Category: State Parks

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Georgia Georgia State Parks State Parks United States

Providence Canyon State Park: Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon

Providence Canyon State Park
Providence Canyon State Park

Nestled in the middle of Georgia’s farmland is a hidden gem known as the “Little Grand Canyon.”  Providence Canyon State Park stands as a reminder of mankind’s impact on our planet.  You see, Providence Canyon isn’t entirely natural…despite being one of The Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.

This place will straight up make you feel like you’re out on the left coast.  Strolling around the canyon gave me flashbacks of my time in Arizona and Nevada.  It’s hard to believe this place is in Georgia!

How Providence Canyon Was Formed

Most people will tell you that poor farming practices in the 1800s.  Some farmers got a little saw-happy while trying to make the land more farmable and chopped down way too many trees.  The lack of trees made the land super-vulnerable to erosion.   What were once small ravines became massive gullies as deep as 150 feet.  

While it may be true that erosion caused the canyon,  there’s a little more to it than that.  Evidence of these canyons can be found in historical documents dating back to 1836.  So…maybe the ravines weren’t quite as dramatic as they are today, but they definitely existed.

About Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park was established in 1971.  The park covers over 1,100 acres and holds 16 canyons.   The canyons expose a rainbow of soil (red, orange, yellow, white, and even purple!)  that is GORGEOUS!

Visiting Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park can be found in Lumpkin, Georgia, close to the Georgia-Alabama border.

Location: 8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815

Admission: $5 per vehicle to enter the park.  Cash is preferred.  If you are paying with a card, you’ll need to do so at the Visitor Center.

Opening Hours: From September 15th to April 14th: 7:00 am-6:00 pm. From
April 15th to September 14th: 7:00 am–9:00 pm.  Visitor Center 8:00 am- 5 pm.

Camping: You can camp overnight at Providence Canyon by making a reservation at one of three pioneer or six backcountry campsites. This is a popular option if you are hiking the 7-mile Backcountry Trail.

Hiking at Providence Canyon State Park

Canyon Loop Trail

2.5 miles | Easy to Moderate Hike | White Markers

The Canyon Loop (White Blaze) Trail is the most popular choice as it lets you experience 9 of the canyons from above and below. The walk is a 2.5-mile loop that goes down into the canyon and around the rim.  The terrain is mostly flat with a few inclines.  To see canyons 1-5, you will take a left at the first creek bed.

Backcountry Trail

7 miles | Difficult Hike | Red Markers

This 7-mile loop is quite a challenging hike that takes about 6 hours to complete.  To get to the Backcountry Trail, you’ll take a right after the first creekbed, rather than left or straight.

Our Experience

I have a friend that lives just over an hour away from the canyon, so shot her a text and asked her if she’d like to meet us at Providence Canyon. I had been wanting to visit for a while and wanted to go before it heated up.

We made the drive from Jacksonville, FL to Auburn, AL where we’d be staying with my friend.    On the day of our visit, we got to the park around 9 AM.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous!  When we pulled up to the payment stand, the attendant informed us that he could only take cash.  After some back and forth, he finally told us we could pay at the Visitor’s Center with our card.

The trailhead is located right behind the Visitor’s Center.  The path down to the floor of the canyon was gradual and quite enjoyable.  Once we were at the canyon floor, there was water all over the trail.  We basically had to walk through a creek to get to the canyons.  Luckily, we came prepared to get dirty!  The kids had so much fun splashing in the puddles and weaving in and out of the slot canyons.

We visited canyons 4-5 first and then 1-3.  4-5 were much more scenic.  All in all, it was a wonderful day.  I’m really glad we went just before spring, as I imagine the hike is dreadful in the humid months.

The Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia

  • Amicalola Falls
  • Okefenokee Swamp
  • Providence Canyon
  • Radium Springs
  • Stone Mountain
  • Tallulah Gorge
  • Warm Springs

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Atlanta, GA – 148 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 174 miles
  • Jacksonville, FL – 267 miles
  • Orlando, FL – 359 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 378 miles
  • Nashville, TN – 392 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 392 miles
  • New Orleans, LA – 420 miles
  • Memphis, TN – 446 miles

Other Georgia State Parks

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While we were in the area, we also visited the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Auburn University, and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.

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Florida Florida State Parks State Parks United States

Florida State Park Bucket List

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Florida has an impressive 175 State Parks and we’ve compiled them all together to create the Florida State Park Bucket List.  Our goal is to visit all of Florida’s State Parks and share our experiences with you.

The parks in bold are ones that we have visited, and the ones that are hyperlinked are ones we have written about in-depth here on 5 Suitcases.  The parks are listed in alphabetical order.

