Poe Springs never gets the same attention as its neighbors Gilchrist Blue Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, and Ginnie Springs. But this underrated and short named spring has so much fun to offer! From swimming, to grilling, paddling, and even a playground.
I drove up on a Saturday and planned to get to Poe Springs by 9:00 a.m. since the springs get packed very quickly on the weekends, especially in the summer.
*Fun Fact* my GPS wasn't exactly accurate. I typed in Poe Springs, and when it said it was on my right, all I saw was trees. No worries if your GPS does this to you. Just continue down the road another minute, and you will see a sign for Poe Springs, and the turn will be right after.
There wasn't an attendant when I arrived, but there was an envelope to put your park entry fee of $6.00 into. Make sure to tear off the side with the parking hang tag and drop the envelope into the box. An attendant eventually showed up around 10 a.m. When visiting this park, it is best to bring exact cash.
There are two parking lot options. The one to the right is closest to the building with the restrooms, and the one to the left is closer to the boat/watercraft launch area.
Each one is the same distance from the spring, so for that it doesn't really matter. It is about a half-mile jaunt from the parking lot to the actual spring swim area.
You start on a shaded paved sidewalk, transforming into a boardwalk through a forest of cypress trees. Peering past the trees, you can see paddlers on the Santa Fe River.
There are two lookouts where you can gaze upon Poe Springs.
I took a moment, enjoying how quiet it was at that time in the morning, with hardly anyone there. I walked past the pavilions to look out over the Santa Fe River.
There are two sets of stairs you can use to get into the water. Poe Springs offers a large swimming area, but not necessarily made for tubing. I did see someone there renting tubes to people. The mouth of the spring is toward the side closest to the bridge/lookouts. The water in this spring is clear, but can look more green as in certain areas. This is due to oxygen levels and oils from the plants.
I saw some small fish swimming about and a turtle. I even saw a baby turtle!!
The bottom is sandy near the spring head, then getting rockier as you get closer to the river. What is really cool is you can see the clear, fresh water being pumped out by Poe Springs, pushing against the brackish water of the Santa Fe River.
And just hidden around the corner is a rope swing!
After spending the morning exploring Poe, I paddled down to Gilchrist Blue and Rum Island Springs, but you can read more about that in my Santa Fe River Springs Trip article.
Every spring is a unique gem that sparkles in its own way!
Check the springs off your adventure bucket list using the Florida Springs Passport!
Your fun interactive booklet, where you can see what spring adventures you've completed and which ones to look forward to!
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