Madison Blue Springs State Park: Florida’s Premier Swimming Hole
The sun was barely up when we pulled into Madison Blue Springs State Park in northern Florida, located between Tallahassee and Jacksonville. It was a chilly late January morning when we arrived, certainly not the ideal time to visit a swimming hole. The car said it was 51 degrees outside. It was not so cold you could see your breath, but it was not far off—definitely jacket weather.
Opening the door, the cool, humid air immediately hit us in the face. “Good call going swimming,” my wife chimed in sarcastically. “Let’s just go check it out before we commit to getting in.” We walked a short distance to the spring. Immediately, I understood why it was called “Blue Spring,” the water was stunning crystal clear turquoise. The spring is about 82 feet wide and 25 feet deep, and it felt like you could see to the bottom. There were fish and turtles everywhere, and not another person in sight.
An amazing swimming hole at Madison Blue Springs State Park
I look over at my wife. “We have to get in, right?” “I mean, it’s cold, but sure.” I slipped off my sandals and dipped my toes into the water. “Oh, that is amazing! You are going to like that!” The water at Blue Springs is a constant and delightful 72 degrees year-round. That’s perfect for cooling down on hot summer days and being mostly comfortable during the cooler winter months.
We changed into our swimsuits and jumped in. The water felt amazing. We did not stay long, only about a half hour. It was an incredible experience to have such a fantastic place all to ourselves. As we got out, the sun slowly started peaking through the thick forest and hitting the steep limestone walls surrounding the spring.
This was a truly extraordinary experience that I can’t recommend enough. Signs warn that during weekends and holidays, the small parking lot fills up fast with visitors. That day, though, we had the place to ourselves.
Other things to do Madison Blue Springs State Park
I certainly wish we had more time while we were there. There is a short nature trail that looks nice. Birding is supposed to be great. Just while we were there, I was able to spot a pileated woodpecker, a few cardinals, and what I thought was a red-shouldered hawk. The spring is on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River, which is open for canoes or kayaks. They are not permitted in the actual springs, however.
Cave diving at the park
Another big attraction at the park is scuba diving. Madison Blue Springs has an extensive underwater cave system. It’s open to certified cave and cavern diving only; open water and free diving are not allowed.
No matter your reasons for visiting the park, you will have a fantastic time. I know we certainly did. As we pulled out, we both agreed this was one of the nicest swimming holes we had ever visited.
