Ichetucknee Spring and Blue Hole Springs are two different spring swimming areas located inside the northern entrance of Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
Ichetucknee Spring is the easist to reach, and it is located about 200 yards from the parking area. The water flows out of the boil at 72 degrees and fills a large pool in a breathtaking display of emerald clarity. Stone walls and steps fill out one side of the pool, giving visitors easy access to step down into the water. An ADA-friendly lift is also available. This spring is the headwaters of the Ichetucknee River.
Blue Hole Spring can be found after a quarter-mile walk down a path that begins at a boardwalk between the parking area and Ichetucknee Spring. This is a deep blue spring that surfaces at 72 degrees, but its secluded location ensures that it sees less traffic than Ichetucknee Spring.
Blue Hole sits above a cave system, and it is the only location in the state park where divers are permitted, and only between October and March. All divers must possess a cave diver certification.
Swimming is permitted at both springs. While the Ichetucknee head spring is far and away the more scenic of the two, making the hike to Blue Hole might give visitors the chance for a quieter swim. The first-magnitude Ichetucknee Spring and river were named a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
Park entrance fee applies. There are no pets allowed at any of the spring locations.
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