Santa Fe Springs Celebration!
October 21-25, 2024
Start: Poe Springs Park
End: Rock Bluff Springs at J. H. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Park, take out at the boat ramp down the river.
Total Distance:
48 miles, plus an optional 6 miles(3 miles upstream from Outpost & back to River Rise)
Full Trip Fees:
Includes camping, meals, and shuttle
$500/Adults
$475/Seniors (65+) and college students
Registration Deadline: September 28, 2024, or when trip capacity of 40 paddlers is reached.
Official Outfitter: Adventures in Florida. Call Adventures in Florida at 407-924-3375 for kayak rentals.
Ellie Ray's Resort has optional cabins for rent at your own expense.(for the 24th). Please click the link to learn more. https://ellieraysrvresort.com/
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES – please email janice@paddleflorida.org
Paddling Itinerary:
The Santa Fe River is one of Florida’s prettiest, called “Holy Faith” by the Spanish, lives up to its name with its quiet beauty. The Santa Fe boasts dozens of significant springs, including the celebrated paddleable Santa Fe tributary the Ichetucknee River.
| Day | Lunch Stop | Lunch Miles | Campsite | Daily Miles |
| 1 | N/A | N/A | Poe Springs Park | 0 |
| 2 | At Camp | 7 - 13 | Poe Springs Park | 7 - 13 |
| 3 | Lunch Stop | 10 | Bowman's River Landing | 14 |
| 4 | At Camp | 10 | Ellie Ray's | 11 |
| 5 | Lunch will be at the take out | 12 | Rock Bluff Springs Boat Launch | 12 |
| Total Miles | 43 - 50 |
Evening Programs
Evening programs will include presentations from authors, historians, environmental experts, and one night of live music.
Refund Policy
Due to the financial outlay and costs incurred by Paddle Florida during event planning, any force majeure, which includes but is not limited to water levels, inclement weather, and any other Acts of God not mentioned herein, shall not result in the refund of any fees paid to Paddle Florida. Absolutely no fees will be refunded after 15 days before the event begins. Before each trip registration deadline, requests for fee refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
***You will receive a confirmation email message 7 days before the event with all the latest details on the trip and a link to the online waiver***
Shuttle Details
Paddlers will have a post-trip shuttle and will leave their vehicles at the trip’s launch point at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and will be shuttled back there at the trip’s end.
Boat & Gear Recommendations
For this trip, we recommend sit-in kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks or paddleboards of at least 12 feet in length. This trip is for beginner paddlers, you should also be in moderately good physical condition and know how to swim. If you have any questions about the kind of environment you will encounter on this trip, please contact Janice Hindson at janice@paddleflorida.org
Paddle Florida Policies
All paddlers must attend the trip overview and orientation on the first evening. Paddlers must adhere to the safety guidelines presented.
Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bow line, 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize.
Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
Paddlers under age 18 are the responsibility of and must be accompanied by, a parent or guardian. No more than two children under the age of 12 per adult guardian.
Sorry, no pets allowed.
All paddlers must provide emergency contact information and sign a Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for their children under the age of 18.
People-powered watercraft only.
Paddle Florida adheres to all rules put forth by the public parks we stay in, including the ban on alcoholic beverages.
All paddlers must respect private property along waterways.
All paddlers must have basic paddling and swimming skills
Violations of any of these policies can result in the paddler being removed from the event without a refund.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1/Monday, October 21:
Poe Springs Park, Paddling Miles: 0
Our trip begins at Poe Springs Park , where we’ll camp the first (and second) nights. Paddlers can check-in between 1 - 5 PM and set up tents prior to the kick-off dinner and orientation for the paddling adventure to come. Poe Springs Park is a 202 acre public park filled with scenic woodlands and rolling fields, located along the banks of the Santa Fe River. Poe Springs is the largest spring in Alachua County. It pumps 45 million gallons of cool, refreshing water daily. The park features a playground, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, volleyball courts, softball/kickball/soccer field, nature trails and its own spring.
The most significant ecological habitats include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for a diversity of wildlife species, including turtles, and fish (redbreast and spotted sunfish, largemounth bass, bluegill and channel catfish)which can be observed in waters with unparalleled visibility.
