Florida is famous for its hundreds of beautiful springs and crystal clear waters, but there is one water complex that is not perhaps as widely known as many of the others, but nonetheless claims to be The World's Most Pristine Spring and River.
Ichetucknee Springs is joined by seven springs, discharging more than 223 million gallons of water daily, creating the headwaters of the Ichetucknee River near Fort White.
"There is no purer or cleaner natural water on earth than what we have here," said Ichetucknee Springs State park Manager Tom Brown. "This is as good as it gets."
Early American Indians built villages along the river and famed explorer DeSoto paddled his way along the route as well. A Spanish mission operated in 1608, with its remnants now buried deep under lush foliage.
The general description for a natural spring is "an unaffected flow of ground water." Florida springs are so crystalline they have been thought to cure what ails you. The public has been inclined to trust this clear liquid since the beginning of time. People bathe in it, drink it, pay good money for it, and many intentionally seek it out hoping for some magical qualities.
Florida springs are some of the most incredible natural resources in the world. Rainfall percolates through the state's sand and limestone into underground streams, known as the state's aquifer. The water then is under pressure and often resurfaces as natural artesian springs.
Though only six miles long, the Ichetucknee is a jewel of a stream that should not be missed.
It begins with a large spring, where gushing waters provide a pool area large enough for hundreds to swim it at one time. Its constant 72-gree waters then flow lazily downstream through large overhanging trees, providing a natural shady canopy for swimmers, canoeists, kayakers and tubers.
Though relatively unknown, nonetheless more than 100,000 people tube down the river each summer, escaping the blistering heat that is common in the state during June, July and August.
Considered one of the greatest natural experiences in Florida, tubing down the river on a hot summer day has been thrilling residents and visitors of the North Florida of Fort White for decades.
One of the state's most attractive underwater caving areas awaits accomplished swimmers at the river's Blue Hole Spring area.
The river's bottom is covered with lush multi-colored grasses and wild rice shoots, which flutter like streaming banners in the stream. It is not uncommon to see mullett leaping into the air all along the crystalline six-mile route until it joins the Santa Fe River.
In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of the Interior. From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area.
Paleontologists often visit the river area, with fossilized remains of several animals from the Pleistocene Era having been found along the stream (including a mastadon and lion).
White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks, gray foxes, bobcats and great blue herons can sometimes be seen from the river. Otter and beaver are not uncommon. A manatee or two sometime stray into the Ichetucknee from the Santa Fee or Suwannee rivers. Picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, are available throughout the park. A full-service concession offers food, refreshments, and outdoor products from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tubes plus snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented from private vendors outside the park, located four miles northwest of Fort White, off State Roads 47 and 238 (Exit 423 off Interstate 75 or Exit 399 off Interstate 75 north -- follow signs). As with all other Florida state parks, the park is open from 8 a. m. until sundown 365 days a year. Admission fee is $5 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Single car occupant fee is $3. Motorcycle fee (one or two persons) is $3.
For more information and maps of the region visit the state park service web site at www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings.

This story was published on 11 Jul 2005.