Poe Springs County Park
A natural first-magnitude spring on the Santa Fe River about 45 minutes northwest of Ocala. Clear 68°F water, a sandy beach, hiking trails, and picnic areas make this Alachua County gem a perfect day trip from Ocala.
Poe Springs County Park is located at 28800 SW 172nd Court, High Springs, FL 32643 — about 45 minutes and 40 miles northwest of Ocala. The park features a large spring pool fed by a first-magnitude spring on the Santa Fe River with crystal-clear 68°F water. Admission is $5 per vehicle (Alachua County residents free), and the park is open year-round for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.
About Poe Springs County Park
Poe Springs County Park is a natural gem managed by Alachua County Parks and Open Space, tucked along the banks of the Santa Fe River in northern Florida. The park's centerpiece is the spring pool formed where Poe Spring, a first-magnitude spring, emerges from the Floridan Aquifer and flows directly into the river. The spring produces a substantial flow of crystal-clear water, maintaining a constant temperature of approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit throughout every season of the year.
Though located in Alachua County rather than Marion County, Poe Springs is well within day-trip range of Ocala at roughly 40 miles and 45 minutes northwest via US-27 and County Road 340. The park sits in a classic Florida natural setting with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, native understory vegetation, and the pristine Santa Fe River running along its boundary. The combination of spring swimming, river access, shaded picnic areas, and hiking trails makes it a well-rounded outdoor destination for residents and visitors throughout the region.
The spring pool at Poe Springs is notably large, with a sandy beach providing a comfortable entry and gathering area for families. The water clarity is exceptional, characteristic of Florida's freshwater springs where water has been naturally filtered through limestone for thousands of years. Tubing is popular on the Santa Fe River adjacent to the park, and some visitors combine a visit to Poe Springs with tubing outfitters operating in the nearby High Springs area.
Poe Springs is open year-round as a day-use facility. The park includes restrooms, outdoor rinse showers, picnic tables with grills, and a parking area. Alachua County continues to invest in the park's natural infrastructure while preserving the wild character that draws visitors from Ocala, Gainesville, and beyond. No camping is available at this location; it operates strictly as a day-use county park.
Things to Do at Poe Springs
Spring Swimming
The spring pool is the heart of Poe Springs. Fed by a first-magnitude spring emerging directly from the aquifer, the pool offers clear, cool 68°F water in a natural limestone and sandy-bottomed setting. A gentle sandy beach with a gradual entry makes it comfortable for swimmers of all ages. The pool is large enough for families to spread out and enjoy without feeling crowded on most days.
Hiking the Oak Hammock
Poe Springs features nature trails winding through an oak hammock canopy and native Florida upland habitat. The trails provide a welcome contrast to the spring swimming area, offering a chance to observe local wildlife, native plants, and the natural transition zones between aquatic and upland environments. Trails are relatively flat and accessible for most walkers, making them a pleasant complement to a day at the spring.
Picnicking & Family Outings
The park has shaded picnic tables and charcoal grills scattered throughout the grounds, ideal for full-day family visits. The combination of spring swimming and a relaxed picnic under massive live oaks makes Poe Springs a classic Florida outdoor experience. Coolers and food are welcome in the picnic areas, though glass containers are prohibited throughout the park.
Santa Fe River Access & Tubing
Poe Springs sits directly on the Santa Fe River, one of north Florida's most beloved spring-fed rivers. Visitors can access the river from the park. The High Springs area, just a few miles away, is the tubing capital of this stretch of the Santa Fe, with several outfitters renting tubes for scenic floats. Combining a morning at Poe Springs with an afternoon tube run on the river makes for a full day of natural Florida adventure.
Planning Your Visit to Poe Springs
Fees & Hours
- -Day-use fee: $5 per vehicle
- -Alachua County residents: Free with valid county ID
- -Open year-round for day use
- -Hours vary seasonally; check Alachua County Parks for current times
- -No advance reservation required for day use
What to Bring
- -Swimwear and towels — water stays 68°F so a light cover-up helps
- -Water shoes or sandals with straps for the rocky spring bottom
- -Sunscreen, drinking water, and snacks or picnic food
- -Snorkel mask for exploring the clear spring pool
- -No glass containers; coolers permitted in picnic areas
Getting There from Ocala
From Ocala, take US-441 north or US-27 north toward Gainesville. Turn west on SR-232 or follow signs toward High Springs via County Road 340. The park address is 28800 SW 172nd Court, High Springs, FL 32643. The drive is approximately 40 miles and takes about 45 minutes. GPS navigation works reliably to this address. Arriving before noon on weekends ensures parking availability during peak summer months.
Poe Springs as a Day Trip from Ocala
While Poe Springs is technically in Alachua County rather than Marion County, it sits comfortably within day-trip range of Ocala and rounds out the remarkable concentration of natural springs accessible from north-central Florida. Ocala residents frequently combine Poe Springs with a visit to nearby Ginnie Springs, Blue Springs (Gilchrist County), or the High Springs tubing outfitters for a full day exploring north Florida's spring country.
Spring Conditions
Water Temperature: ~68°F year-round
Spring Type: First-magnitude spring
Water Clarity: Exceptional — typical Florida spring visibility
Flows Into: Santa Fe River
Facilities
Restrooms: Available on-site
Picnic Areas: Tables and grills throughout the park
Parking: Paved lot; can fill on summer weekends
Lifeguards: Not provided; swim at your own risk
Frequently Asked Questions About Poe Springs
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More Springs & Nature Near Ocala
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Silver Glen Springs
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Plan Your Day Trip to Poe Springs
Crystal-clear 68°F spring water, a sandy beach, oak hammock hiking trails, and access to the Santa Fe River — all just 45 minutes northwest of Ocala. Poe Springs is a natural Florida experience worth the short drive.