Throughout the week, dinner will be served at 6 PM each night, followed by an evening program at 7 PM. Nightly entertainment ranges from musicians to educational speakers who will provide insights regarding the flora, fauna, history, and ecology of the region we’re paddling through. We’ll eat breakfast at 7:30 each morning and launch boats from 8:30 - 9:00 AM
Be sure to bring a camera to capture and preserve beautiful river scenes, wildlife sightings, and campfire memories.
Day 2/Tuesday, October 22:
Canoe Outpost in High Springs to Poe Springs Park, Paddling Miles: 7.0 with optional 6 miles (3 miles from Canoe Outpost to River Rise & back)
After breakfast at 7:30 AM, paddlers will shuttle to the launch at Canoe Outpost in High Springs (where you dropped your kayak the day before), and launch their boats onto the Santa Fe River. Today you are paddling back to Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, so there is no need to strike camp. On this section, you will experience SPRINGS! including Lily, Johnathan, Rum and Gilchrist Blue.
Day 3/Wednesday, October 23 :
Poe Springs Park to Bowman’s Landing, Paddling Miles: 12-16
Today we will strike camp as we will be paddling 12 miles to the take out at 3 Rivers. We will then be shuttled to Ichetucknee Springs Campground. Leaving Poe Springs Park is an experience you will not forget. Tranquil, turquoise waters surround you as you observe turtle antics and see hawks, ibis, osprey and herons soaring above. Anhingas and cormorants dive for fish, breaking the surface waters below you. The Santa Fe flows from east to west. At its confluence with Poe’s spring run, you will notice the dark, tea-colored water of the river as it merges with the crystal-clear blue spring water. You will float downstream to Ginnie Springs where as long as you stay in your kayak, you are free to paddle up the spring run. There are a few springs to see; Devil’s Ear Spring is in the Santa Fe River and marked by an orange buoy, and two springs on the opposite side of the river from Ginnie Springs - July and Sawdust Springs. We will pass the confluence with the Ichetucknee River and make a stop for lunch and land at Bowman’s Landing for the night.
Day 4/Thursday, October 24:
Ichetucknee Springs State Park North Entrance to Ellie Ray’s Resort, Paddling Miles: 10 miles
We will strike camp and have a quick shuttle to the North entrance of Ichetucknee Springs State Park and paddle 10 miles back to Ellie Ray’s Resort. Today we will paddle the park’s eight major crystal-clear springs join together to create the 6-mile Ichetucknee River. Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 2,669-acre wildlife haven where beaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey wood duck and limpkin all find a home.
We will make a stop at Ichetucknee Springs State Park (south), before continuing on to the confluence with the Santa Fe River. There is a short walk up the ramp to the day use area , which is close to the pavilions and bathrooms. Today we will paddle the Santa Fe down to Ellie Ray’s Resort, where you will see beautiful cypress knees. This beach front resort includes a pool, spa and bar. We will enjoy dinner at the restaurant (we will provide a coupon for basic fare and you will have the chance to upgrade to a meal of your choice at your own expense), and a night by the fire overlooking the beach and river.
Day 5/Friday October 25:
Ellie Ray’s to the take out at the boat ramp past Rock Bluff Springs at J. H. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Park, Paddling Miles: 12
Today we will paddle the Santa Fe River to the confluence with the Suwannee RIver and to Rock Bluff Springs. Alachua Conservation Trust, in partnership with the Suwannee River Water Management District, opened JH Anderson, Jr. Memorial Park in 2019. The park contains a second-magnitude spring known as Rock Bluff Springs. The spring and spring run has large cypress trees, and visitors can swim in the water. We will take out at the boat ramp across the river from Rock Bluff Springs.
Lunch will be waiting for you and you will then be shuttled back to your vehicle, taking with you fresh memories of quiet surroundings, and the serene beauty of this place.
Mission Statement
PADDLE FLORIDA is a non-profit corporation that promotes water conservation, wildlife preservation, springs restoration, and waterways protection via fun and educational multi-day paddling trips in Florida’s most spectacular river and coastal environments. The vehicle for carrying out this mission is the staging of the multi-day paddling/camping trips in each of Florida’s five water management districts from October to April each year. Paddle Florida also seeks to promote Florida as an international destination for nature-based tourism in general, and paddling in particular.
