Sweetwater Preserve Loop via Boulware Springs Park

Located in Gainesville, FL this easy to moderate trail is approximately 3.1 miles round trip. Approximately a quarter of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that is handicapped accessible. Along the hike, you'll often see alligators, wild turkeys, wild horses, bison, and various migratory birds. There is limited shade on the trail. Summer time visitors should be prepared with plenty drinking wa...

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is over 125 acres of wetlands and ponds that were created to help improve the quality of water contained in the Paynes Prairie wetlands and the Florida aquifer. This initiative by the city of Gainesville has led to improved water quality as well as a place for people to connect with nature in a serene setting. As you first approach the location off of Williston Rd you ...

Located in central Florida, this prehistoric spring is a MUST to add on your bucket list. Devil’s Den is a cave that has an underground spring inside. The spring is crystal clear and is a stable 72 degrees F year round. This spot is well known to local divers as it’s depth is 200 feet. Open swimming is unfortunately not allowed - but they do allow snorkeling. In order to access the cave for sno...

Gold head branch state park has been called the grand canyon of Florida. It hangs on the north central ridge of Florida as some of the first land that came out of the sea, which is the reason for all of the Sandhill ecosystem. The ravine was created by the headspring and flow of the Gold Head Branch creek which meanders through all the way to Little Lake Johnson. The park has 4 major trails boa...

Blue Springs Park is a privately owned property that encompasses a few springs along the Santa Fe River, you can learn more here. The main, Blue Spring, has a large swimming area lined with white sand beach. The main feature is a 12ft high platform over the main spring. Since the spring is upwards of 15ft deep, with caves going much deeper, it serves as a safe depth for diving while still being...

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...