First Magnitude Florida

The two major swimming holes at Ichetucknee Springs State Park – the Blue Hole and Ichetucknee Spring – are masterpieces of springs, evidently designed with extra care by God herself.  The Blue Hole is one of nine named springs of the Ichetucknee River, and the only one with First Magnitude status on its own accord. Big Blue is referred to as the “Jug”: a rough oval forms the neck of the jug, with a large round cavern opening 40 feet below the surface. Furthermore, a cave system extends 580 feet into the earth. In total, the Ichetucknee river delivers about 233 million gallons of water per day to the larger Santa Fe river, with 67 million gallons pumped through the Blue Hole alone. Swimming above the round opening in the earth is quite the exercise, as the pressure pushes you away. From above, you can faintly see the surface rippling from the 72-degree water spewing from the Blue Hole:

Diving into the Blue Hole is an exercise in bravery to those not accustomed to the springs. Diving towards a deep hole illuminated only by sunlight and pushing against you with all its quiet might does not seem natural, certainly not inviting. But exploration is a beautiful thing, and seeing what lies below, what lies within the deep wide cavern just beyond the circular opening is too tempting for most. For those with some guts and large lungs, a brief period of peace can be had within the Blue Hole – an experience likely unchanged from that had by the first men and women who dove into the cold water.

Ichetucknee Spring, forming the head of the river and a popular swimming place, is more of a deep fissure, an angelic wound seeping out the earth’s source of life. The pressure from the outflow is not very strong, creating a nice place for families to cool off and snorkel. The resulting river run of the nine springs, starting with the Ichetucknee Spring photographed below, flows about six miles until meeting the Santa Fe river. The run is a shallow maze of grass and turns, winding and wild and pure.

The Ichetucknee springs and river were designated as a national Natural Landmark in 1972, protecting 3.5 miles out of the 6-mile run of the river from houses and boats. Personally, I love boats and used to ride along with an oil-leaking 2-stroke outboard, blaring Drizzy-Drake from the speakers with one hand on the wheel and one hand guiding a beer to my mouth. Now that I seek to be the embodiment of a Suburu commercial, with a sporty kayak packed with all kinds of unnecessary gadgets, I am afforded the right to turn my nose up at boaters in an elitist fashion that is extremely satisfying. However, despite the feeling of superiority, having a loud boat roar past you in a kayak is not that much fun. Having the pleasure of paddling along a peaceful, wild river without boat motors and radios is a gem of an experience in Florida – thank you Ichetucknee!

Helpful Tips for Visiting & More Photos:

We enjoyed the physical challenge of paddling against the river current, but that is not for everyone. It is a little confusing to paddle at Ichetucknee, especially since there are two entrances to the park (North and South), so here are some tips.

For all kayaking, canoeing, SUP, etc., go to the South Entrance. From there, you can choose between two options: 1) Easy paddle downstream or 2) paddle upstream as far as you want (up to 2.75 miles) and then drift back. Read about the options and book your rental here. If you want to paddle upstream, you’ll launch at Dampier’s landing. You’ll paddle past some tubers for a little while, then you’ll pass where the tubers launch and you’ll have the river to yourself. It is wildly beautiful. If you just want to float downstream, you’ll still part at the South Entrance and they will shuttle you to the North Entrance to load you onto a kayak/canoe/SUP and you’ll drift down to Dampier’s landing where you’ll get out of the water and back to your car.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park takes their no alcohol policy very seriously so keep that in mind. In fact, no disposable items such as water bottles either – make sure you pack an reusable water bottle to hydrate and a Tupperware container if you want to bring food. But, no coolers of any sort allowed on the river. It’s kind of a bummer, but it also keeps the river pristine and free of trash.

If you want to bring your own vessel, again go to the South Entrance. You’ll launch and Dampier’s landing and will paddle upstream. Make sure you bring some launching wheels for your kayak though, as it is about a 5 minute walk from the parking lot and that’s a long distance when carrying a kayak…

Entrance to the park is $6 per vehicle. Prices for rentals are $25-$55 dollars, depending on the size of the boat you rent and if you do the shuttle service.