Exploring the Trails at Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Exploring An Old Phosphate Mine

When you think of Ichetucknee Springs State Park you may envision the beautiful springs there. But at the North Entrance of the park there are some neat historical trails you can explore. There are three different hiking trails. Blue Hole Trail: A half-mile walk through the Ichetucknee forest and cypress flood plain leads to Blue Hole Spring, the largest spring in the park. Trestle Point Trail: This shaded path winds along the crystal clear waters of the Ichetucknee River. The self-guided trail will take you back in time to the early 1900s, when phosphate ore was mined in the area. Pine Ridge Trail: A frequently overlooked area of the park is the majestic sandhill, with its towering longleaf pine and wide open vistas. View the natural diversity of this unique and vanishing ecosystem.

I particularly enjoyed the Trestle Point trail because of it's history. In the early 1900's they mined for phosphate in this area and you can still see evidence from that period as you walk along the old tram roads which are now part of the nature trail. I found large pits and even an old dragline shovel along the trail. I followed the trails towards the river and found the site where a small trestle used to cross. The phosphate would be hauled out of the mines across the river over the trestle. Here is some history I found on the area from the park website. "Phosphate mining in the park covered two major periods. Exploration mining began prior to the turn of the 20th century, consisting of mule and wheelbarrow-assisted excavation in nearby sinkholes and depressions. Later, the mine used boilers, pumps and steam shovels for ore extraction. A series of narrow-gauge railroads were installed to cart the ore out to local railroad lines. This early phase of mining was never as intrusive as our present-day methods, but many pits were left in the park and are still present today, especially around the Head Spring area. Another relic of the phosphate era is the series of 'tram beds' crisscrossing the park, left behind from the railroad conveyances."

If you plan on visiting the springs at the North entrance don't forget to check out these beautiful and historical trails!

Tram Road

Trestle Point (Where the Trestle Was)

Trails by the Mines

Old Dragline Shovel

My Videos
Old Dragline Bucket
Old Phosphate Mines
Old Tram Road
Trestle Point

Resources
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Park History

Relics of Suwannee Springs (Old Spring Water Well)

In Northern Florida along the Suwannee River is an area known as Suwannee Springs. You can visit the area and see the ruins from the old Suwannee Springs resort that was built in the late 1800's. One of the things I saw was the spring water well that the guests used. Back then it was in the center of the resort but today it's in the middle of a wooded area behind the spring where the water was pumped from. I saw old piping coming out of the ground near the well, part an old storage tank and another pit.

As I explored around the woods here I was taken back to a time to a busy resort where people traveled from all around the world to visit. Part of that experience comes from being able to still see remains throughout the area as you venture around. Below I posted a video and helpful links for this place.

Pit by The Well

My Videos
Spring Water Well Remains

Old Well

Resources - History
Suwannee Springs The Resort
Forgotton Suwannee Springs
Suwannee Springs

Old Well

A Refreshing Dip in Itchetucknee Springs

Itchetucknee Springs

Nothing like taking a refreshing dip in a Florida Spring after a long hike in the heat on a Florida summer day! It is a perfect way to cool off, relax and reflect back upon the day's journey.

One of my favorite springs to visit is in Itchetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White, Florida. It has a couple springs you can swim in plus you can canoe and kayak down the Itchetucknee River. The Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark, and today the upper river remains Florida’s most pristine spring-fed river.

This is just one of many springs you can visit around Florida and many having hiking trails nearby as well. I posted some links to help you learn more and some of my videos I did while swimming in the springs there, enjoy!

Resources

Florida Springs

Itchetucknee Springs State Park

History of the Area

My Videos

Swimming Around at Itchetucknee Springs

Blue Hole Spring at Itchetucknee Springs

Snorkeling at Itchetucknee Springs State Park