Santa Fe River Canoe Trail
The Santa Fe River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This beautiful trail begins in O’Leno State Park, where the Santa Fe reappears after flowing underground for more than three miles. This tributary of the Suwannee River curves past hardwood hammocks and through river swamps. Many clear springs feed the Santa Fe. There are some small shoals during low water, but they are almost always passable. Wildlife is abundant along the trail. Look for turtles, alligators, and wading birds. The trail ends three miles upstream of the confluence of the Santa Fe and the Suwannee River.
Major Activities: paddling
Counties: Columbia, Gilchrist, Alachua
Mileage: 26
Skill Level: Beginner
Difficulty: Easy
Usual Current: Average (2-3 mph)
Notes and Precautions
The Ichetucknee River is a tributary of the Santa Fe, and you can paddle upstream to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Permission is needed to camp overnight at the fish camps along the river. There is no camping at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Motorboats are more frequent near the end of the trail. This river floods during heavy rainfall.
Access
- US 41 / 441 Bridge – Go 2 miles northwest of High Springs on US 41 / 441 (SR 25); turn left to public boat ramp.
- US 27 Bridge – Three miles northwest of High Springs. (3 miles)
- CR 47 Bridge – Go 4.5 miles southwest of Fort White. (10 miles)
- US 129 Bridge – SR 49. (13 miles)
There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.
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