Cold Outside? Paddle Natural North Florida Springs–They’re “Warm” Year-Round

Posted on by NaturalNorthFlorida.com
Paddling means staying dry and not getting wet! Here's a dad and son enjoying Blue Springs in Gilchrist County.
Paddling means enjoying our springs and not getting wet! Here’s a dad and son enjoying Blue Springs in Gilchrist County.

Most of us in North Florida are chickens!  Not about getting outdoors, but about cold weather.  Yes, we have a decidedly cooler climate in winter than our neighbors in the central and southern parts of the state, but we also have over 200 constant-temperature (72-degrees) springs that actually feel warm in winter.

The Wacissa River in Jefferson County offers excellent paddling over and around several large springs.
The Wacissa River in Jefferson County offers excellent paddling over and around several large springs.

Several of our best paddling spots are in State Parks.  Manatee Springs offers easy access to the Suwannee River by way of a long spring run.  Fanning Springs is adjacent to the Suwannee near US19/94.  Gilchrist Blue Springs is a private park with a nice spring run leading to the Santa Fe River.  Poe Springs, in an Alachua County park, and privately-owned Ginnie Springs also have short spring runs to the Santa Fe.

Ginnie Springs, in Gilchrist County, offers paddling, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, swimming, tubing as well as camping.
Ginnie Springs, in Gilchrist County, offers paddling, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, swimming, tubing as well as camping.

If you’re interested in learning more about Florida’s springs–and how they work–visit the Florida Springs Website

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