Blue Spring Trail

Blue Spring State Park, Florida

Blue Spring is a first magnitude spring that discharges 104 million gallons of water daily into the St. Johns River—water that remains a constant 72°F year round, thus providing refuge to West Indian manatees that winter in the warm spring.

The half-mile boardwalk, also known as the Blue Spring Trail, parallels the clear spring run and provides several platforms overlooking the water where you can watch for manatees, herons, egrets, gar, sunfish, alligators, and turtles. Blue Spring is home to at least 15 endangered or threatened animals and plants—gopher tortoise, black bear, Florida scrub jay, and over 200 West Indian manatees all find refuge in the park.

In addition to the views of the amazing wildlife, the boardwalk also provides access to a heavily wooded hammock—islands of ground that are elevated above the level of surrounding marshes and other wet habitats. Hikers can enjoy strolling through a forest of Sweetgum, hickory, magnolia, and Live Oak draped with Spanish Moss.