• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Florida Hikes logo

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

  • Trails
  • Maps
  • Guidebooks
  • Search
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
Cypress rim behind Manatee Springs

Manatee Springs State Park

Showcasing the lower Suwannee River, Manatee Springs State Park centers around a clear blue spring, one of Florida’s largest and most picturesque

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail  |  Chiefland
( 29.496241,-82.963574 )      

1.1K shares

Showcasing the topography of the lower Suwannee River, Manatee Springs State Park a spring run so clear you can see schools of fish racing down it to the river.

Its trail system leads around deep sinkholes, through ancient forests, and down a boardwalk that ends at an observation point along the Suwannee River.

The spring itself is one of Florida’s largest, a first-magnitude spring. Its surroundings have been left mostly wild, preserving its natural beauty.


Resources

Resources for exploring the area around Manatee Springs

North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover 50 Hikes in North Florida book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Chiefland
Trailhead: 29.496241,-82.963574
Address: 11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 352-493-6072

Open 8 AM until sunset daily. Leashed pets welcome except in vicinity of spring basin. The swimming area and boardwalk may close when the river floods.

Use insect repellent: forests along the Suwannee tend to have more than their fair share of ticks, and there are a lot of mosquitoes in the shade.

Spring at base of large cypress trees


Directions

 
From US 19 / Alt US 27 in Chiefland, take CR 320 west into the park.

About the Park

Look into the brilliant boil of Manatee Springs, and step back into the past.

Although the popular state park that surrounds it has campgrounds, concessions, and trails, the spring and the spring run are timeless.

Boardwalk along spring run The boardwalk parallels the spring run to the Suwannee River


After he paddled across its surface in 1774, famed botanist William Bartram was the first to write about this spring.

“The ebullition is astonishing, and continual,” Bartram wrote, “…a lucid sea green color…throwing up small particles or pieces of white shells, which subside with the waters…”

Looking into the shades of blue in the spring basin Depths of the Main Spring


The aquamarine hue of the spring is from microscopic limestone particles suspended in the water, much like the tint of a glacial lake from “rock flour.”

A deeply shaded campground, extensive trail system, and picnic areas make this a welcome retreat, especially in spring and fall.

Kayakers and manatees Kayakers marvel at manatees


Hiking

Suwannee River Boardwalk

The quarter-mile round trip boardwalk at Manatee Springs is arguably its most popular trail, since every visitor gravitates towards it.

And for good reason. We’ve seen a literal parade of forest creatures browsing through the floodplain forest when it’s dry, and plenty of wildlife along the edges when it is wet.

Boardwalk in swamp forest Along the Suwannee River Boardwalk


Overlooks let you see the manatees that drift upstream during the winter months.

The trail ends at the Suwannee River at a dock where you have a nice panorama, and more manatee sightings.

Manatee surfacing Manatee in the river near the end of the boardwalk


Springs Trail

From the end of the Suwannee River Boardwalk, you can continue upstream along the spring run to Manatee Springs itself.

A network of about a half mile of paved paths, boardwalks, and footpaths connects areas of interest around the springs.

Follow the walkway to a boardwalk that leads into the cypress forest that towers over the spring. Make a left at the T intersection. The path to the right connects to the North End Trails.

Pathway along the spring run with interpretive sign This pathway links the boardwalk, head spring, and the other side of the spring run


Becoming a footpath, this short trail loops around the tall stand of cypress and leads to a little cove on the shoreline of the spring run.

The cove is a popular destination for families with very small children since there is a little bit of shallow water.

Looking across the Main Spring from behind the cypresses View of the Main Spring through the cypress floodplain


However, this is a wild shoreline, so be aware of your surroundings.

Both alligators and water snakes, including venomous water moccasins, have been spotted along the spring run.

There is a branch of the trail that connects the Main Spring with Catfish Hole as well.

Two water snakes on logs Water snakes are frequently seen at Manatee Springs


Sink Trail

With its own small trailhead along the park road, the Sink Trail is a 0.6 mile interpretive loop.

This nature trail provides a great introduction to how sinkholes form above an underground stream.

Palmettos in depression in forest Karst depression along the Sink Trail


North End Trails

The North End Trails network stretches for 8.5 miles. It has some perplexing dead ends since the trails follow old forest roads through an area logged long ago.

