Located north of Gainesville on 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.
Poe Springs Park is a 202 acre public park filled with scenic woodlands and rolling fields. The shallow water makes it kid-friendly. Scuba diving is not allowed, although you can snorkel and explore a small underwater cave. Depths are about 25 feet. Leashed pets are allowed in the park but are not allowed to swim in the spring.
Park amenities include pavilions and picnic shelters, play areas, multi purpose fields, volleyball courts, and bar-b-que grills. There are loop trails throughout the park for hiking, and a boardwark that traverses the cypress swamp leads visitors to the springs. A boat launch and dock afford watercraft access to the river.
The Lodge At Poe Springs is available for event rentals when the park is open, and is perfect for birthday parties, showers, and small weddings. Click for rental information.
Poe Springs charges a seasonal fee from May to September. Entrance fee: $6.00 per vehicle or $1 per person walk-in/bicycle entry.
Poe Springs is free entry from October to April.
