Rum Island Trip
Our shortest downriver trip, can be the perfect amount. Giving you the ability to see over 5 springs and traveling down one of the most enjoyable parts of the Santa Fe. For the first stretch you will be bombarded with springs. After this your Adventure continues through pristine wilderness stretching from the end of the Ginnie Springs complex to Santa Fe River Park. Just you and the turtles that are almost sure to be present on the banks and every single downed limb on this beautiful river. The 5 most notable springs that you can see on this 5 mile paddle are listed below. Be sure to enjoy them all before finally ending at the Santa Fe River Park ramp.
Rum Island Springs: 29°49'60"N 82°40'47"W
Number 1 (obviously)… 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 too 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 shuttling you there to begin your down river Adventures.
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park: 29°49'47"N 82°40'59"W
Directly after leaving Rum, only ¼ mile down river on the left side sits the absolutely gorgeous R.B.K Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. As of 2022 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. 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. 29°49'47"N 82°40'59"W
Devils Ear: 29°50'5"N 82°41'49"W
Coming in at number 3 on the list is Devil’s Ear. This spring is part of the Ginnie Springs Campground. This area is private property and if you park your boat or get out of your paddlecraft, Ginnie Springs will charge per person (which at the time of this is $35). You can paddle in and view the spring though. Devil's ear is another large spring and very deep. This spring is a diver’s dream. Be advised, Ginnie Springs during the summer months can be a bit 18+ in a lot of ways. This campground is private property and can be extremely busy, especially in the summer months.
July Spring: 29°50'10"N 82°41'46"W
Next stop, July Spring. Directly across the river from Devil’s Ear lies this beautiful lonely spring. She is just as beautiful as many on this list but often overlooked due to her close proximity to Ginnie Springs. This spring is not accessible by road, and many who pass this spring are looking left at Ginnie so completely miss this quiet little nook of paradise. This spring is another free use spring. There is no cost to enjoy its stunning beauty, its calm composure, its mystical curiosity, and its serene compassion.
Ginnie Spring: 29°50'10"N 82°42'00"W
Ginnie Spring itself is number 4. This spring is part of the Ginnie Springs Campground. This area is private property and if you park your boat or get out of your paddlecraft, Ginnie Springs will charge per person (which at the time of this is $35). This spring is absolutely amazing, with the glass like water and 150 foot spring run, with the trees hugging the bowl it is extremely picture worthy! Be advised, Ginnie Springs during the summer months can be a bit 18+ in a lot of ways. This campground is private property and can be extremely busy, especially in the summer months. 29°50'10"N 82°42'00"W
Dogwood Spring: 29°50'17"N 82°42'06"W
Last on the list… Dogwood Spring. This spring is part of the Ginnie Springs Campground. This area is private property and if you park your boat or get out of your paddlecraft, Ginnie Springs will charge per person (which at the time of this is $35). A smaller spring of the Ginnie Springs Campground, but well worth the stop. A slight curve to the spring run itself allows for an interesting paddle in. Finally coming to rest in the bowl, which is like the cute little sister to Ginnie itself. Very similar in many ways to the main spring but charming where Ginnie can be overwhelming due to its size. Be advised, Ginnie Springs during the summer months can be a bit 18+ in a lot of ways. This campground is private property and can be extremely busy, especially in the summer months.
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.