We made a 4.7-mile loop along the trail network for 50 Hikes in North Florida and a shorter one for Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State.

Young longleaf pines illuminated by sunlight Young longleaf pines in the sandhills


Shacklefoot Pond is a beautiful destination, a dark, primordial place ringed with tall cypresses. A historic graveyard lies at the southernmost point of the trail system.

Using the Clay Trail and the Shacklefoot Trail, the Scenic Trail makes a 2 mile loop. It had a related interpretive brochure the last time we hiked it.

The Scenic Trail loop traverses the center of the North End Trails system, right out of the trailhead.

Sinkhole pond with cypress knees and duckweed

Manatee Springs North End Trails

Loop the lushly forested north end of Manatee Springs State Park for a peek at scenic karst features on this 4.7 mile route encompassing the perimeter of the North End Trails System.

Morning light in the upland forest at Manatee Springs

Manatee Springs Scenic Trail

In a shady forest above the floodplain, the Scenic Trail at Manatee Springs lives up to its name while interpreting what life was like for early settlers along the Suwannee River.

You can also do a loop of slightly less than a mile out of the North End Trails trailhead on the Loop Trail.

A 0.4 mile connector trail connects the Springs Trail at the springs with the North End Trails.

Pond with cypress  knees and stumps and coating of duckweed Shacklefoot Pond


Biking

Cyclists are welcome on the paved park road as well as along the North End Trails, which mainly follow a network of forest roads. You’ll need an off-road bike to tackle these.

If you follow the park road out of the park, a side path parallels SR 320 to meet the Nature Coast Trail. The terminus of the trail is at the south end of Chiefland.

This long-distance bike path stretches north to Fanning Springs, where it splits in two directions to pile on more mileage along old railroad routes.

Nature Coast Trail Trenton

Nature Coast Trail

Connecting three rural counties, the Nature Coast Trail offers several different ways to ride between towns along 31.5 miles of paved bike path

Paddling

The launch into Manatee Springs Run is a short walk from the main parking area. Buoys mark the limit of upstream travel to keep swimmers and snorkelers safe.

Heading downstream, you parallel the Suwannee River Boardwalk. Sightings of manatees are common, especially during the winter months.

Blue and red kayaks at the launch The kayak launch adjoins the start of the boardwalk


The spring run empties into the broad Suwannee River, which has a strong current at this junction in the floodplain forest.

If you decide to paddle on the Suwannee, it’s best to turn right and paddle against the current to drift back more easily to the spring run.

People in canoe with manatees in water around them Canoeists and manatees on the spring run


Be aware the Suwannee has both high-speed boat traffic and navigational hazards in the way of fallen trees near the shorelines.

There are also sturgeon and mullet that leap out of the water. The sturgeon can be dangerous because of their size.

Suwannee River Where the spring run and the Suwannee River meet


Camping

With its campground situated close enough to the spring that you can walk right over for a swim or paddle, there are 80 campsites to choose from on three loops.

Fourteen of these sites are set aside for tent campers, making this a very popular campground in winter for families with children. Leashed pets are welcome.

Pop up camper in campground One of the camping loops at Manatee Springs


All sites are deeply shaded. Each has water and electric hookups along with the usual picnic bench and grill. A central bathhouse includes a laundry facility.

Maximum size for an RV is 40 feet. There are a limited number of sites with sewer hookups, but a dump station is available.

Groups can choose from two other camping areas that are strictly for tent camping, each of which has its own bathhouse.

Deer up close White-tailed deer often browse through the campground


Diving and Snorkeling

On every visit, we’ve seen snorkelers and divers in the springs. This is a dive training location, so you will see groups with instructors on hand.

Both open water and cave diving are available. You must have your certification card with you and register at the ranger station before diving.

Divers in Manatee Springs Divers in the Main Spring


In addition to the beautiful Main Spring, the adjacent Catfish Hotel is also used by divers.

It’s a large karst window in a sinkhole a short walk from the Main Spring. Swimmers may not enter it.

Steps leading into sinkhole covered in duckweed Diver entrance to Catfish Hotel


Trail Map

Blue: Suwannee River Boardwalk. Green: Springs Trail. Brown: Sink Trail. Red: Scenic Trail. Purple+Red: North End Trails.

Explore More!