Florida State Park Bucket List

  • Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
  • Alafia River State Park
  • Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
  • Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
  • Amelia Island State Park
  • Anastasia State Park
  • Anclote Key Preserve State Park
  • Atlantic Ride Preserve State Park
  • Avalon State Park
  • Bahia Honda State Park
  • Bald Point State Park
  • Baseline Road Trailhead
  • Beker-South Fork
  • Beker-Wingate Creek State Park
  • Big Lagoon State Park
  • Big Shoals State Park
  • Big Talbot Island State Park
  • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
  • Blackwater Heritage State Trail
  • Blackwater River State Park
Boneyard Beach, Big Talbot Island
Manatees at Blue Spring State Park
  • Blue Spring State Park
  • Buckman Lock- St. Johns Loop North & South
  • Bulow Creek State Park
  • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
  • Caladesi Island State Park
  • Camp Helen State Park
  • Cayo Costa State Park
  • Cedar Key Museum State Park
  • Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve
  • Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
  • Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park
  • Collier-Seminole State Park
  • Colt Creek State Park
  • Constitution Convention Museum State Park
  • Crystal River Archaeological State Park
  • Crystal River Preserve State Park
  • Curry Hammock State Park
  • Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
  • Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
  • De Leon Springs State Park
  • Deer Lake State Park
  • Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
  • Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
  • Don Pedro Island State Park
  • Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
  • Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
  • Dudley Farm Historic State Park
  • Dunnellon Trail
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park
  • Dunns Creek State Park
  • Econfina River State Park
  • Eden Gardens State Park
  • Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
  • Egmont Key State Park
  • Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
  • Estero Bay Preserve State Park
  • Eureka West Recreation Area
  • Plantation Historic State Park
  • Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
  • Falling Waters State Park
  • Fanning Springs State Park
  • Faver-Dykes State Park
  • Felburn Park
  • Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park
  • Florida Caverns State Park
  • Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
  • Forest Capital Museum State Park
Fort Clinch
  • Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
  • Gasparilla Island State Park
  • General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
  • George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
  • Grayton Beach State Park
  • Haw Creek Preserve State Park
  • Henderson Beach State Park
  • Highlands Hammock State Park
  • Hillsborough River State Park
  • Historic Santos Recreation Area
  • Honeymoon Island State Park
  • Hontoon Island State Park
  • Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  • Indian Key Historic State Park
  • Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park
  • Inglis Bypass Recreation Area
  • Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area
  • Inglis Lock Recreation Area
  • John D. Macarthur Beach State Park
  • John Gorrie Museum State Park
  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
  • Johnathan Dickinson State Park
  • Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble
  • Kenwood Recreation Area
  • Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
  • Koreshan State Park
  • Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
  • Lake Griffin State Park
  • Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
  • Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park
  • Lake Kissimmee State Park
  • Lake Louisa State Park
  • Lake Manatee State Park
  • Lake Talquin State Park
  • Landbridge Trailhead
  • Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park
  • Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
  • Little Manatee River State Park
  • Little Talbot Island State Park
Madison Blue Springs
  • Long Key State Park
  • Lovers Key State Park
  • Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
  • Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site
  • Madison Blue Spring State Park
  • Manatee Springs State Park
  • Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
  • Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
  • Marjory Stoneman Douglas House
  • Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
  • Mound Key Archaeological State Park
  • Myakka River State Park
  • Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
  • Nature Coast State Trail
  • North Peninsula State Park
  • O’Leno State Park
  • Ochlockonee River State Park
  • Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park
  • Oleta River State Park
  • Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
  • Orman House Historic State Park
  • Oscar Scherer State Park
  • Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail
  • Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail
  • Paynes Creek Historic State Park
  • Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
  • San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
  • San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
  • San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
  • Santos Trailhead & Campground
  • Savannas Preserve State Park
  • Seabranch Preserve State Park
  • Sebastian Inlet State Park
  • Shangri-la Trailhead & Campground
  • Silver Springs State Park
  • Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
  • St. Andrews State Park
  • St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
  • St. Marks River Preserve State Park
  • St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Silver Springs State Park
  • St. Teresa Tract of Bald Point State Park
  • Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
  • Stump Pass Beach State Park
  • Suwannee River State Park
  • Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail
  • T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
  • Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
  • Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
  • Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
  • The Barnacle Historic State Park
  • Three Rivers State Park
  • Tomoka State Park
  • Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
  • Torreya State Park
  • Troy Spring State Park
  • Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
  • Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
  • Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
  • Wekiwa Springs State Park
  • Werne-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
  • Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
  • William J “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area
  • Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
  • Withlachoochee Bay Trail
  • Withlachoochee State Trail
  • Ybor City Museum State Park
  • Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
  • Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
25/75 visited 

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Florida Florida State Parks Orange City State Parks United States

How to See Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Seeing manatees at Blue Spring State Park is high on many people’s bucket list.  If it’s not on yours, it most definitely should be!  Seeing manatees at Blue Spring State Park is such an amazing and unique experience.  In this post, we’ll give you all of our best tips for making sure you spot these gentle giants during your visit!

