Suwannee Springs — Attraction in Live Oak

Great swimming place at a sulfur cold spring some located in an old 1800 bathhouse ruin and some just up a bit from the ruins along the left side of the creek.

The springs mix with the Suwannee Creek on the outside of the bath house to make the perfect temp for hot days. The springs themselves are not ice cold but they are quite brisk. The pool in the bath house is about 7 ft deep in the middle and may people were diving in from the walls into the deep.

The waters are not the real blue of other springs rather it is a caramel color that might have something to do with the blend of minerals of the water. Since it is a sulfur spring you will experience some of the "suffer smell", but it was not repulsive just different. Think of the 4th of July just after a fire work show. That lingering smokey smell is mostly sulfur and is the smell of a sulfur hot or cold spring. There is quite the stretch of beach along the creek. And there was plenty of space to not be bumping up into people. beware the limestone is sharp! So take care!

There is a little hiking here too! There is a bridge that crosses the creek and is a very pleasant trail. The park closes at 7 and they close the gate and anyone still there after 7 will be locked in.

Over all it was a great place to spend the afternoon and soak up the minerals and enjoy the piece of history not forgotten in...

So here’s the deal: it’s a cool place, don’t get me wrong. I love the Suwannee River and all the activities it provides - swimming, kayakking, tubing, and just relaxing in a very peaceful place. However, you need to understand Suwannee “Springs” is very much not like other springs in this area. If you’re looking for a spring that has the characteristic beautiful blue water, you will not find that here.

Suwannee Springs has a long history, and you’ll find remnants of its past alongside the river where there is a former bath house surrounding where the spring comes out of the ground. Since it is obviously not maintained like it was back decades ago, it is very brown like the river water and not pleasant looking or smelling. Keep that in mind - if you’re looking for an actual spring to swim in, go somewhere else!

However, if you’re coming here for the river itself, of course it is great like any other spot on the river. There is ample parking, a small beach alongside the river, some walking trails, and plenty of access for you to put in your tubes or kayaks. Also, be sure to check out the bridge just down the river that’s covered in graffiti - it looks really cool and allows for great photos!

All in all, it’s a cool place, but probably not worth the drive from cities like Jacksonville or Orlando! Definitely worth going only if you’re in the...

Living in Suwannee Co, I love the convenience of it. I call it "Suwannee Beach" - since the closest beach is about an hour and a half away, it's not ideal to go to - but without the crowds of the beach... usually. Even on a summer weekend, we were still able to easily find parking and a spot on the shore. They do have 2 port-a-potties; one is handicap accessible. They do have an overlook ramp to the river; however, they do NOT have handicap access to the spring or the actual river (that I could see- I'll re-check next time we go and update accordingly.) The springs and the river area are always clean and easily accessible. I am definitely not the most physically fit person, but I have no trouble getting up and down to the river or the springs. The hours are 7-7, there's not usually any park ranger or anything on site, is the only thing I'll say so just be aware of your surroundings. Never had an issue...