Visitor Information
(updated yearly)
No Daily-Use Permit currently required.
Amenities at Fort White include a small parking area, interpretive
kiosk, and approximately three miles of trails.
In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the
area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the
following recreation activities are allowed:
Fishing - Bank fishing is permitted in the Santa Fe River;
access is provided just south of the parking area. Expect catches of
Suwannee and black bass, redbreast and spotted sunfish. Canoes and
kayaks may be launched here. Motorboat access is available at many
public boat ramps in the area. To fish, you must possess the appropriate
license and permit.
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Lora Silvanima
Barred Owl with Flicker
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Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife viewing is most productive along
the three miles of marked trails that loop through the sandhills and
along the floodplain of the Santa Fe River. Look for gopher tortoises
and Sherman’s fox squirrels in the oak and pine dominated sandhills.
Barred owls, red shouldered hawks and migratory warblers frequent the
cypress, gum and red maples found in the floodplain forest.
Hiking - Hikers may follow three miles of marked trails
through the upland sandhills community and forested floodplain of the
Santa Fe River. Trail brochures are available at the entrance kiosk.
Paddling - The spring-fed Santa Fe River is a popular paddling
route suitable for beginners. There are many public boat ramps and canoe
launches along its journey through surrounding counties. At Fort White, river access for canoes and kayaks is available near
the parking area.
Vehicles, bikes and horses are not permitted on trails at Fort White. There is one entrance, with parking, onto the public-use area.
Located 24 miles west of High Springs off CR 138 and NE 2nd Way in
Gilchrist County. From Fort White, travel south on SR 47 for about 5
miles to CR 138. Turn right (west) and go 4.5 miles to a right hand turn
on NE 2nd Way. Follow this road about 4 miles to its end in Fort White at
the Santa Fe River.
View a location map - pdf
file
Additional
wildlife viewing sites in the vicinity.
High Springs (24 miles southeast), Fort White (13.5 miles east),
Branford (15 miles northwest).
