Manatee Springs State Park occupies 2,443 acres along the Levy County side of
the Suwannee River east of Chiefland, Florida. It's primary feature is a 1st
order spring that discharges as much as 100 million gallons of water daily that
flows about 1/4 of a mile along Manatee Springs Run into the Suwannee River. The
park derives its name from the numerous manatees that swim up the Suwannee River
during the winter months to warm in the outflow of the spring..
The
park is centered around the headwaters to the spring, where swimming and
snorkeling is allowed. Kayaks, canoes, snorkeling gear, and pontoon boats may be
rented from a concessionaire in the park. There is also a snack bar and
carry-out barbecue service for those who are visiting or picnicking. Picnic
tables, shelters, an amphitheater, and a kayak launch is available for day use.
In addition to the spring and the Suwannee River, there are over eight miles of
nature trails in the park that will take you on a tour of the spring run,
cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds, and uplands. Trails in the north end of the park
are open for off-road bicyclists as well as hikers. Manatee Springs State Park
is also close to the paved Nature Coast State Trail that runs 32 miles from
Chiefland to Cross City.
Scuba diving is allowed in Manatee Springs State Park. And cave diving is
permitted at certain places including the main spring, "Catfish Hotel", and
Friedman Sink - which all connect to each other through a vast underwater cave
system. Due to the high flow of the spring system, the most popular route is to
enter at CatFish Hotel and float downstream to emerge at the main spring. All
divers must register with park personel, be certified, and have at least one
partner. There is a strict limit on the number of divers allowed in the cave
system at one time.
Activities & Facilities
Playground
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Mountain bike trails
Swimming
River or lake kayaking
Motor boating
Tent camping
RV sites
Fishing