Slideshow

See our photos of Manatee Springs State Park


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

River flowing through salt marsh to the Gulf

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

One of Florida’s more remote National Wildlife Refuges, the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge spans two counties, protecting a sweep of more than 53,000 acres and 30 miles of coastline along the Big Bend

Fanning Springs

Fanning Springs State Park

One of the Suwannee River’s largest swimming holes is the clear, cool reflecting pool of Fanning Springs, located along the edge of its namesake town

Hart Springs

Hart Springs

A beauty spot along the Suwannee River north of Fanning Springs, Hart Springs offers swimming, hiking, camping, and cave diving in a rural setting near Trenton.

Dense thicket of Florida scrub vegetation

Cedar Key Scrub Reserve

Along a gradient of habitats from scrub to coastal salt marsh, Cedar Key Scrub Reserve provides two loop trails open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.

Trail Map (PDF) Reserve Campsite Official Website

Category: Biking, Camping, Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Day Hikes, Florida State Parks, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Nature Trails, North Florida, Paddling, Parks, Places, SpringsTag: Accessible, Best Camping, Big Trees, Birding, Boardwalks, Boating, Botanical, Car Camping, Chiefland, Developed Camping, Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly, Favorites, Fishing, Florida State Parks, Geology, Nature Coast Trail, Picnic, Playgrounds, Rivers, Scuba, Sinkholes, Snorkeling, Springs, Suwannee River, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing

Reader Interactions

Have an update? Contact us.

Primary Sidebar

NORTH FLORIDA

NORTH FLORIDA OVERVIEW
East Coast Greenway. Florida Trail

Amelia Island. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Lake Butler. Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Micanopy. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. White Springs

Our Newest Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideOur definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. Full data charts and maps. B&W, 356 pages. $19.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Florida Trail Hikes

Florida Trail Hikes 2nd edition coverFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Discovering the Florida Trail

Florida Trail mini coffee table book cover of trail into palm hammock
A visual journey the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


50 Hikes in Central Florida 3rd edition
Explorer's Guide North Florida & The Panhandle guidebook
Five Star Trails Gainesville & Ocala guidebook

Florida Trail Apps

Farout GuidesFarout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the
Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles).

Explore More

Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Sinkhole pond with cypress knees and duckweed

Manatee Springs North End Trails

Manatee Springs North End Trails
Morning light in the upland forest at Manatee Springs

Manatee Springs Scenic Trail

Manatee Springs Scenic Trail
Grassy path edged by dense diminutive scrub forest

Cedar Key Scrub East Loop

Cedar Key Scrub East Loop
Archway at Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch Walking Tour

Fort Clinch Walking Tour

Footer

FIND A TRAIL OR PARK

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Apalachicola National Forest. Blackwater River State Forest. Blountstown. Bonifay. Bristol. Cape San Blas. Carrabelle. Chattahoochee. Chipley. Crawfordville. Crestview. DeFuniak Springs. Destin. Ebro. Eglin Air Force Base. Fort Walton Beach. Freeport. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Madison. Marianna. Milton. Monticello. Mossy Head. Navarre Beach . Niceville. Panama City Beach. Pensacola. Ponce De Leon. Port St. Joe. Quincy. Sopchoppy. South Walton. St. Marks. St. Marks NWR. Tallahassee. Vernon. Wakulla. Wewahitchka

NORTH FLORIDA
Alachua. Amelia Island. Baldwin. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Crescent City. Dowling Park. Ellaville. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Keystone Heights. Lake Butler.Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Macclenny. Micanopy. Olustee. Orange Park. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Starke. Steinhatchee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Suwannee Springs. Talbot Islands. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. Welaka. White Springs. Williston

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

MULTI-REGION
Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Bradenton . Charlotte Harbor. Ding Darling NWR. Englewood. Estero. Fort Myers. Immokalee. Naples. Pine Island. Port Charlotte. Punta Gorda. Sanibel Island. Sarasota. Venice

SOUTH FLORIDA
Arcadia. Basinger. Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Clewiston. Everglades City. Fisheating Creek. Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Lake Placid. LaBelle. Lakeport. Moore Haven. Okeechobee. Pahokee. Port Mayaca. Sebring. South Bay

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

  • Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Springs
  • Ecotours
  • Attractions
©2006-2022, Sandra Friend & John Keatley | Disclosure | Site Index | Work with Us | Advertise with Us
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy | Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Mims FL 32754| Contact