Manatee
Springs is one of the many warm springs which
emerge from the ground near the Gulf Coast,
and it is one of the largest, with a flow
averaging 116.9 million gallons daily. The
spring fills a pool and then runs through a
swamp of cypress, gum trees, ashes, and
maples, emptying into the Suwanee River, 23
miles from the gulf. The upland portion of
the park features sandhill and hammock
ecosystems. The park ranges across 2,075
acres.
Manatees
are occasionally seen in the park,
particularly during winter months. There is a
campground, making this an excellent place to
stay while exploring the nearby attractions
of the Cedar Keys and Waccasassa Bay. Park
facilities include picnic areas, canoeing,
and fishing, and hiking (or biking) on 8.5
miles of trails. Manatee State Park is
located at the end of State Route 320, off
U.S. Highway 98, six miles west of
Chiefland.
O'leno
State Park
The
park (and a neighboring reserve) of 6,000
acres is located on the banks of the Santa Fe
River, a tributary of the Suwanee, six miles
north of the small town of High Springs. The
river plays tricks on visitors, as it flows
into the park and then disappears underground
for three miles before it emerges to the
surface. In addition to the riverside
community, the park features hardwood
hammock, river swamp, sandhill areas, and
sinkholes. This varied landscape is typical
of north-central Florida.
The
park sits where a town was founded in the
mid-1800s. The lumber community was first
known as Keno (after the game of chance), and
was later named Leno. The town was at the end
of the original telegraph line which linked
Florida with the outside world. Residents
looked forward to the new cross-state railway
and the business it would bring, but the
railway bypassed Leno and its fate was set.
All that is left of the town today is the Old
Wire Road and dams remaining from the lumber
mills. Crossing the river is a picturesque
suspension bridge, built by the Civilian
Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. It
provides a fine view of the river and one of
the mill dams. The park itself was developed
by the CCC, after acquisition by the state in
the early 1930s.
The
park is a place for camping, swimming,
picnicking, canoeing, fishing (sometimes,
with luck), and horseback riding on a trail
system. The Dogwood Magnolia Campground
accommodates tents, RVs and trailers, with
water and electrical hookups available.
Primitive, hike-in, campsites are also
available, as is a large group camping
section complete with cabins, a dining hall,
and meeting rooms. Rental canoes are
available in the park for exploring the Santa
Fe River, and the river provides fine
swimming opportunities.
Two
nature trails lead to prominent park
features. The Santa Fe River Trail leads
along the riverside to the "river sink,"
where the river flows out of sight. The
Limestone Trail runs across a hardwood
hammock, passing a limestone outcrop, and
then into a pine forest. This is a more fully
developed park than many Florida state parks,
with a concessionaire operating the canoe
rentals and other services.
To
get there from the Gulf Coast highway (U.S.
19/98), drive north from Chiefland and turn
north (right) onto State Route 26 just south
of the community of Fanning Springs. After
eight miles, turn onto State Route 47. This
highway runs north for 23 miles, to the town
of Fort White. Turn left onto U.S. Highway 27
and look for County Road 18 (it appears
quickly). Turn left and drive six miles to
U.S. 441. Look for park signs. For more
information and alternate routes from
different directions, call the park
headquarters at (904) 454-1853.
