Troy Springs: A refreshing park for a hot Florida afternoon

Upon leaving the Catfish Festival in Branford (Florida of course) we headed west to check Troy Springs State Park.

Troy Springs is a day-use park that is a 72 degree swimming hole that some locals use to cool off during the warmer months. It is the perfect place to bring the family for an old fashioned swimming hole party.  The day of our visit there were several groups enjoying the park.

Being a 70-foot deep, first magnitude spring it is a draw for divers who are open dive qualified.  The springs are filled with turtles and fish which made me wish for my snorkel, mask, and fins.  However, the water temperature would have made it a quick exploration.  I'll leave this spring to those who enjoy snorkeling in cool water.

Troy Springs is a beautiful
blue-green swimming hole

Nestled in the shallow water of the spring run are the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison.  The Madison was originally used to transport mail and crops up and down the Suwannee.  However, in 1861 it was probably used by the Confederates as a privateer.  Then it was scuttled in 1863 to keep it from being captured by the Northern Navy.  Some speculate the owner/captain James M. Tucker had plans to re-float the boat after the war but by then the boat had been damaged by raiders.

Looking over the spring bluff
to the Suwannee River

 There are a few nature trails at the park but the jewels are the springs and views of the Suwanee River.  So, after walking the grounds and strolling the short nature trail we opted to enjoy the cool air that 'refrigerates' the spring area.

Expressive cypress roots line
the banks of the springs