Lafayette Blue Springs State Park: A Fantastic Hidden Gem in North Florida
Everyone knows Robert Frost’s famous line:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by.”1
It’s hard, sometimes impossible, to know what lies ahead, which makes choosing a road a stressful, angst-filled decision. But luckily for you, we can tell you what lies down both roads—at least when it comes to Florida vacationing!
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park lies at the end of the road less traveled by, and it’s an absolutely stunning destination. Located in Mayo, in North Florida, this state park is nestled in a beautiful, rural setting, miles from the big cities and theme parks.
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park is a great escape not only from the regular day-to-day but also from other stereotypical getaways. Budget-friendly, rejuvenating, and breathtaking, it’s well worth a day trip or entire vacay!
If you’re ready for some true rest and relaxation surrounded by the best nature Florida has to offer, then follow me down the grassy path, strewn with leaves and wanting wear… It will make all the difference.
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park: Pretty as a Poem
Lafayette Blue Spring is one of many springs along the grand Suwannee River.
Now a winding, watery pathway of fun, the Suwannee River used to be a commercial “road.” In the mid-to-late 1800s, the chug of steamboats and their telltale columns of billowing, white vapor signaled the transport of goods to and from the local farms. Though the steamboat era dwindled into that of the railway—and that into the era of automobiles—Lafayette Blue Spring never lost its charm. The spring was a public park for years until earning the distinction of
There’s so much to do here, and you can enjoy your entire outdoor itinerary beneath the shade of towering oaks and under the soothing sway of Spanish moss. Life doesn’t get much better than hanging out at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park!
With its mesmerizing, cerulean waters and refreshing 72-degree temperature, the first magnitude spring is the star of the show. (First magnitude springs are the largest classified springs, and Lafayette Blue discharges 14 to 168 million gallons per day!) Beneath the dark waters is a vast cave system with 12,000 feet of maze-like passageways and immense, underwater rooms.2 Above the surface, you can cross a picturesque limestone land bridge that divides the water of Lafayette Blue.
In addition to Lafayette Blue, another gorgeous spring head resides in the park, the Allen Millpond, which also flows into the Suwannee River. Though a smaller, second magnitude spring, Allen Millpond is still a fun retreat, with the memories of a once-working mill still rippling through its waters.
On Land or By River
All right, so Lafayette Blue Springs State Park is beautiful, but what is there to do?
A lot!
Whether you like to get your feet wet or keep ’em dry, this
Lafayette Blue is not only a first-magnitude spring, it is also a first-rate swimming hole! Cool off in its enticing waters, teeming with turtles and fish, or scuba dive into its depths and explore the Green Sink cave system (scuba certification required). A few hundred feet from the springhead is the Suwannee River where you can canoe, kayak, and fish along its a gently rolling current. The river’s peaceful pace captures the essence of a visit to this secluded yet adventuresome locale.
You can further explore the depths of the park thanks to an amazing hiking trail! Traverse down the Green Sink Trail, a beautifully brief trail less than half a mile in length that takes you by the best highlights of Lafayette Blue Springs State Park. You’ll stroll down a woodland path littered with wildlife and dappled sunlight. Beavers, otters, and Suwannee cooters might be spotted in the sparkling water, splashing away the afternoon. As you peruse this path, you’ll come across a series of sinkholes dotted throughout the wonderland of cypress trees. Each sinkhole provides a lovely spot to simply stop and observe.
Oh, by the way, furry friends are warmly welcomed if well-behaved and on 6-foot leashes! (I don’t know about you, but I’m always hyped to find awesome spots for me and my pets!)
Camping or Cabin? That is the Question.
Want to extend your stay at Lafayette Blue Springs? (You should—they have some great stargazing for overnight guests!) The park is equipped with ten walk-up campsites, as well as a primitive group campsite. Water and electricity are provided for the walk-ups, but sites are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re worried about missing out on a spot, or simply want something a bit fancier, Lafayette Blue Springs State Park also offers five vacation cabins through advance reservations.
The choice to camp or cozy up in a cabin comes down to personal preference, but either way, you’re guaranteed a great experience! If you opt for primitive camping, it’s nice to know the park has picnic tables, grills, and pavilions for preparing and eating meals, as well as campfire circles for classic hotdog roasting, marshmallow toasting, and ghost storytelling! There are also portable restroom facilities and a cold-water, open-air shower for rinsing off after dips in the spring.
However, if you tend more toward the glamping route (again, suitable for the semi-outdoors person!), then a cabin is definitely the way to go! Situated with beautiful views, each cabin accommodates up to six people with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen/dining/living room combo. While you’ll want to pack plenty of your own snacks and probably some paper products (ie: towels and TP), linens, dishes, and utensils are provided for you. There is also a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, so meal prep is just as convenient as if you were in your own home! Oh, and they also provide the biggest essential of all: a coffeepot!
Each cabin also has a screened-in porch so you can enjoy the great outdoors without the bug-bites, and all from the comfort of a rocking chair. Curling up on the porch with a cup of a coffee and good book, be it on a misty morning or in the golden glow of the evening, is truly reinvigorating for the soul.
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park is an amazing, out-of-the-way retreat in North Florida that shouldn’t be missed! Whether you’re an outdoorsy pro or just a casual admirer of God’s green earth, you’ll love the sights, sounds, and playful wildlife of this
Truly off the beaten path, it’s the perfect adventure for those of us who prefer the road less traveled.
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