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

6 Tips for Seeing Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Plan on visiting during the cold months.  On cold days, manatees leave the river and head to the springs where the water temperature is warmer.  The springs maintain a consistent year-round temperature of 72 degrees.  

Consider visiting on a weekday. Even during the winter, the springs get pretty packed.  The manatees at Blue Spring State Park are pretty popular!  If you visit during the week, it’ll be a lot less crowded, which not only makes getting into the park easier, but it also makes viewing them a little more enjoyable.  If you go on a weekend, you might feel rushed.

Check Facebook.  Each morning, an employee hops in a kayak and counts how many manatees there are in the spring run.  Then, the staff posts the number of the Blue Spring State Park Facebook Page.  The number can range anywhere from 0 to hundreds of manatees.  At the time of publication, the highest number of manatees counted in the run was 729 on 1/17/23.  We visited just 2 days before and saw 625 manatees!

My rule of thumb for this is, if the weather has been cool for a couple of days, it’s a pretty safe bet that there will be several manatees in the run.  I check the numbers the day before and plan my trip for the next day.

Get there early.  Honestly, if you wait until they post the number of manatees on Facebook, you may end up getting there too late.  People drive from all over to get a glimpse of the manatees and the park often reaches capacity by 10:00 (sometimes earlier).  Plan on getting to the park close to 8 am (when it opens).  Once all of the parking spots are filled up, the parks moves to a one out, one in system.  

Let Your Eyes Adjust.  Once you get to the park, it may take a moment for you to spot the manatees.  Their grayish color allows them to blend into their surroundings or the shadows.  Your best bet is to look in the areas where the sun is hitting the water.

Manatees come up for air every 5 minutes.  You’ll see them slowly start to surface, stick their adorable little noses out of the water and take a breath before going back under.

Often times, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of manatees playing near fallen trees.

Go beyond the dock. Most people go out on to the metal dock that is closest to the parking lot and picnic area.  Following the boardwalk to the left, heading towards the river, to scope out other vantage points.  You can even head down to the kayak launch to try to get a glimpse of the gentle giants.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Blue Spring State Park is equally as magically during the summer!  It’s one of our favorite swimming holes here in Florida.  The natural lazy river is perfect for floating on a humid summer day.

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Big Talbot Island State Park- Pure, Untouched Beauty

Big Talbot Island State Park is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets.  It is an amazing place to visit for shelling, hiking, biking, paddling, and boating.  It is home to one of Florida’s most stunning (and unique!) shorelines.  The beaches in this park showcase massive sun-bleached driftwood trees and mars-like rock formations both of which are popular with photographers.

Pro-Tip:  Swimming is not recommended at these beaches due to the strong current.  There is also no lifeguard.

Blackrock Beach

History of Big Talbot Island

Fishing has been a popular attraction here for thousands of years.  This island was once home to Florida’s indigenous people, the Timucua.  Evidence of Florida’s most ancient residents can be seen in shell mounds or ancient piles of oyster shell and food refuse.  

General James Oglethorpe (aka the dude that founded  Georgia) named the islands (both Big Talbot and Little Talbot)  in honor of Charles Baron Talbot, Lord High Chancellor of England.  He sounds pretty important, eh?  Big Talbot Island was once home to at least two plantations. The plantations grew oranges, sugar, indigo and cotton. Prominent plantation owners in this region were Spicer Christopher (on the north end of the island), John Houston (on the south end of the island), John McQueen, and Zephaniah Kingsley on present day Fort George Island).

Fun Fact:  A team of University of North Florida’s archaeologists are excavating the island.  It is believed that the island was also home to the Mocama people.

Big Talbot Island Visiting Information

Hours: 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year.  The boat ramp is open 24 hours a day.

Fees:  $2 for the fishing pier, $3 per vehicle entrance

Experiences and Amenities

Bicycling- The park offers several miles of paved an unpaved trails.  A newly completed 4-mile paved trail winds through the maritime forest and overlooks the surrounding wetlands.  The new trail connects preexisting trails to form a greenway connected to the nearby parks.

Boating- There are numerous tidal creeks along the Intracoastal Waterway that are easily accessible via canoes, kayaks, and even power boats.  Simpson’s Creek and Myrtle Creek are popular waterways in the region.  Launch from the north end of the island to access the Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Fishing- The saltwater marsh surrounding the island offers some of the best fishing in the area.  Enjoy snagging a redfish, sea trout, whiting, flounder, black drum, etc.  The bridge at Simpson Creek is a popular fishing spot.

