Located on 204 acres along the Suwanee River, Fanning Springs State Park is home to a 2nd magnitude spring that produces almost 65 million gallons of water each day, The crystal clear outflow from the spring runs about 450 feet before emptying into the Suwanee River. A secondary spring, named "Little Fanning Spring" is located in a wooded area about 500 feet south of the main spring. It also discharges to the Suwanee River.

Fanning Springs is named after Colonel Alexander Fanning, and a fort named in his honor that was built during the second Seminole War in the early 1800's. No trace of the fort remains. The Park site along the river was once the location of a landing for riverboats carrying cotton and other goods down the Suwanee River from local plantations to the Gulf of Mexico. In the early 1900's, railroads replaced the ferryboats. And the track for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad crossed the property on its route from Cross City to Chiefland. The old railroad right-of-way has since been repurposed as the Nature Coast State Trail.

The main spring at Fanning Springs State Park is a popular site for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. The crystal clear waters are 72 degrees (F) all year long. And in the winter it is common to see manatees that swim up river to the warm waters of the spring. The spring contains a shallow sandy bottom in places, along with a viewing platform.

A wheelchair accessible boardwalk extends from the swimming area at the spring to a gazebo on the Suwanee River. The Park also has a 3/4 mile densely canopied nature trail that leads through forested areas of hardwood trees and pines. A picnic area with volleyball court and playground is nearby. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but not in the rental cabins area. A kayak launch area is available for those bringing their own watercraft. There is also an off-site concessionaire with rental kayaks available.

There are five rental cabins at the Park, each with screen porch, kitchenette, and central heat and air conditioning. Dishes, kitchen utensils, and linens are provided with the cabins. A two night stay is required on weekends. The Park also allows pimitive tent camping for hikers and kayakers. Overnight parking at primitive campsites is not allowed.Activities & Facilities

PlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedShort hiking trailsLong hiking trailsPaved bike trailsMountain bike trailsSwimmingRiver or lake kayakingMotor boatingTent campingCabinsFishing

• Florida State Park website for Fanning Springs State Park
• Park facilities and trail map
• Park brochure
• 2003 Unit Management Plan