, about an hour away. Ichetucknee is a great place for a day trip but it is a state park, which means you have to abide by state park rules. Useful maps and directions for the best places to tube, canoe, kayak, hike and swim within the park.
Tubing at ichetucknee springs state park florida david kear. Guide to the ichetucknee river and ichetucknee springs state park in fort white, florida. A young girl has fun floating in a trucksize tire inner tube down the springfed ichetucknee river in northern florida, usa. Trail maps are available at the ranger station or information booth. Learn how to tube in ichetucknee springs state park. The main draw is the parks eight major crystalline springs that join together to create the sixmile ichetucknee river. Tubing ichetucknee springs, ichetucknee springs tube rental information about tubeing, canoes, kayaks, sup, swimming and.
This is how you spend the day ichetucknee river tubing. We hired a 2 man canoe from north to south down the river at ichetucknee national park and was then picked up back to ichetucknee tube center. The ichetucknee springs group is a first magnitude spring complex, comprised of nine named springs that discharge into the springfed ichetucknee river. Located 4 miles northwest of fort white florida, this 2,241 acre park is a must visit for any adventure lover. Relax as you float down the springfed waterway surrounded by luscious foliage. This inland area of florida is known for its natural springs and gorgeous blue waters. Department of the interior declared the rivers head spring. In ichetucknee springs state park in florida, you can go tubing down the spring fed river water. Ichetucknee tube center fort white 2020 all you need. If you have any tips on better picture quality post them here. Keep a keen eye out for the smallest park residents, such as the ichetucknee siltsnail, santa fe cave crayfish and numerous species of butterflies.
Ultimate guide to tubing the ichetucknee river raffys on. Pictures ichetucknee river and ichetucknee springs tubing. Birds were plentiful at ichetucknee springs state park on a november morning. We have delighted visitors from around the globe since 1981. Tubing florida ichetucknee springs state park youtube. Your source for ichetucknee river tube rentals lowes tubeland your source for ichetucknee river tube rentals.
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