This region, where Alachua, Columbia and Gilchrist Counties meet, is just south of where the river reappears after running two miles under ground through O’Leno State Park. Other wildlife you might observe include deer, otters, beavers, wild boar, wild turkey, raccoons and … Santa Fe River, Pretty North Florida Kayaking. You’ve heard it before but they’re more afraid of you then you are of them! According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82° to 92°F. Paddle the Santa Fe River. You can put in at the Santa Fe Outpost in High Springs and take out at Rum Island or the 47 Bridge. The river is fed by over three dozen springs, many being first-magnitude. Ten perfect Florida places to float a tube down a river ... KP Hole and the Rainbow River. By reading further, you agree to our Terms ... , the Santa Fe River's water temperature is moderated by the ground and is usually a cool 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Location. Floating down the Ichetucknee River is one of Florida's most beloved waterways For those of you who are looking for a fabulous outdoor experience, try kayaking the Santa Fe River. The homes will be in the area around Branford, Ft. White, and High Springs in beautiful North Florida! I am startled that I have lived nearby since 1986 without knowing of its existence. Entering the river from the ramp, paddle downstream to the left of the ramp facing the river. Here you'll find homes on the Santa Fe River for sale. The river drops into a large sinkhole in O’Leno State Park and reappears in the adjacent River Rise Preserve State Park. A map of the watershed clearly shows the gap in the river where it flows underground. The Suwannee River is preserved in song, steeped in history and presents a natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The 75 mile long Santa Fe River is unusual in that it completely disappears underground and then reappears 3 miles downstream. Santa Fe River was ranked the most significant ecosystem in the county. Santa Fe 1 is a 1000-yard-long (0.9 km) stretch of the Santa Fe River on the Columbia-Gilchrist county boundary, downstream of the town of High Springs and upstream of the State Highway 47 bridge. Santa Fe Canoe Outpost is located on the banks of the Santa Fe River in historic High Springs, Florida. All equally beautiful, it's an experience, not one little spot. Take a much-needed break and relax in one of Florida’s most beautiful natural resources. Northwest of Gainesville, near Fort White, the Ichetucknee Springs and River have long been a destination for campers, college students and Floridians seeking the delightful experience of floating down the six-mile river before it empties into the Santa Fe. Then as they prepared for the second dive, we decided that we had to try out the local craze of tubing down the Sante Fe River. Snapping Turtles. The numerous fresh water springs in the area feed crystal clear water into the Santa Fe River. 15 Launches, Rentals, First-hand Reports. American Alligator in Blue Spring along Baird Creek – Chassahowitzka River Alligator Mating Season is here!… With the abundance of waterways throughout Florida, there is no doubt about encountering one of these magnificent reptiles at some point while paddling. The Santa Fe River is one of those rivers that once you paddle this one river, you’ll have a different outlook for the normally bustling, somewhat overcrowded State of Florida. PaddleFlorida.net. YourPapy. More about the Santa Fe River. You will see alligators here. Best Areas to Kayak. There is a one in five chance. A great location for full time living, recreational and part time homes as well. ... Ginnie and Ear/Eye have separate runs out to the Santa Fe River. There are grasses growing from the bottom that float partially on top clearly showing the direction of the current. In 1987, KBN Ecological Consultants were hired by Alachua County to conduct an ecological inventory of significant natural areas. Enter the water at Devil's Springs and enjoy a float down the Santa Fe river … The Santa Fe River Turtle Project is a collaborative effort by scientists, students, and citizens to learn about the turtles inhabiting the Santa Fe River and to promote conservation of the entire Santa Fe River ecosystem in northern Florida. If there is a body of water in Florida, from a backyard pool or drainage ditch to Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades, you may see a gator.