Lafayette Blue Springs State Park is located 7 miles north of Mayo, on the Suwanee River (western side) This park sits on around 200 acres and encompasses about a mile of the Suwannee River.
There are 6 natural communities here; spring run stream, flood plain forest, blackwater stream, aquatic caves, sink holes and upland mixed forest. Among the selection of trees are over cup oaks, bald cypress, magnolia trees, pine and water oaks.
Look out especially for the unique limestone bridge that will take you back and forth to either spring; this is entirely natural.
The spring waters are a constant 72 degrees every month of the year. Here the water flows at an awesome 168 gallons a day. This is one of Floridas original magnitude springs.
There are more than 12, 000 feet of underground passages in the caverns here. This is known as the Green Sink Cave. They are unusually wide and tall at 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide. You can scuba dive here for a fee of $10 which will also get you into the park. You will need to take your documentation along to show the ranger.
Swimming in the spring is glorious and you get to share the environment with turtles and fish. Marvel at the karst formations which are pretty special here. During heavy rains, the river can back up into the spring causing it to turn black. During these periods, you will not be allowed to swim. It is best to phone the park ahead to establish this; call 386 294 3667.
The nature trails are full of interest with many sink holes and plenty of wild life to observe. Look out for deer, hammock rats and snakes. Most snakes you might see at this park are ot dangerous but the safest advice is just to leave well alone.
Sink holes are created over a long period of time by the collapse of land surfaces. This is usually where there is limestone, salt beds or carbonate rock beneath the surface. Over the years, the layers of porous rock slowly dissolve leadind to underground spaces and the eventual collapse of the top surface into the hole. As well as happening naturally, this can also be caused building work for instance.
Birders will be delighted with the amount and variety of birds they can spot here. Too many to list, but among them are fly catchers and hawks.
The picnic tables are set in the perfect area overlooking the spring under the shade of trees; there are portaloos here too.
Lafayette Blue Springs
799 N. W. Blue Spring Road
Mayo, Florida 32066
Phone: 386-294-3667
There are 6 natural communities here; spring run stream, flood plain forest, blackwater stream, aquatic caves, sink holes and upland mixed forest. Among the selection of trees are over cup oaks, bald cypress, magnolia trees, pine and water oaks.
Look out especially for the unique limestone bridge that will take you back and forth to either spring; this is entirely natural.
The spring waters are a constant 72 degrees every month of the year. Here the water flows at an awesome 168 gallons a day. This is one of Floridas original magnitude springs.
There are more than 12, 000 feet of underground passages in the caverns here. This is known as the Green Sink Cave. They are unusually wide and tall at 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide. You can scuba dive here for a fee of $10 which will also get you into the park. You will need to take your documentation along to show the ranger.
Swimming in the spring is glorious and you get to share the environment with turtles and fish. Marvel at the karst formations which are pretty special here. During heavy rains, the river can back up into the spring causing it to turn black. During these periods, you will not be allowed to swim. It is best to phone the park ahead to establish this; call 386 294 3667.
The nature trails are full of interest with many sink holes and plenty of wild life to observe. Look out for deer, hammock rats and snakes. Most snakes you might see at this park are ot dangerous but the safest advice is just to leave well alone.
Sink holes are created over a long period of time by the collapse of land surfaces. This is usually where there is limestone, salt beds or carbonate rock beneath the surface. Over the years, the layers of porous rock slowly dissolve leadind to underground spaces and the eventual collapse of the top surface into the hole. As well as happening naturally, this can also be caused building work for instance.
Birders will be delighted with the amount and variety of birds they can spot here. Too many to list, but among them are fly catchers and hawks.
The picnic tables are set in the perfect area overlooking the spring under the shade of trees; there are portaloos here too.
Lafayette Blue Springs
799 N. W. Blue Spring Road
Mayo, Florida 32066
Phone: 386-294-3667