Blue Springs Hopper

Paddling downriver you will come across several springs along the way • Lilly • Pickard • Mermaid • Rum Island and finally ending at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park.

The pictures and description below will take the guess work out of where to end.

Going past the State Park might result in late/pick-up fees.

Rum Line.JPG
Blue Sign 1.JPG
Blue Line.JPG
Blue Sign 2.JPG
Blue Sign 3.JPG
Blue Run.JPG

Lilly Springs will be located on your left hand side, along with Pickard very shortly after.

After Pickard you will see Rum Island in the distance. Look right when you can see the Island and you might find Mermaid Springs hidden on the right bank.

Next you will come to the Island itself. Taking the pathway to the right around the Island will bring you to the boat ramp at Rum Island Park. But either path around the Island will eventually bring you to the spring at Rum Island park.

Only 1/4 mile after Rum Island Spring on the left hand side of the river you will find Gilchrist Blue Springs Park. Marked by a sign and a line of pink and white buoys. Paddle over the line of buoys and up the crystal clear spring run. Stay within the paddle lane (marked by yellow buoys) on the left when entering the swimming area. Pull your vessel onto the beach at the ramp and take your vests and paddles to the rental shack to check-in with our staff.