Beautiful Paddle Trip - Santa Fe River, Ginnie Springs & A Disappearing River

Cedar Key, FL (68 degrees, blue skies)




Ginnie Springs

We had heard about these beautiful springs.  In fact, it's been on our bucket list way before we started full timing.  Our friends Karen and Al, and Linda and Howard had blogged about it and the thought of paddling it kept us motivated as we prepared for full timing.   It was an a beautiful river and the numerous springs are magnificent. 

 

 

Originally we planned on camping near this area but the weather did not cooperate.  We finally had a small window of opportunity at Cedar Key and decided to drive the extra distance to see it.  A closer place to camp would be at O'Leno State Park or Fort White. 

 

 

Part of the fun of kayaking is planning how to do the paddle.  We went a day early and checked out many launch sites and decided to do a shorter paddle because of the extra driving time involved in getting there (1 1/2 hours each way).. 

 

 

Launch:  Rum Island is a public launch (free entry) near High Springs.  We had two cars, however, if you  have only one you could paddle downstream to Ginnie Springs and return upstream to Rum Island.  However,  being able to go completely downstream is a real plus.  There are picnic tables and pit toilets available and a very nice launch..  It's open every day, however, there is a delayed opening of 12 noon on Tuesday. 

 

The name "Rum Island" was believed to be derived from bootlegging and moonshine operation on the islands in the 1900's.  No alcoholic beverages are allowed today.  Don't you think the bootleggers would find this to be ironic. 

 

Here is a very helpful  link to a ten page guide with GPS coordinates to  access sites for the Santa Fe River. 

Rum Island

 

There are  numerous springs along the Santa Fe River and each one is fun to explore.  We took our time and enjoyed looking at them.  Ginnie and Blue Springs are privately owned, however, you can paddle around the springs as long as you don't get out and use their facilities. 

 

 

Blue Springs

 

 

Bev and JC

John and me



Ginnie Springs

 

 

Ginnie Springs is a huge campground with many inlets from the Santa Fe into their springs.  It's expensive to camp there but the convenience and access in and out of the springs would be great. Swimming in the springs during the summer time must be very nice but we have heard it is very crowded.  Today was perfect with very few distractions from other paddlers and no spring breakers.  For the most part scuba divers enjoying the water today There were a few hearty souls swimming but their lips were rather blue.  :) I was tempted because it looked so inviting. 

 

 

 

 

JC & Bev

 

 

 

Scuba divers

It was interesting to watch the scuba divers go in and out of the caves. 

 

 



 

 

Take Out:  We had heard from a local the take out at US 47 bridge had some troubles with vandalism in the past.  Just down the road about 1/2 mile was another unmarked access point in a small neighborhood. We left a car here in the morning and the drive Rum Island was only about 15 minutes.  This was a public access but not indicated on any of the maps. 

 

Length:  Approximately five miles

 

Difficulty:  Easy - we floated most of the way downstream.  It would be more difficult to paddle back upstream against the current if you have only one car.  The current was moving fairly quickly. 

 

O'Leno State Park suspension bridge

 

 

In our travels exploring the area prior to our trip we stopped at the pretty O'Leno State Park.  There is a river access point nearby.  We enjoyed driving around the park and the campground looked very nice.  This was one of the original Florida State Parks and was developed by the CCC.   There is a nice museum commemorating  it's construction and the young men involved during the depression. 

 

An interesting feature of this park is the Santa Fe River disappears underground and re-emerges three miles south at River Riser Preserve State Park.  We walked a trail along the river to check out where the river disappeared.  At the end some poor turtles were clinging to a log as it circled and circled in the current.  A very hungry alligator was following along looking for a good opportunity for a meal. 

River end

Turtles clinging to the log

Alligator in hot pursuit

 

The paddle trip was a delight and one we will always remember.  Paddling the shorter portion worked out perfectly.  Hope to see you on a river soon.