Should you go?
Poe Springs sits on the Santa Fe River minutes from Ginnie and Gilchrist Blue, but draws a fraction of their crowds — an Alachua County park with a broad, shallow spring pool, a short run to the river, and shaded boardwalks.
When the famous springs in this corner of the state hit capacity on a summer Saturday, Poe is the local answer, and it rarely turns anyone away.
Visiting
Entry is genuinely seasonal: $6/vehicle (or $1/person walk-in) May through September, completely free October through March — a real cost-saver if your schedule is flexible. The park caps at 100 people in the spring itself and may close temporarily when it hits that limit. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The spring is set apart from the main park entrance, roughly a 0.3-mile walk via boardwalk through cypress swamp — genuinely pretty, but bring a cart or wheeled cooler if you're packing much gear, since it's a real walk each way. Poe's water runs a distinctive green rather than the blue of its Santa Fe neighbors, which surprises some first-timers, though it's every bit as swimmable.
When to go
Summer weekends when the famous springs nearby hit capacity — Poe rarely does. Confirm hours before driving.
Local tips
Watch your footing on the steps down to the water — algae can make them slippery. Compared to Ginnie or Ichetucknee nearby, this one draws a fraction of the crowd even on a busy weekend, making it a smart backup when the famous springs are full. New bathrooms were added as of January 2026.
Rules & restrictions
Pets welcome on a handheld leash but not permitted to swim in the spring. Park may close temporarily at 100-person capacity. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Good to know
Dogs: Park yes, not in water. Season: Year-round.
Facilities
Pavilions, picnic shelters, play areas, multi-purpose fields, volleyball courts, and grills. A boat launch and dock provide river access separate from the swimming spring. Restrooms were recently renovated.
Wildlife you may see
Typical Santa Fe River wildlife along the boardwalk and river dock — turtles, fish, and a good range of birds in the surrounding cypress swamp.
History & background
Alachua County has managed the park for decades; it was damaged by Hurricane Irma and closed temporarily before reopening in May 2018 with updated facilities.
Map & directions
FAQs
How much does Poe Springs cost?
$6/vehicle May through September, but completely free October through March u2014 plan around the free season if your schedule allows.
Is Poe Springs crowded?
Generally no u2014 it draws a fraction of the crowd of nearby Ginnie or Ichetucknee, even on busy weekends, making it a reliable backup when those fill up.
Why is Poe Springs green instead of blue?
It's a natural characteristic distinct from its clearer-blue Santa Fe River neighbors u2014 still perfectly swimmable, just a different look.
How far is the walk to Poe Springs?
About 0.3 miles one-way via a boardwalk through cypress swamp from the main park area u2014 bring a cart or wheeled cooler if you're carrying much gear.
Visitor photos
See this week’s shots: Instagram #poesprings · TikTok #poesprings
Great for: Family-Friendly · Kayaking · Snorkeling · Swimming
