Gar Pond Trail

From the Bell Springs Trailhead, take the unmarked access road into the forest, where it meets with Florida Trail (blue blazes). Hop onto the Florida Trail. You will pass a pool created by Bell Springs, then turn right at the fork. The terrain becomes a bit trickier as you head into the forest, though the views are good. In 1.1 miles you will reach Robinson Branch Falls, and after this a campsi...

At Ichetucknee Springs State Park, there are 2 main entrances - to get to Blue Hole (aka Jug Hole), go to the NORTH entrance. This is also where the main headspring is. If you accidentally go to the south entrance, you are only a few miles away, don't worry! Ask for directions at the guard shack. You pay a small state park entrance fee then follow the road to the parking lot. During the busy su...

Nestled in the shallow water of the spring run are the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison which was scuttled in 1863 to keep it from being captured. A hidden gem in north-central Florida, Troy Spring has restrooms, an accessible walkway, picnic tables, an interpretive nature trail and a riverside dock for canoeists and boaters on the Suwannee River. Only open-water scuba diving is p...

This natural spring is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida. The pool of water is crystal clear for swimming, scuba-diving, and jumping in from off on a cliff to the side. The water is also about 70 degrees - a perfect compliment to the hot, humid climate of Florida. A rip current in the shallower rocky area leads to a river as well as more places to lay out in the sun. Since it's a st...

A few hours north and many worlds away from Disney, the Santa Fe River winds its way through the woods of north central Florida, headed for the Suwannee River. This is the real Florida. Although the river is dark during most of the year (except the dry summer months), there are dozens of crystal clear springs that add a burst of clear, refreshing water to the Santa Fe. Six of these larger sprin...

Nestled on the banks of the Santa Fe River, at the end of a long country road, six springs add a burst of clear water to the dark, winding river. These springs make up a park called "Ginnie Springs," a popular place for both locals and international visitors - and it's not just the clear water and river tubing that attract people in the masses. Now for the "advanced" skill level part: There is...