You can also fish from a pier for a fee of $2 per person.

Hiking- The park has an abundance of trails including:

  • Shoreline Trail- provides access to Boneyard Beach and the Nassau Sound.
  • Black Rock Trail– (our favorite!) a trail that winds through the maritime hammock and empties into a one-of-a-kind beach.
  • Old Kings Highway Trail and Jones Cut Trail- unrefined trails that travel through a lush maritime hammock.
  • Timucuan Trail- a paved 3-mile multi-use trail that is perfect for families with bikes or strollers!
Boneyard Beach

Paddling– Conveniently located between Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island you’ll find Kayak Amelia, the official outfitter for the parks.  Kayak Amelia offers kayak and canoe rentals and guided tours.  

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail runs through Big Talbot Island State Park.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.   The greenway connects the park to Amelia Island State Park and Little Talbot Island State Park.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.  It runs from the Canadian border down to the Florida Keys!  Holy crap, right?

Our Big Talbot Island Essentials

Beach Wagon– great for navigating in the sand
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

What is there to do nearby?

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Updated: 3/5/2024

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Fort George Island Cultural State Park- 5000 Years of Remarkable History

Kingsley Plantation main house and walkway to the kitchen.

Fort George Island State Cultural State Park is located in Jacksonville, Florida about 3 miles south of Little Talbot Island State Park.  The state park is home to the historic Ribault Inn Club which now serves as the island’s visitor center.

Fort George Island is part of the Talbot Island state park family.  Much of the land in this part of Jacksonville is protected as preserves, state parks, and national parks.  Although Florida is such a flat state, the island is home to the highest point on the Atlantic Coast south of New Jersey.

Despite it’s name, Fort George Island was never actually home to a fort.  It was named after a fort from colonial Georgia.  It has, however, been the site of human occupation for more than 5,000 years.  On the island you’ll find pre-historic oyster mounds, a historic plantation, remnants of a slave quarter, tabby house ruins, and one of the most popular recreational clubs from the Roaring 20s.  

History of Fort George Island

The island was known as Alicamani, a major village of the Timucua chiefdom.  Their presence can still be seen in the many oyster shell mounds that dot the landscape.

Later, the island served as the home to the Spanish mission of San Juan del Puerto.  The mission was founded before 1587 at the mouth of the St. Johns River.  The Franciscan mission served the Saturiwa, a Timucua tribe.  The tribe was split into nine smaller villages where the missionaries studied the Timucua language.  The Spanish abandoned the mission in the early 1700s due to raids from the Native Americans.

The most notorious site on the island is Kingsley Plantation– the oldest standing plantation in the state of Florida.  The plantation was held by Zephaniah Kingsley for 25 years.  Visitors examine the main house, kitchen, and several tabby slave quarters.

Another prominent feature on Fort George Island is the Ribault Club.  This colonial revival was built in 1928 for winter recreation.  The site was used for golf, tennis, hunting, fishing, and yachting for prominent people.  The club suffered during the Great Depression and eventually closed its doors.  The Ribault Club now serves as the Visitor’s Center.

Visiting Fort George Island Cultural State Park

The park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.

The Ribault Club is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM until 5 PM.  It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There are no fees to enjoy this state park.

What is there to do at Fort George Island?

  • Bicycling– The Fairway Loop Trail is 4.4 miles long and is made up of paved road and hard-packed gravel.  There is another 3-mile biking/hiking trail that covers the interior of the former golf course.
  • Boating-   This is a huge party spot for boaters.  You can also launch a kayak or canoe.
  • Fishing
  • Hiking- There is a 3-mile biking/hiking trail that covers the interior of the former golf course.  On the trail you’ll see one of the tallest dunes on the eastern seaboard, Mount Cornelia (the largest point south of New Jersey). About 3/4 a mile north of the clubhouse, the trail comes to a T-junction.  If you head right, you’ll spot Point Isabel, a historic fortified inlet where goods were ferried to and from the plantations.  If you head left at the T, you’ll meet up with a National Park Service trail that leads to the historic Kingsley Plantation.

Fun Fact:  Fort George Island is home to Jacksonville’s most popular sand bar.  It’s truly a boater’s paradise!  The sandbar is only accessible by water and every weekend during the summer you can find a few hundred boats rafted up.  There is an awesome place to soak up the sun, enjoy the sandy beaches, and the cool water.

What is there to do Nearby?

