Manatee Springs State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Manatee Springs State Park | |
---|---|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape) | |
|
|
Location | Levy County, Florida, USA |
Nearest city | Chiefland |
Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Manatee Springs State Park is a Florida State Park located six miles west of Chiefland on SR 320, off US 19. Manatee Spring is a first magnitude spring that flows directly into the Suwannee River by way of a short run (though is is the longest spring run feeding the Suwannee River). Present also are swamps and hardwood wetlands along the Suwannee, along with many sinkhole ponds, including one with a cave 90 feet below the ground that connects to a popular divers' destination known as the catfish hotel.
Contents |
[edit] Biology
Tree types in the park consist of cypress, gum, maple and ash.
Manatees can be found in the park year-round, but especially in the fall and winter, as the constant 72 °F (23 °C) temperature acts as a warm haven from the chilly waters elsewhere. Largemouth bass, speckled perch, catfish and bream and longnose gar are some of the fish in this part of the Suwannee. White-tailed deer and various small mammals and birds can also be seen in the park.
[edit] Recreational activities
Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, as well as scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling and wildlife viewing. Some of the amenities are a floating dock, boardwalk, eight miles of wooded off-road trails, picnic Pavilions and full camping facilities.
[edit] Hours
The park is open from 8:00 am till sundown 5:00 pm year round.
[edit] References and external links
- Manatee Springs State Park at Florida State Parks
- Manatee Springs State Park at State Parks
- Manatee Springs State Park at Absolutely Florida
- Manatee Springs State Park at Wildernet