Looking down the spring run of Charles Spring to the Suwannee River

12 Nov Charles Springs near Dowling Park FL

Posted at 22:35h in Springs in North FL, Things to See & Do by

Charles Springs is perhaps one of the more historically significant springs in our area of North FL. Rumored to have been a river crossing point by Spanish Conquistadors in the 1700s – there was also a Spanish Mission and later a family ran a Ferry and trading outpost in the area. Ruben and Rebecca Charles operated the trading post, and were some of the first folks to trade with the native Indians in the area in the early 1800s.

Today, Charles Springs is a bit off the beaten trail – but it provides a nice tree canopied setting, a concreted boat ramp, and one of the best views from the spring run into the Suwannee River you’ll find. There are also various walking trails, and a picnic table overlooking the bank of the Suwannee River as well.

Looking from Suwannee River back at Charles Springs steps

Water reflecting at Charles Springs

The spring run is about 250ft in length, from the source under some large limestone rocks that form sort of a natural bridge. At the edge of the Suwannee River, a small water fall and the clear water merges with the tea colored river water at the bottom of a large Cypress Tree.

Charles Springs is great for a day trip to the river to enjoy the water, the woods, have a picnic, or put your boat in at the ramp. This part of the river is wider and deeper even at normal river heights than other places up river. Boating activity is more common from here South, than other portions of the river. Further North is the area more common for canoes and kayaks.

Looking down at Charles Springs Run from up on bank

Other pictures at Charles Springs

Check out more of our pictures of the park below, including some nice shots looking up the Suwannee River from the boat ramp!

Directions and other information about Charles Springs:

  • Travel Time: From Live Oak 20 Minutes, Dowling Park 10 minutes
  • Park Type: Suwannee County Parks and Recreation
  • Accessed via: Dirt Road
  • Site Address: 15465 237th Drive. Live Oak, FL 32060
  • Directions: From down town Live Oak, go South on Us Hwy 129. Right onto 11th Street. Take SR51 South at the Round-a-bout. Travel 12 miles to a Right at the Taylor Store onto CR 252/Charles Springs Road/152nd St (all same road). Follow until pavement ends, continue straight onto dirt road, follow to T in road, see entrance to park straight ahead.
  • Amenities: Picnic Table, Swimming, Portable Restroom, Boat Ramp

Historical References and information:

https://www.tfn.net/~springs/Charles.htm

http://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/index.aspx?nid=432

http://suwanneeparks.com/951-2/

Enjoyed the read and photos?

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Billy Golightly
hondaatc@gmail.com