Ranging from three to six days, trips are open to all paddling skill levels and designed to maximize enjoyment of Florida’s natural environments while engaging and empowering citizens so that they may become involved in the protection and restoration of our waterways.
If you wish to be pampered by professional guides, this isn’t the trip for you. But, if you want to experience a real community brought together under a common goal and by the thrill of adventure, Paddle Florida is the trip for you
The Meal Plan
Your Paddle Florida trip fee covers the meal plan, which provides hearty catered breakfasts and dinners, plus daily lunch snacks of assorted fruits, sandwich items, snacks, and drinks.
General Guidelines
Baggage:
Each paddler is limited to two bags and a total of 40-pounds of luggage. You have to haul your baggage and place it in the gear truck each morning, and haul it back to your campsite each evening of the trip. After paddling all day (about 8,000 paddle strokes per day), a 40-pound bag is really heavy. We recommend you pack as lightly and tightly as possible. This saves your back and the backs of your fellow paddlers. Everyone is expected to assist with the loading and unloading of the truck during the week.
Items we would rather not see in your luggage include bulky chaise lounge chairs, framed bedding/cots, and boxes without tops. Your gear should be packed so that it will not get wet. In the afternoon, your baggage may be removed and placed outside the gear truck where it will be exposed to the elements. Overnight rains may result in gear being packed up wet. A wet tent on top of your clothes bag will result in wet clothes. Plan on inclement weather and make sure you have a bag that will protect important gear in the event of rain.
Please place a label on your luggage with your name on it and make sure your bags are secure.
Suggested Packing Lists
For Water: [Note: Unless you’re wearing it, every item you bring should be secured to your boat. Carabiners and bungee cords can be handy devices for this purpose.]
Boat and paddle. Need to rent? Contact Adventures in Florida. Call Adventures in Florida at 407-924-3375 for kayak rentals.
PFD. Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bowline 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize. Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
An extra throw rope in case of emergencies should be stored safely in each boat.
Attach a whistle to your PFD or body to signal for help in case of emergency.
A knife.
Waterproof matches or another fire source in a waterproof covering.
First aid kit—each vessel should bring a first aid kit stored inside a waterproof covering.
Repair kit—each vessel should be able to make its own repairs (i.e., duct tape, sealant, waterproof tape).
Rain gear—be prepared to get wet and potentially cold. Every participant should have access to a lightweight jacket or fleece, rain jacket, and rain pants or kayak skirt.
Dry change of clothes—be prepared to take an unexpected swim. Every participant should have access to a dry change of clothes kept in a waterproof covering.
Appropriate close-toed footwear that will protect your feet from unseen underwater hazards and permit you to walk comfortably on slippery and jagged limestone when launching and taking out. Flip flops do not meet these criteria.
Sun protection—sunburn might be the trip’s biggest hazard. Bring ample sunscreen and wear a protective hat and sunglasses.
Mask and snorkel? You’ll be paddling by springs on this trip. Explore them!
Water—drinking water will be readily available along the Paddle Florida route. Bring sufficient water bottles for the day’s paddle for everyone in your boat.
Food—there is little access to restaurants or grocery stores along the Paddle Florida route. Lunch snacks each day are provided to registered participants. You may also want to bring along your own snacks.
Dry Bag or Ziploc—bring a waterproof bag to protect additional items you don’t want to get wet, like your camera or cell phone.
GPS unit? We’ll give you a map, but a GPS unit might also be handy to note the locations of campsites and springs.
For Land:
Tent
Sleeping bag, pad, and pillow
Camp chair
Clothes to keep you comfortable in temperatures generally ranging from 50-85 degrees. Think layers. You’ll likely be wearing more during potentially chilly mornings, then peeling off layers as the day progresses. Remember dry shoes for when you’re in camp and keep in mind there are often hiking trails available at the parks we camp in.
Bathing suit, plus maybe a mask, snorkel, and/or fins.
Headlamp and/or flashlight.
Toiletries and medications.
Other tent items: reading materials, iPod, earplugs…?
A camera to record the awesome memories you’ll be making!