|
- NORTHWEST FLORIDA
- Pensacola Area
- Panama City Area
- Tallahassee Area
- Alphabetical Order
- NORTHEAST FLORIDA
- Gainesville Area
- Jacksonville Area
- Ocala Area
- Lake City Area
- Alphabetical Order
- CENTRAL FLORIDA
- Daytona Beach Area
- Orlando/Kissimmee Area
- St. Augustine
- Alphabetical Order
- SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
- Tampa Area
- Fort Myers Area
- Naples Area
- Alphabetical Order
- SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
- West Palm Beach Area
- Fort Lauderdale Area
- Miami Area
- Florida City Area
- The Keys
- Alphabetical Order
- USEFUL LINKS
- Alphabetical Listing
- Parks with Camping
- Parks Admitting Pets
- RV Campsites
- Pet Policy
- Fee Schedule
|
|
Fanning Springs State Park
Fanning Springs, Florida
Contact Information
(Suwannee Basin GEOpark) 11650 N.W. 115th St.
Chiefland, 32626
352-463-3420
Driving Directions
Fanning Springs State Park is located on U.S. Hwy. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Fanning Spring is one of Florida’s 27 first
magnitude springs, releasing approximately 50 million
gallons of water per day. The water has a constant
temperature of approximately 72 degrees. This is
also the average yearly air temperature for this
area.
Park Activities
Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Scuba, and Swimming
Boating
Visitors wishing to come by boat may enter the park via the Suwannee River. Be careful though because Fanning Springs’ short run may contain manatees and idle speeds are required. Entrance fee from the water is $1.00 per person.
Canoeing
Fanning Springs is an ideal place to begin or end a Suwannee River canoe journey. Fanning Springs is centrally located to paddle down river to Manatee Springs State Park (7 miles) or to numerous up stream locations. For those who like shorter paddle trips, enjoy exploring the spring run and river surrounding the park. Bring your own craft or canoes and kayaks may be rented from the park’s concessionaire.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted within the park in designated areas. Please contact park staff for exact locations. Paddlers may launch from park facilities to access the river.
Nature Trails
Hikers can stroll along the park’s nature trail. This 3/4 mile long nature trail takes visitors through an area clear cut of pines several decades ago. Today an upland mixed hardwood and pine forest community exist. Many of the trees in the forest are over 60 feet tall, creating a dense canopy. The ground, covered by a thick layer of leaf mulch helps conserve the moisture of the sandy-clay soil. Along the trail is a series of sinkholes; depressions formed by the collapse of underground caverns. These sinkholes are indicative of karst topography. Animals typically observed in the mixed forest community include white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, red shouldered hawk, pileated woodpecker, barred owl, eastern glass lizard, and red bellied, gulf hammock rat, rough green and coral snakes.
Picnickers can enjoy meals overlooking the beautiful spring area.Tables are also available on a first come first serve basis. Additional picnicking facilities are available overlooking the Suwannee River at the Riverside area adjacent to the park. These tables are all on a first come first serve basis.
Scuba Diving
Open water scuba divers are welcome in the spring run area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water. Diving fees are $10.00 per person, minimum of two divers.
Swimming
Fanning Springs is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. Swimmers can jump from a platform into the deepest part of the swim area or wade in from the shore or dock. Toddlers and those just learning to swim can stay with their parents in a designated shallow area. The refreshing crystal-clear water is a cool 72 degrees year round. There is no charge for playing in the swimming and picnicking area of Fanning Springs State Park
Crystal River Archaeological State ParkCrystal River, Florida 34428It is estimated that as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year. Although primarily an archaeological site, the park sits on the edge of an expansive coastal marsh. Anglers may catch saltwater and freshwater fish. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers bird-watchers the chance to observe a variety of birds. Read more
Crystal River Preserve State ParkCrystal River, Florida 34428Visitors can hike or bicycle along nine miles of trails or study the native wildlife and plants on the two-and-a-half mile interpretive trail. Anglers can walk down a short path to the Mullet Hole for a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of the scenic Crystal River to see the park from the water. Read more
Devil's Millhopper Geological State ParkGainesville, Florida 32653A significant geological formation, Devil's Millhopper is a National Natural Landmark that has been visited by the curious since the early 1880s. Researchers have learned a great deal about Florida's natural history by studying fossil shark teeth, marine shells and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals found in the sink. Read more
|