Cold Outside? Paddle Natural North Florida Springs–They’re “Warm” Year-Round
![Paddling means staying dry and not getting wet! Here's a dad and son enjoying Blue Springs in Gilchrist County.](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vnnfspgs1130-3-300x200.jpg)
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.](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vnnfspgs1130-4-300x217.jpg)
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.](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vnnfspgs1130-2-300x200.jpg)
If you’re interested in learning more about Florida’s springs–and how they work–visit the Florida Springs Website