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

12 Best Places to See Manatees in Florida

Photo by Koji Kamei on Pexels.com

Seeing manatees in the wild is quite the experience!  Our list of the 12 Best Places to See Manatees will help up your chances of spotting these “sea cows” out in the wild.  Manatees are fascinating, graceful, and playful animals that can often be spotted in Florida springs and rivers.

Manatees in Florida

Manatees have graced the waters of Florida since prehistoric times. Years of habitat loss caused the population dwindle to the point that manatees were added to the list of Endangered Species in 1973.  

Today, there are between 3,000 and 5,000 manatees living in Florida and the sea cows are no longer considered endangered.  

Before you Hop in the Water...

Manatees come to the surface of the water every 3-5 minutes to breathe.  However, they can spend as long as 20 minutes under water.  Kayakers and paddleboarders that hover over the manatees can sometimes cause the animals to stay underwater longer than they are comfortable with.  If you plan on getting in the water with the manatees, please give them some space and don’t park your vessel directly on top of them.

Best Places to See Manatees

Crystal River & Three Sisters Spring

In the winter months, more than 1,000 manatees congregate in the Crystal River.  This is probably the one of the best places to see manatees in the wild!  The gentle sea creatures flock here due to the warm waters put out by Three Sisters Springs.  In the summer months, there are some resident manatees that you may be able to see.  Crystal River is the best place for swimming with manatees and the only place that you can do it year round.

Chassahowitzka River & The Seven Sisters Spring

“The Chaz”, as we call it, is truly a hidden gem.  Manatees are known to hang out here year round however, you’ll have a better chance of spotting them during the winter months.  For the best opportunity to see the manatees, visitors should rent a kayak (or bring their own) and paddle down to the Seven Sisters Spring.

Silver Springs State Park

Manatees have recently started migrating back to Silver Springs.  This state park is known for its incredibly clear water and its glass bottom boat tours.  The best time to visit Silver Springs, to see manatees, is in the winter months.  We saw about 5 manatees on our glass bottom boat ride.  

Swimming is not permitted at Silver Springs. However, you are allowed to boat, kayak or canoe to get up close and personal with the manatees.  To up your chances of seeing a manatee, plan on arriving the to park as soon as it opens, at 8 AM and rent (or bring your own) kayak..  This is 2 hours before the glass bottom boat tours start.

Blue Spring State Park

Lately, one of the best places to see manatees has been Blue Spring State Park.  In 2022, the park saw record breaking numbers of manatees flocking into the springs.  On any given day, in the winter, visitors can see hundreds of manatees.  

The park offers several vantage points where you can spot manatees in the spring.

Wakulla Springs State Park

If you want to see manatees at Wakulla Springs, your best bet is to book a boat tour or rent a kayak.  Manatees are found here year round, but like all other places, it is most common to find them during the cold months.

Fanning Springs State Park

Another popular hang out for manatees is Fanning Springs State Park.  The water here is extremely clear making it easy to spot the manatees grazing on the bottom.  

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

This is one of the prime wildlife locations in the entire state.  The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has an observation deck where you can frequently spot manatees.  Manatees are typically seen during the fall and spring months.

Manatee Lagoon

Manatee Lagoon is located in West Palm Beach.  The park has an observation area where in the winter months you may see up to as many as 800 manatees.

Manatee Park, Fort Myers

Manatees are drawn to Manatee Park for a different reason- the Fort Myers power plant.  The power plant warms the waters making it one of the best places to see manatees. Local manatees tend to hang out here during the cool months.  There are great walkways and viewing platforms at the park that make it easier to see the manatees.  They also offer kayak rentals, if you want to get a little closer.

Manatee Viewing Center, Tampa

Similar to Manatee Park, the Manatee Viewing Center is located near a power plant.  The park is open from November 1st through April 15th each year when spotting manatees is most common.

Where Can I Swim with Manatees?

In most places, swimming with manatees is not permitted.  However, it is allowed in Citrus County- Homosassa Springs and Crystal River.  If you visit in the summer, your best bet for swimming with manatees is to visit Crystal River.  To swim with the manatees, you’ll need a boat tour.

When is the Best Time to See Manatees?

You can pretty much see manatees in the Crystal River year round. Many of the year-round manatees here are young manatees that don’t quite have the courage to venture into the rivers.

However, the peak season for seeing manatees is from November to March.  During this time of the year, the manatees migrate from the rivers into the springs to stay warm.

 

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks National Forest Springs State Parks United States

5 Springs in Ocala National Forest

Salt Springs in Ocala National Forest

The springs in Ocala National Forest are some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find in the Sunshine State.  Most people that vacation in Florida head to the beaches or the theme parks…us Floridians, on the other hand, head straight for the springs!  There are more than 1,000 natural springs sprinkled throughout Florida- more than any other place on the planet!  The springs stay a refreshing 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round, making them a great place to beat the heat.

