River Rise Preserve State Park
The Santa Fe River goes underground in O’Leno State Park and reappears more than 3 miles away in River Rise Preserve before resuming its journey to the Suwannee River. Research has shown that the water discharging from the Rise includes a large amount of new ground water as well, leading some to classify the Rise as a first-magnitude spring. Cave divers have partially explored the conduit between the Sink and the Rise. This natural land bridge is punctuated with numerous sinkholes and lakes.
The Rise is a large, circular pool, about 175 feet by 165 feet, surrounded by quiet woods and huge trees. There is a vertical limestone ledge on the northeast side of the pool, and the water off the ledge is 49 feet deep. The water color in the Rise is that of the Santa Fe River, which can be clear to tannic, depending mostly on rainfall.
Topography in the park, ranging from 35 feet to 80 feet, and the park’s limestone outcrops on the riverbank and at the edge of the floodplain are attributed to its position on the Cody Scarp. The O’Leno entrance is on U.S. Highway 441, 6 miles north of High Springs, while the entrance to River Rise is 2 miles west of High Springs on U.S. Highway 27.
At a Glance:
Activities: Fishing, hiking, equestrian trails (30+ miles), wildlife viewing, primitive camping, equestrian camping
Entrance Fee: Yes–park entrance and camping fees are collected at O’Leno State Park
Scuba Diving: No
Onsite Camping: Yes–primitive camping and equestrian camping only
Dogs Allowed: Yes–see state park website for rules.
Type of Park: Florida state park
Address and Contact Information:
River Rise Preserve State Park
410 Southeast O’Leno Park Road
High Springs, FL 32643
Phone: (386) 454–1853 (O’Leno)
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River Rise Preserve State Park
