A hidden gem among rural farmlands in northeast peninsular Florida, Otter Springs is a charming spot for swimming, picnicking and hiking near the Suwannee River.
While the park can be busy in the summertime, especially on weekends, it is typically quieter in the cooler months, and the spring remains 73 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Spring headCanoes and kayaks can be rented to explore the spring run and river, and a campground provides options for an overnight stay.
A rustic lodge is available for gatherings, and a heated indoor swimming pool is provided as an additional amenity for campers.
Otter Springs TrailResources
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Overview
Location: Trenton
Length: 3 miles
Trailhead: 29.643778, -82.943639
Address: 6470 SW 80th Ave, Trenton
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Bathhouses near the camping area
Land manager: Suwannee River Water Management District
Phone: 352-463-0800
Open 9 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails, but not at springs or picnic areas.
The south end of the park has easy access for cyclists to the Nature Coast Trail via back roads.
Directions
From US 19/98 in Fanning Springs, turn off onto SR 26 towards Trenton. Head north on SR 26 for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto SW CR 232. In 1.7 miles, turn left onto SW 70th St. Continue for a mile, then make a right onto SW 80th Ave. The park entrance is on the left in a half mile.
Hike
Starting at the parking area near a pavilion alongside the spring swimming area, look to the west for a post topped with a red diamond.
It indicates the beginning of the trail. The posts lead past a house on stilts before joining a sandy access road.
Swimming areaLarge live oaks with twisted branches border the trail as it makes a slow descent towards the Suwannee River.
Tall water marks on the tree trunks are a testament as to how high the river rises during flood events.
Live oaks in the floodplainA densely wooded wetland borders the spring run to the north, where the forest floor is covered in cypress knees.
Stately cypress trees appear in the distance during wintertime when the deciduous vegetation has shed its leaves.
Swamp alongside the spring runReaching an obvious junction with the side loop at one mile, continue straight for another quarter mile to fantastic views on a sloped bank alongside the Suwannee River.
Belted kingfishers call out with their distinctive chittering as occasional boats cruise by on sluggish tannic waters.
Suwannee RiverTurn left, following the wide pathway for a tenth of a mile to the end, where a swampy swale separates the trail from Little Otter Spring.
Depending on water levels, the clear, bluish waters may be visible from the trail, or an adventuresome crossing on downed trees may be required to view the spring.
Little Otter Spring (Ryan Worthington)From this point, backtrack for 0.4 mile to the side loop and turn right, entering a lush upland habitat covered in saw palmettos.
Orange diamond markers lead the way as a narrow pathway winds through a mixed forest of pine and sand live oaks, passing a few trailside benches along the way.
Reaching the main trail in 0.7 mile, turn right to follow the road back to the parking area in another 0.6 mile to complete this 3 mile hike.
Bench on the Orange TrailTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about the springs of the Lower Suwannee
Three Days of Lower Suwannee Springs Not so busy thanks to their locations on the lower Suwannee River, this series of four major springs provide another 3-day weekend getaway option for active outdoor recreation in FloridaVideo
Hiking at Otter Springs
Nearby Adventures
Hart Springs Park Cool, clear water bubbles up from deep below where a boardwalk offers views of the Suwannee River and 3.2 miles of hiking trails cross a floodplain forest dotted with sinkholes. 
J.H. Anderson Jr Memorial Park On a 1.5 mile double loop at J.H. Anderson Memorial Park, hike amid karst features in a mature bluff forest above Rock Bluff Spring on the Suwannee River. 
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.
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
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