Ginnie Springs is known world wide as one of the premier Cave Diving locations in the world. Its also a favorite local spot for picnicking, camping, swimming and rafting/tubing on the Santa Fe River. Ginnie attracts people from all over the world so be prepared for a crowd if you come on a busy holiday weekend. This is one of the main natural attractions in the entire North Florida area.

Between Ginnie Springs and the city of High Springs are two lessor known springs, Poe and Blue, but still great for swimming, picnicking and just plain hanging out relaxing. Keep in mind there are literally dozens of "Blue Springs" in Florida, even one Blue Springs State Park. This one is one of many, sometimes known as Gilchrist County Blue Springs.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is widely known for its tubing down the Ichetucknee River starting just downstream of the main spring. You must go in the north entrance of the park to tube the entire park to the south take-out point. There are a couple of points you can go in at the south entrance with short tubing runs downstream. The park also offers nature trails and picnicking. Tubing the entire length is only available from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

O'Leno State Park is one of the prettiest state parks in the Florida system. Its a little downstream from the headwaters of the Santa Fe River and less than a mile walk on a good trail will take you to the place where it goes underground. It rises again about 4 miles downstream to go the rest of the way and finally end at the Suwannee River. The Suwannee River/Santa Fe junction is part of the Gilchrist County loop.