The Ichetucknee, a name possibly derived from the Creek Indians ue-cutoknē meaning “lumpy water” or translated as “where there is a pond of water,” is one of the most enchanting waterways in all of Florida.
When I paddle on these spellbinding waters, I’m often torn between the thought of the beauty I’m currently witnessing with what it must have been like in the 1600’s, years before the cypress were logged and water quality dampened by runoff. Still, there is enough beauty to make one’s soul wonder. May it always be.
This river was discovered by students at the University of Florida in the 1960’s and there was much nakedness and general revelry, and remnants of that surely continue. It’s a popular destination for tubers, who float the several miles to the parks southern end.
I came in the early springtime, February of 2017, to enjoy the nature without the crowds. Over a couple of mornings I documented the river in it’s most natural state and for large stretches in solitude, the way I imagine places like this must be experienced to know them at a reflective pace. The river is clear for its entire six miles towards the Santa Fe River, grasses gracefully bowing along with the current. I hope you enjoy this paddle down the Ichetucknee.
Spring near Devil’s Eye
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Devil’s Eye Spring
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The Ichetucknee
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Looking up from Devil’s Den
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The Ichetucknee
nomadruss in words and photos 
Des photos. Non, des tableaux. C’est très beau.
C’est vraiment beau, c’est le meilleur en hiver / printemps avant que les foules viennent …
amazing… just beautiful!….and you speak French too.. impressed =^+^=
thanks!
Thanks for sharing your very special place with us, Russ. This was my antidote to the morning political news. 🙂
Yes, yes. Thanks.
This is a beautiful post, wonderful pictures. I love paddling these small, undiscovered gems. When I was in grad school I spent a lot of time on Black Creek in southern Mississippi. although it wasn’t spring fed like the Ichetucknee, had nice cypresses, gravel and sand bars for camping, the occasional alligator, and most of all seclusion.
Those rivers in southern Mississippi, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida are really nice, tannin or not!
Great photos. Looks like a great place to lazily float down the river. Thanks for sharing.
It’s certainly a great place for that!
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Amazing!
Thanks!
What a gorgeous, precious thing! The water looks so fresh and clean – reminds me of the cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula. Beautiful photos, Russ.
Thanks Eliza, all of our springs are having their challenges, but this one is still nice and clear…
What an extraordinary place. The water looks so clear and the turtles are amazing.
Vicki, it truly is an extraordinary place
Absolutely stunning and those tortoises…
😊
Wow!!! So beautiful
It’s a great river!
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Wow! Trip down memory…spring! I tubed the Ichetucknee many times while attending Stetson University. I’m glad to see it’s still clear. We’d often see gators and turtles. Love your pics , especially turtle row.
Well perhaps it’s time to paddle it again…
These photos made me want to be there, on that water, RIGHT NOW! Beautiful…
That’s great, thanks!
Beautiful!
thanks!
The colours are extraordinary – what an amazing place
This river is surreal….
Wow just wonderful, the light and colours are awesome. Such a lovely place thanks sharing
My pleasure…