Gilchrist Blue Spring Run Overview
Gilchrist Blue Springs Run, located in Gilchrist County, Florida, flows from Gilchrist Blue Spring, a second-magnitude spring, into the Santa Fe River. The run is about 0.25 miles long, with clear, turquoise water that averages 72°F year-round.
Surrounded by cypress, hardwoods, and sandy banks, the run is popular for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and wildlife viewing. It hosts fish species like mullet, bass, and sunfish, along with turtles, otters, and occasional manatees.
The spring is part of Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, which opened in 2017, preserving the area from potential development. The run itself is narrow but deep in spots, with excellent visibility, making it ideal for observing the sandy bottom, aquatic vegetation, and abundant freshwater life.
Gilchrist Blue is one of several springs feeding the Santa Fe River in this region, renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Gilchrist Blue Springs Run…Beneath the Surface
Guides, Maps & Info
- Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park…
- Paddle the Spring Run to the Santa Fe River…
- Gilchrist Blue Springs Run Topo Map…
- Gilchrist Blue Springs Water Data…