There are five springs in the Ocala National Forest that are accessible to visitors.  These springs are: Alexander Springs, Fern Hammock Springs, Juniper Springs,  Salt Springs, and Silver Glen Springs.  Join us as we explore the springs in Ocala National Forest and explore the real Florida!

Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest

5 Springs in Ocala National Forest

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is one of the best springs for snorkeling and diving.  The swimming area is a huge, wide open space and there are parts that are shallow enough for little ones to enjoy. There are steps that lead down to the spring.  This is a great spot for little ones to get acclimated to the temperature of the water.  Once you’re in the water, it isn’t exceptionally deep (but still deep enough that they can swim). 

The kayak and paddleboard launch site is also very close to the swimming hole, making it easy to go back and forth between the two.

The swimming area isn’t all shallow, however.  In fact, local dive schools use the springs for training since parts of the spring are as deep as 25 feet.

Alexander Springs is also known for camping, hiking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.  There is a 0.9 mile interpretive trail called the Timucuan Trail.  The loop consists of a shady boardwalk that travels through the forest along the spring run.   

Fern Hammock Springs

Fern Hammock Springs are accessible from Juniper Springs.  Unlike the other springs in the Ocala National Forest, swimming isn’t permitted here. This spring is environmentally protected and has a higher alligator and snake population.  It’s still absolutely worth the short walk from Juniper Springs.  Fern Hammock Springs is absolutely stunning and considered by many to be one of the most beautiful springs in the world!

Juniper Springs in Ocala National Forest

Juniper Springs

An old watermill constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s helps make this one of the most picturesque springs in the area.  The springs are popular for swimming, snorkeling, floating, camping, hiking, and paddling.  

Juniper Run is a narrow, winding waterway that travels through a dense canopy of an ancient forest.  It is an excellent spot to paddle out in search for turtles, fish, birds, and alligators.

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is another excellent swimming hole found in the Ocala National Forest.  The swimming area is massive and the parts away from the spring head are shallow enough for wading.  The water near the boils, however, are deep and full of slippery rocks.

Salt Springs is unique in the sense that it is salty and is home to an abundance of blue crabs.  The water is naturally salty due to the high levels of magnesium and potassium- but not nearly as salty as ocean water.   

Silver Glen Springs in Ocala National Forest

Silver Glen Springs

Silver Glen Springs is one of many Floridian’s favorite springs!  The water is crystal clear and the swimming area is massive.  Historians believe that this site has been popular with humans for over 10,000 years!  It was once the home to an ancient village.  Today, it is home to Florida black bears, racoons, an abundance of fish and birds, turtles, and manatees.

Silver Glen Springs is popular for swimming, snorkeling, floating, and paddling.

When is the Best time to Visit? 

The springs are phenomenal year round!  If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times).  If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months. 

If you’re brave, you can swim year round.  The water temperature is the same all year.  Florida’s weather is really inconsistent in the winter.  We can go from being in the 80s one day to the 50s the next.  As long as you can handle the outside temperatures when you exit the springs, you can absolutely swim in the springs 365 days a year.

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks St. Augustine State Parks United States

Stunning Anastasia State Park

Gulf Island National Seashore

Anastasia State Park plays an important role in the history of St. Augustine- the oldest city in the United States.  The park was once a coquina quarry that was mined to help construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Today, the site is home to Anastasia State Park, which has pretty much anything a beachgoer may be looking for:  white quartz sand beaches, paddling, surfing, swimming, trails, wildlife, camping, bicycling, etc.

History of Anastasia State Park

In the 1500s, the Spanish crown laid claim to a vast area in the New World, including what is now known as Florida. The Spaniards struggled to establish a lasting presence in this area until in 1565 when Pedro Menendez founded St. Augustine.  His settlement was about 30 miles south of a French settlement called Fort Caroline on the St. Johns River, in present day Jacksonville.    Menendez was unaware the French had already settled in the area, and when he found out he aggressively worked to oust them. 

The French Huguenot leader, Jean Ribault, learned of the Spanish presence and sailed south to search for their settlement.  His ships were struck by a storm and most of the forces were lost at sea.  At the same time, Menendez marched north and found Fort Caroline completely unprotected.  The Spanish killed everyone but 50 women and 26 escapees. The French settlement in Florida came to a bloody end and the Spanish occupied the site as San Mateo until 1569.

When Menendez and his troops returned back to St. Augustine, he learned that Ribault and his troops were stranded south of the Spanish stronghold.  He quickly located the remaining Frenchmen and murdered all but the Catholics and a handful of women.  Hundreds of Huguenots died at the Massacre of Matanzas Inlet- just south of Anastasia Island State Park.

