ICHNETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
 TUBING
Tubing on the crystal clear Ichetucknee River is a unique experience in
Florida. Nowhere else can one enjoy the outstanding scenic qualities of
the "Real Florida" while floating leisurely on a tube or float.
The pristine hardwood hammock, limestone outcrops, wildlife and serenity
are a combination of natural values enjoyed by thousands of tubers every
year.
PROTECTION
Recreational use of the Ichetucknee River has increased substantially
since the park was established in 1970. As time passed, biological research
proved this heavy use was adversely impacting the stream's vegetation.
Plants
are injured or uprooted when tubers and snorkelers grab onto them. Stirring
up the bottom with swim fins dislodges the soil-around the plant beds
and reduces the clarity of the water.
To
aid in preserving the fragile stream, pulling up plants in the river
or climbing on trees along the bank is prohibited. When possible, keep
your feet away from the streambed to avoid stirring up the sediments.
Since
the vegetation is of paramount importance in maintaining the stream's
character and wildlife, tubing and snorkeling now are regulated by limiting
the number. At this time, 750 tubers a day are permitted on the northern
portion of the river between the upper and midpoint tube launches. If
further damage occurs, it will be necessary to limit the number even more.
(A higher number of tubers are permitted between the midpoint launch and
the last takeout.) With cooperation, however, the Ichetucknee will flourish.
It is recommended that on weekends and holidays you plan on arriving early.
TUBING RULES & TIPS
Tubers are charged an entrance fee at both the south and north entrances.
The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset.
Tubers
may turn in rented tubes at the tube drop. The tube drop at the South
Area operates from May through September. The midpoint tube drop operates
only during peak-use periods. For your comfort, footwear is recommended
to prevent burning your feet on the pavement.
TUBING OPTIONS
Please use the South Entrance and float the lower stretch of the river
to lessen the impact on the narrow, shallow reaches of the upper end.
This allows you to use the free in-park shuttle which operates from May
through September.
Option
1: South Entrance. Float time, 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours. Ride the shuttle
or walk to the midpoint put-in, and float to the last take-out. Return
by tram to the south parking area.
Alternative:
Leave the river at Dampier's Landing and walk to the parking area.
Option
2: South Entrance. Float time, 1 hour. Walk to Dampier's Landing,
and float to the last take-out. Return to the south parking area by
park tram.
Option
3: North Entrance. Float time 2 hours to Dampier's Landing. Three
hours to the last take-out. A shuttle provides transportation back to
the North Entrance (for drivers with passes, only) prior to your float.
ACCESSIBILITY ON THE RIVER
Ramps into the river allow access from the North Entrance with a secure
area to leave wheelchairs. However, the float time from the north to the
south entrance is approximately three hours, and the ability to exit the
river is limited. During the summer months a shuttle runs from the south
entrance to the north entrance.
Ichnetucknee
Springs State Park is located four miles northwest of Fort White, off
S.R. 47 and 238.
Contact:
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Route 2, Box 5355
Fort White, FL 32038
(904) 497-2511
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