Anderson's Outdoor Adventures

10/15/2026

WHO REMEMBERS THIS? 💦

Long before today’s park experience, the old jumping dock was a favorite part of a visit to Blue Springs.

For some, this photo brings back memories of standing at the edge and working up the courage to jump. For others, it brings back the sound of splashing water, laughter, and summer days that never seemed long enough.

The dock may be gone, but we know the stories are still out there.

Did you ever take the leap? Share your jumping-dock memories with us! 👇

10/13/2026

A QUIET MOMENT BELOW THE SURFACE 🐢💙

The clear water of Florida’s springs gives us a window into an entire world below.

Turtles, fish and other wildlife depend on these waterways, and sharing the river responsibly helps protect the places and animals that make every adventure memorable.

Have you ever spotted a turtle beneath your kayak?

10/11/2026

NATURE IS ALWAYS WATCHING 🌿

The great Blue Heron is a familiar sight along Florida’s spring-fed rivers—wading in the shallows, fishing in clear water and stretching their wings in the sun.

Wildlife encounters are part of what makes every paddle different. Slow down, look around and you may be surprised by how much is happening along the shoreline.

What wildlife do you always hope to see on the river?

10/06/2026

GENTLE VISITORS OF THE SPRINGS 💙

Few moments feel more special than seeing a manatee glide quietly through clear spring water.

Florida’s springs provide important warm-water habitat for these gentle visitors during cooler weather. If you are lucky enough to spot one, enjoy the moment from a respectful distance and let the manatee choose its path.

Have you ever seen a manatee while exploring the Santa Fe River?

09/30/2026

THE CALM BEFORE A NEW CHAPTER 💙

There is something peaceful about the way light and water move together at Gilchrist Blue Springs.

Tomorrow begins the park’s phased reopening for registered campers and visitors arriving from the Santa Fe River. We are excited to see this beautiful place begin welcoming people back—and even more excited to resume AOA paddling services on October 9.

The countdown is on. 🛶

09/28/2026

ROOTED IN OLD FLORIDA 🌿

The cypress roots along Gilchrist Blue Springs tell a story of clear water, changing seasons and the timeless beauty of wild Florida.

These quiet corners are part of what makes a visit here memorable. There is always something worth noticing—whether you arrive by paddle, explore the shoreline or simply sit beneath the trees.

What detail do you notice first in this photo?

09/27/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT R.B.K. GILCHRIST BLUE SPRINGS VISITOR UPDATE 🚨Planning a trip to the springs?

Please be aware that Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is currently operating under a phased reopening.STARTING OCT 1, 2026.

Before you pack your bags or load up the car, head straight to our webpage for all the essential details, route rules, and booking links you will need!
🔗 Get All The Information Here: gilchristbluesprings.com

Here is what you need to know right now:
🏕️ CAMPING IS OPEN (Starting Oct. 1st): Registered campers with a driving reservation have full land access to park amenities. Head over to our online "Camper's Corner" for park-exclusive paddling adventures, firewood delivery, and premium camper services!

🚫 NO DAY-USE LAND ACCESS: Drive-in and walk-in access for daily visitors is currently closed to the general public
🛶 PADDLE-IN ACCESS IS FULLY OPEN: Daily visitors can still swim the crystal-clear, sapphire main spring head by paddling into the park from the Santa Fe River! Book our tranquil Blue Springs Hopper trip—which launches at Poe Springs, paddles straight into Gilchrist Blue, and includes a direct outfitter shuttle pickup—or take on our full-day 8 Springs in 8 Miles® journey!Don't guess on river logistics.

Check out our dedicated web guide to plan your adventure today!👉 gilchristbluesprings.com

Enjoy spending the day at Florida's newest state park located at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs. Crystal clear water for swimming and snorkeling, hidden springs to find and trails to explore. There are rentals for kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. Concessions

09/27/2026

BEAUTY BELOW THE SURFACE 💙

Gilchrist Blue Springs is just as beautiful beneath the water as it is from the shoreline.

Clear spring water, dancing sunlight and a quiet layer of leaves create a world that feels almost untouched. It is the kind of view that reminds us to slow down and notice the small details that make Florida’s springs so special.

What is your favorite way to experience a spring—swimming, snorkeling or paddling?

09/24/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY 💙

A view of Gilchrist Blue Springs from years gone by—when the old wooden boardwalk still stretched along the spring.

The landscape may change, but the memories made here stay with us. For many longtime visitors, this boardwalk was part of the Blue Springs experience: walking beside that brilliant blue water, finding the perfect place to stop, and taking in one of Florida’s natural treasures.

Do you remember the old boardwalk? Tell us one of your favorite Blue Springs memories in the comments. 👇

09/23/2026

💙 GILCHRIST BLUE SPRINGS IS BEGINNING A PHASED REOPENING! 💙

Beginning October 1, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park will begin welcoming registered campers and visitors arriving from the Santa Fe River.

Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures will resume paddling services to Gilchrist Blue Springs beginning October 9! 🛶

One of the experiences returning is our Blue Springs Hopper—giving visitors a way to paddle directly to Gilchrist Blue Springs from our location at Poe Springs Park.

Here’s how it works:

🛶 Begin your adventure with us at Poe Springs Park.

💦 Paddle the Santa Fe River to Gilchrist Blue Springs.

🏊 End your paddle at Gilchrist Blue, where you can enjoy the spring and spend time inside the park.

🚐 We pick you up at Gilchrist Blue Springs and shuttle you back to Poe Springs Park.

This provides a way to experience Gilchrist Blue Springs during the phased reopening, even though regular day-use parking and walk-in access will not yet be available.

Why are our services beginning October 9 instead of October 1? Our family will be celebrating a very special milestone—our son is getting married! 💍 As a family-owned and operated business, we are grateful to celebrate this moment together before beginning this exciting new chapter at Blue Springs.

We cannot tell you how excited we are to return and once again help visitors experience the beauty of Gilchrist Blue Springs and the Santa Fe River.

Reservations and additional trip information will be available through AOAFUN.COM.

Who is ready to paddle back to Blue Springs? 💦🛶