Ever since that dreadful day, the inlet where the massacre happened has been known as Matanzas meaning “slaughters” in Spanish.  Fort Matanzas, the Matanzas River, and the Matanzas Inlet were all named after the massacre.

More than 300 years ago coquina quarries located within Anastasia State Park were teaming with workers hauling out blocks of coquina rock.  The blocks were utilized to construct the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the crown jewel of St. Augustine.

The quarries were continuously used until the turn of the 20th century.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

In the 1940s, the Army Corp of Engineers dredged a new inlet that would link the Matanzas Bay with the Atlantic Ocean.  The area where they dredged traversed a peninsula which later became known as Conch Island.  Since then, the tides and currents have carried sands from Jacksonville Beach down to the tip of the peninsula, causing it to double in size.  Later, in 1964, Hurricane Dora deposited even more sand forming the area that we now know as Anastasia State Park.

Anastasia State Park is located near historic St. Augustine on Anastasia Island.  It features a wide beach with a lagoon and is bordered by rich tidal marshes.

Today, visitors can visit the coquina quarry, an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos.

Amenities at Anastasia State Park

  • Bicycling– over 4 miles of beach and several miles or park roads (some with bike lanes).  Bicycles are available for rent at the concession inside Anastasia State Park.
  • Boating
  • Camping- See below for more information
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling-  Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are welcome along the Salt Run- the estuarine tidal marsh.  Rentals are available at the concession inside the park.
  • Playgrounds
  • Surfing
  • Swimming

Camping at Anastasia State Park

The campground features 139 sites for both RVs (up to 38 feet)  and tent camping.  The sites are all nestled in a beautiful maritime hammock juts a short distance rom the beach.

All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, and a fire ring.  Some sites are paved.

Fun Fact:  Travel + Leisure Magazine has included Anastasia State Park on its list of America’s Prettiest Beach Campsites.

Visiting Anastasia State Park

Hours: 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year

Fess:  $8/vehicle

Location: 300 Anastasia Park Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080

What is there to do Nearby?

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park- A Small But Mighty Stronghold

Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park is one of the seven Florida State Parks located in Jacksonville.  The park itself is very small (it is only about 2 acres), but the site played an important role in the Civil War.   Since it was strategically located at Dames Point on the St. Johns River, Yellow Bluff Fort granted access to the island areas of Florida’s east coast.

By 1862, Union troops had already captured Fernandina, including Fort Clinch, and St. Augustine, and would end up taking Jacksonville in March of the same year.  

The park was added to the US National Register of Historic Place in 1970.  In all honesty, a lot of the park is open to interpretation.  There is not a lot of signages, and the park could use a little TLC.  With a bit of funding, this charming little park could be a great state park.

The History of Yellow Bluff Fort

At the time of the Civil War, Florida’s economy was poppin’.  The state thrived off of agricultural trade, livestock, and other goods.  Railroads and rivers helped transport supplies throughout the state.

When the war broke out in 1861, Florida joined the Confederacy.  General Robert E. Lee ordered the construction of defenses along the coast of the river to protect the supplies being imported via the river.  One of these earthworks, was Yellow Bluff Fort.

Fun Fact:  Earthworks are mounds of dirt used for defensive fighting.

Despite the name, there was never an actual fort on Yellow Bluff.  Instead, it was a fortified encampment. T-shaped earthworks covering about 1.3 acres were constructed on the banks of the St. Johns River.  These defensive mounds were commonly used throughout the Civil War because they were relatively quick to construct and rather inexpensive.  These mounds protected not only soldiers but guns and canons, as well.

Construction of the site began in 1862.  Interestingly, the site was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops during construction.  

At its peak, this small encampment was home for more than 250 soldiers.  Yellow Bluff Fort served to protect shipping supply lines to Jacksonville via the river.

The park is located on Yellow Bluff peninsula on the north side of the St. Johns River.  It is located on New Berlin Road.

Yellow Bluff Fort Today

Believe it or not, this small 2-acre state park is nestled in the middle of a neighborhood.  There are houses on either side of the park.  At the entrance of the park you’ll find a stone monument and a cannon beckoning you into the park.  There are additional cannons scattered around the property.

The monument tells a brief history of the site and how it once house both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War.  Today, the space is mostly an open area covered by the canopy of magnificent live oaks.  There are a few picnic tables, but other than that there are no amenities.

Yellow Bluff Fort Historic Park offers sweeping views of the Dames Point Bridge that spans over the St. Johns River.  It is easy to see why this spot offered such an advantage to the soldiers that camped here.

