The Florida Panhandle is surrounded by water, nature reserves, and national parks.
You do not have to look for any outdoor activities when you stay in the Florida Panhandle because activities are here at every turn.
Along with 700 magnificent springs for visitors to swim, dive, or splash in, Florida boasts the largest collection of freshwater springs on Earth.
Florida’s springs are all crystal clear and stay fresh all year round, so choosing which Florida springs to visit can be a daunting task, but I have picked a few favorites for you in the Florida Panhandle.
Why Panhandle?
Because the Florida Panhandle is where you’ll find one of the most scenic springs in the state…
For those who travel to Florida for the first time, here are some words about the Panhandle.
The Panhandle is a narrow area along the northern border of Florida between the states of Alabama and Georgia.
The capital of the state of Florida is located here.
Tallahassee would have remained a provincial town if, in 1819, it had not become a compromise in the dispute between Pensacola and Jackson for the high status of the main city.
The Panhandle has more in common with the states of the South than with the rest of Florida.
The season here runs from May to September, in contrast to the coast south of Orlando, where the resorts come alive in the winter.
Are There Any Natural Springs on the Florida Panhandle?
Yes.
The Panhandle is rich in natural springs.
Some top springs here are Vortex, Ponce de Leon, Jackson Blue, and Wakulla.
The Panhandle is rich in natural wonders.
One of them is the Apalachicola Forest Reserve.
Those who dare to walk along one of the tourist routes or go kayaking have a chance to discover the secrets of virgin forests.
But be careful: the Tate Hell Swamp is considered a very dangerous place.
(Some people claim that they saw some unknown and dangerous creatures lurking behind the cypress trees.)
A little more civilized but no less interesting, you can spend time in Wakulla Springs Park.
The land south of Tallahassee is rich in some of the world’s deepest natural springs, providing millions of liters of clean water every day.
Top 11 Natural Springs in the Florida Panhandle
Ichetucknee Springs
Located in a park in northern Florida, Ichetucknee Springs is surrounded by eight large springs that join together to form the six-mile Ichetucknee River.
Visitors can kayak or swim lazily under the lush tree canopy, snorkel, or follow wildlife such as beavers, otters, and wild turkeys.
The park’s wildlife includes white-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks, and great blue herons.
There are also fish and reptiles, e.g., turtles, water snakes, American alligators, etc.
Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs is the world’s largest and deepest freshwater spring.
The charm of this place is enhanced by the fact that the springs are surrounded by an ancient cypress swamp and contain hundreds of years of history.
The park is 14 miles away.
south of Tallahassee, and its name, translated from the language of the Indians, means “mysterious water.”
In the center of the park is one of the deepest water sources in the world, feeding the Vakula River.
The area of Vakula Springs Park, built in 1932, is 3,000 dunams.
In the jungle, you can meet 180 species of birds, including the swamp crane and many rare birds of prey.
An excursion along the Vakula River is a journey into the world of wildlife.
Among the roots, you can see an alligator frozen like a statue in tall grass and river turtles basking in the sun.
And the transparent bottom of the boat allows you to look into the underwater kingdom.
Kayaking, especially popular during the hot summer months, is allowed only in the vicinity of the spring.
There is also an observation deck that allows you to observe the life of the river at all times of the year.
Excursions along the river are conducted by experienced huntsmen who talk about the flora and fauna of this corner of nature—about animals, wading birds, and natives who discovered this place—and show the places that got into the famous film about Tarzan with Weissmuller in the title role.
For excursions, 10-meter motor boats are used.
But the main thing that attracts visitors to the water park are dugongs, aquatic mammals that are the only modern representative of the siren squad.
The length of the animal is about 100 feet, and the weight reaches 1322 pounds.
The two lobes of its powerful tail are separated by a wide middle notch and pointed at the ends.
Dugongs have the same tail movement as cetaceans.
From afar, a dugong looks like a paddle.
Most often, these animals, floating close to the surface of the water, die from the blades of ships and boats.
Now trapping and killing dugongs is prohibited by law.
Jackson Blue Springs
This gorgeous recreation area is breathtaking; the water is crystal clear, and the temperature is ideal for a swim on a hot day.
This is a great location because here native natural woody growth, including ferns, Cypress stands, Pines, Magnolias, and other hardwoods, can be viewed.
The animals common to hardwood forests and a few bird species, such as the Kingfisher, Rough-winged Swallow, and Bank Swallow, are typical.
Ponce de Leon
Throughout the entire year, the water temperature at Ponce de Leon Springs stays at 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
The main spring, which is the meeting point of two underground water flows, generates 14 million gallons of water per day.
Two self-guided nature trails allow visitors to take a leisurely stroll through a lush, hardwood forest while learning about the local ecology and fauna.
The rangers lead seasonal guided walks as well.
The park has grills and pavilions for picnicking, which is a common activity there.
Fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish is all enjoyable for anglers.
Vortex Spring
The location is jam-packed with family-friendly activities, like scuba diving with qualified and certified instructors and exploring nature trails.
This is the place for you if you enjoy clear spring water.
Beautiful camping and hotel options are available here at Vortex Spring as well.
What Part of Florida Has the Most Natural Springs?
In the center of northern Florida, there are many truly wild corners of virgin nature where poachers feel calm and prefer to stay away from civilization.
The central part of northern Florida is one of the most active caving diving areas in the United States.
There are many springs with strong currents and crystal-clear water, fed by the artesian basin of North Florida; they lead to whole labyrinths of caves.
Ginny Springs and Peakok Springs are possibly the most visited freshwater dive sites in the world; you will never want to miss them.
The Leon Sinks cave system near Tallahassee is a huge, flooded underground labyrinth that is considered one of the longest on our planet.
