Photos: Hiking in Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Northern Florida

The main springs of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida - Photo: Stillgravity.

While camping in O'Leno, we drove west for 20 miles to see the springs of Ichetucknee State Park. The amazing pool at the northern entrance didn't disappoint - the previous photo. Beautiful spot in a wild forest.

This Florida state park gets crowded in the summer when many come for tubing, canoeing, or kayaking downriver. There were a few people when we arrived. 

There are eight springs in Ichetucknee - the word means "pond of the beaver". The main springs are Ichetucknee and Blue Hole. There is a cavern in the second one that certified divers can explore. The waters were freezing cold. 

Around here, the Spaniards built the Mission of San Martín de Timucua in 1608. Later came the phosphate mines, sawmills, and turpentine businesses. "Tram beds" from those days still exist throughout the park. 

We hiked the Blue Hole, Trestle Point, and Pine Ridge trails. They go to the old phosphate mine. On the way, we crossed a bobcat. Deer and birds were abundant. Pretty and wild paradise.

More photos now. 
Collage of images showing the springs, the river, and wildlife in Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida - Photo: Stillgravity.
The beautiful nature of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. 

The Blue Hole in Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida - Photo: Stillgravity.
The Blue Hole. 

Bobcat in a trail of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida - Photo: Still Gravity.
Bobcat on the trail - Who has the right of way? 

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