Beautiful Blue

For this we offer two different launch points, the first one (Canoe Outpost) offers a serene 3 hour trip on the less populated part of this beautiful river and then includes the springs section of this trip. The second option allows for you to cut off the slow 3 hours turning this into a short but amazing 1+ hour paddle, full of springs to visit along the way. Whichever one you choose, your ending point will be at R.B.K. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. This gorgeous spring is arguably the most beautiful spring on the Santa Fe, with its large bowl keeping the tree shade from hiding its majestic glory. A fantastic spot to end for lunch, as it is a family friendly park with trails, swimming, pavilions, and concessions.

Starting at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost: (If you choose the Poe Springs launch point, you will start at the ramp which is approximately 120 yards down river from Poe Springs)

For the first 1 .5 - 2 hours you will be surrounded by the quiet wilderness. Beautiful animals, plant life and flowing water will bring you to a peaceful place in your mind. You will continue down the river that will slowly become spotted with beautiful riverside homes. The birds, turtles, deer, and fish will greet you as a distant friend. making you feel as if you have become a part of the scenery as well. The first spring will arrive suddenly on your left side, so keep your eyes peeled.

Poe Spring: 29°49'32"N 82°38'56"W

Number 1. Poe Spring has some very unique characteristics compared to others on this list. Instead of the almost to blue to be true colors that other springs on this list can boast… Poe itself has more of a green to blue coloration. This is due in part to the amount of sulfur and iron that can be found in its vent which is approximately 18’ below the surface. Poe also sports a short spring run measuring around 75’ or so. The interesting thing about the run besides its shallowness, is that it creates an extremely visible line of crystal clear water that meets the Santa Fe and its brown or tannin water. A temperature change is evident as well at this battle of the waters. Poe pumps out over 45 million gal. of water a day and it is less than evident. It can almost seem still at times. Owned and preserved by Alachua County, this park is absolutely gorgeous.

Starting at Poe Springs boat Ramp: (Or continued from starting at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost)

Lilly Springs: 29°49'47"N 82°39'39"W

The second spring to visit would be Lilly Springs with its high rise embankment and a spring run that is shaped loosely like a “?”, provides for a tranquil stop along the way that is private property and lagoon like in nature. This spring pumps out over 20 thousand gal. a day and is a delightful place to pause and take it all in, due it being one of the springs in this roster that is unreachable by road.  (Be advised, getting out of your boat is not recommended as this is private property.)

Mermaid Springs: 29°50'02"N 82°40'32"W (AKA Danielle's Little Spring)

The next stop on your journey would be Mermaid Springs. Mermaid Springs is shaped like a mermaid tail and although it is small, it is practically breath-taking in appearance. The crystal clear water and shallowness, allows for a quick wading area to visit. Mermaid is only reachable by water so it is usually not crowded at all. Also this is a wonderful secluded area for a more private picnicking area. Pull out your sandwiches and beverages of choice and eat in the boat, while you enjoy the serene backdrop of this all natural wonder.

Rum Island Springs: 29°49'60"N 82°40'47"W

Finally coming to… Noneother than the famous Rum Island Springs. Rum Island splits the river for a short moment, which allows you the opportunity to view the entire island if you so desire. Rum Island Springs got its exotic, romantic name from the illegal moonshine stills that were secreted here in the early 1900s. That is right… Al Capone (Scarface) frequented the High Springs area stopping off for his favorite gambling games of Keno on his way to Lake City where he frequented the historic Blanche Hotel. Capone may very well have even used Rum Island itself as one of his clandestine bootleg operations. Imagine the moonshine that crystal clear, natural, spring water would have made. Currently however, many animals call this island home and during the months of January and February the spring itself is one of the best spots to view manatee. Rum Island itself is in Columbia County, Fort White Florida. Near enough to Lake City to call it a thing to do for that area. Only 65 miles from Ocala, 85 miles from Jacksonville, 100 miles from Saint Augustine and only 29 miles from Gainesville. With so many wonderful Florida cities in such close proximity it is a wonder how this small county park is still considered off the beaten path. Almost as if this gem of nature has secluded itself like a precious diamond in a coal mine. The spring of Rum Island is not located on the island at all. It, instead, is located directly behind the island, off of the shore of Rum Island Park. Rum Island Park is newly renovated and has restroom facilities along with stair access to the spring. There is no charge for river access to Rum Island Park. They do charge for parking though. Parking and entry won’t be an issue for you of course, because we will be picking you up there to shuttle you back to the Outpost.

R.B.K Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park: 29°49'47"N 82°40'59"W

Directly after Rum, only ¼ mile down river on the left side sits the absolutely gorgeous R.B.K Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. As of 2023 it is still the newest State Park in FL. Objectively the most beautiful spring on the lower Santa Fe. Gilchrist Blue has a ¼ mile spring run that does have a decent current. It is able to be paddled though, and so worth it! As you paddle the spring run you will see another spring to your left. Naked Springs. This spring has been both naturally and unnaturally barricaded for turtle and spring conservation. Still worth the view even though you no longer can get in. How nature has once again kissed this spring, is nothing shy of magical. Continue further up the spring run and you will reach the head spring… Big Blue! This spring is a wide open bowl and pumps out over 40 mil. Gal. of crystal clear, fresh, spring water a day. This spring comes by its name honestly. The crystal clear water mixed with the depth and limestone, creates a blue mirage below the water’s surface. A perfect stop for a nice swim with restroom facilities and concessions. What more reason do you need? This park does require a $2 per person fee for those who exit their boat and enjoy the park's amenities. The $2 is worth it, if for nothing else than to get out and walk around to the land based side of Naked Springs that we mentioned before. Walking past Naked Spring there is a trail that will lead you back to another well hidden spring called Johnson, this spring is another beautiful hidden gem that is worth the walk. You are ending at this location so the $2 per person will be included in the final Adventure price. You will not have to worry about the charge at all.

There are a few springs that we left out of this Adventure description. The reason that we left them out is to keep a bit of the magic for you to find on your own.

Don’t live your life wondering what the springs can do for your soul. Come and see for yourself and be whisked away on a magical Adventure with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures.

*Don’t forget that AOA is a full service Adventure company and we can facilitate much more than just your rentals. We can catering or provide special activities for your group as well. Just let us know how grand of an adventure you and your group would like to have.