Today, mother nature has reclaimed much of the land.  Majestic live oaks, shrubs, magnolias, and other greenery cover what was once an important site in the area’s military history.

A Ghostly Urban Legend

Legend has it that the wife/lover of one of the 350 soldiers that were stationed at Yellow Bluff Fort haunts the park.  Woman in White, as she is known,  is said to appear crying at the base of the Confederate memorial during moonless nights.

Some stories say that she is dangerous and has been known to attack couples that visit the park.  One claim is that she tried to kill a man with her long, sharp nails.  

Long story short, if you run into Woman in White, let her grieve in peace.

 

What is There to do at Yellow Bluff Fort?

Very little physical evidence of the fort remains today.  One obvious feature is the extensive trench system that was dug for fortification.  The trenches were about 10-feet deep and in some places up to 15-feet wide.

A short trail meanders around the encampment , rolling down and then back up the namesake earthen walls of the “fort”.  You’ll also find an earthwork mound and trench system that was created by the Confederate Army to defend Jacksonville against the attacking Union Army.

The park has several picnic tables that are available to visitors.

Visiting Yellow Bluff Fort

The park is open from 8 AM until sunset.  It is open 365 days a week.

There are no fees to enjoy the park.

It is located about a mile off if Interstate 295.

Our Thoughts on Yellow Bluff Fort

The park offers great views of the river, and would be a great spot to enjoy a picnic.  But other than that, the park is just kind of…meh.  With a bit of funding, the park could be great, but as it stands a lot of it is left up for the visitor to interpret on their own.  If you didn’t know that the trenches and mounds were manmade, you’d think they were just part of the landscape.  There’s very little signage explaining the site.

If you’re a local looking for somewhere new to explore, or if you’re a visitor who is really into the Civil War, then the Yellow Bluff Fort may be worth a visit. Fort Clinch is another Civil War era fort that was an actual fort and is in remarkable condition.  We suggest visiting Fort Clinch over this faux-fort.

Despite its proximity to the cruise ship terminal, the park did not make our list of Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville. 

What is there to do Nearby?

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Gainesville State Parks United States

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park- Where Wild Horses and Bison Roam Free

The Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the most unique parks in the state of Florida.  The park is well-known for being the home to alligators, wild horses, bison, and other creatures native to Florida.  Be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center to learn about the history of the area, the animals that call it home, and the people that once resided here.  The Visitor’s Center also has a massive window that offer impressive views of the park.  The 50-foot high observation tower, just behind the Visitor’s Center, is another great vantage point.

When we visited Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, we hiked a handful of trails searching for alligators, wild horses, and bison.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck.  We did, however, see several deer, armadillos, turkeys, and countless birds.

We spent a lot of time in the Visitor’s Center where they had a surprisingly large amount of interactive features in their interpretative museum.  The kids really enjoyed looking through the telescopes at the basin, playing in the kinetic sand to mimic erosion, and learning about the animals and people that called this savanna home.

We’re eager to return to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park to check out the north rim where we hope to spot some more of the park’s famed wildlife!

We strongly suggest visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park during the winter or spring, when the weather is much cooler and the air is less humid.  When you visit, be sure to pack plenty of water and bug spray.

Hiking at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

The park consists of eight different trails that provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

Leashed pets are allowed on all of the trails with the exception of Bolens Bluff, Cones Dike, and La Chua.  These trails have a large alligator population.

The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.  

At the park, you’ll see plenty of warning signs about snakes.  I know what you’re thinking- this is Florida, of course there are snakes!  This is, after all, one of the most wild places in the Sunshine State. 

 In 2000, a zoology professor counted 765 snakes in just one visit to the park!  That being said, I’m scared to death of snakes and I didn’t let that deter me.  We didn’t see a single snake on our visit- but that’s probably because we travel with 3 very talkative kids 🙂

The North Rim vs the South Rim

The bluff at the north rim of Paynes Prairie is more pronounced.  The star of the north rim is the La Chua Trail, which is known as one of the best places to see alligators in the wild.  You’ll also probably have a better chance of spotting wild horses and bison here. 

The south rim is where you’ll find the visitor center, observation tower, and many of the trails.  If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the bison and wild horses from the observation tower just behind the Visitor’s Center.

Be sure to ask the rangers where they have spotted the bison and horses recently!

Visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Main Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy
Phone: 352-466-3397

The main entrance is open from 8am until sunset, daily.  The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.  

What is there to do nearby?

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located just outside of Gainesville in the town of Micanopy.  Gainesville is a huge college town (Go Gators!) and has a ton of cool stuff to do.  Some of our favorites include:

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