Our Favorite Things To Do in High Springs
High Springs is a remotely located Florida gem that is home to some of the state’s most beautiful natural springs, trails, and wildlife– which is why we think it’s the perfect location for our newest community of luxury custom homes, Woods of Alchrist! The location of this community provides for seclusion as well as access to everything High Springs has to offer, including its energetic Downtown area. It is a great place to live for those who are active, have families, and love to enjoy the outdoors. Here is a short list of our favorite things to do in High Springs, Florida– get ready to start exploring!
Poe, Blue, & Ginnie Springs
The hottest spots in High Springs are actually its cold springs. Dropping down to depths of over 20 feet, the spring vent at Blue Springs is a consistent 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Unlike the spring water, river temperatures will fluctuate throughout the year and drop significantly in the winter. During the summer when the Santa Fe River is more comfortable, it is a popular hangout for locals who spend the days floating down the river on inner tubes, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. You can stop at the springs on your way down the river and snorkel or just cool off.
Swim with the Manatees!
If you’re feeling really adventurous, Ginnie Springs has caves you can scuba dive through! In the winter
months, from November through April, manatees gravitate towards the spring waters that become warm in comparison to the cold river water. These gentle giants are so fun to snorkel with and are very friendly.
Check out these snorkeling and scuba diving tours to help you navigate the springs and see all the wildlife this ecosystem has to offer!
Manatee Tours: Adventures in Florida
Scuba Diving: Ranger Rick Scuba
Canoe and Kayak Tour: Adventure Outpost
There are lots of great places to rent gear such as at Ginnie Springs, the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost, and the Adventure Outpost.
Hike, Bike, & Jog
For the cyclists, hikers, and joggers, High Springs has many beautiful trails that allow you to get active
while enjoying the heart of Gainesville’s natural beauty. The trail from Worthington Springs to the Suwannee River is a local favorite. It runs 12.6 miles and is great for any experience level, and your dog can join you on this trail! If you want to embark on a shorter journey, Poe Springs Park has a 1.5 mile trail that is lined with rock that show exposed fossils. Poe Springs also has a swimming hole you can hop in to cool off after your bike or hike. Unbeknownst to most, High Springs has two exceptional spots for mountain biking! The local favorite is at O’Leno State Park. This 19.5 mile out-and-back trail provides both a physical challenge and an opportunity to see some of Gainesville’s more evasive wildlife.
Shop, Buy, & Repeat
Explore downtown High Springs and its many unique shops and boutiques. On the first Friday of every month local merchants are open from 5pm-8pm to allow people to browse their stores. Some favorite local shops are the River Run Olive Oil Company, Roadside Relics, and Buffalo Girl Soaps. Exploring High Spring’s local stores can give you a glimpse into the history of the area and connect with the community. They are also great places to find unique, local gifts for family and friends — or yourself! Downtown High Springs hosts a variety of other events, such as concerts, workshops, and group activities. Check out the Alachua county calendar to always stay up to date on what is going on in your community.
Build Your Dream Home in High Springs
We chose to build our new community of luxury custom homes in High Springs. Each of the homes in this new neighborhood sit on five acres of land, allowing residents to enjoy the generous acreage of their property as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Visit our website to learn more about building a custom home at Woods of Alchrist, or call us at (352) 472-5780 to schedule a tour of the community.
