Preserve Update

April 15, 2024: J.H. Anderson, JR. Memorial Park is currently closed due to high water levels.

Rock Bluff Springs at J.H. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Park

SUMMARY

Size: 170 acres
Year conserved: 2019
Partner organization: Suwannee River Water Management District
 

ABOUT THE PARK

In partnership with the Suwannee River Water Management District (District), ACT opened JH Anderson, Jr. Memorial Park in 2019. The park is located in Gilchrist County near Bell, Florida and contains a second-magnitude spring known as Rock Bluff Springs. The spring and spring run, with its large cypress trees, is the centerpiece of the one hundred seventy-acre tract. The property is dotted with numerous karst windows opening into the aquifer surrounded by large live oak trees. 

Schools of mullet dart in and out of several vents in the spring pool and can jump more than two feet out of the water. The main spring is a nearly oval cavity that is 30 feet long, six feet wide, and 30 feet deep.

Visitors can swim in the year-round 72-degree water, enjoy a picnic with family and friends, or observe nearby wildlife. Future plans for this park include installation of a hiking trail.

This park is owned by the Suwannee River Water Management District. Alachua Conservation Trust is authorized by the District to provide long-term management of this property.

ADDRESS

6560 Co Rd 340, Bell, FL 32619

  1. From High Springs, FL to 29.796119, -82.916670

  2. Head South on N Main Street/US-41

  3. Turn right to head West onto State Hwy 236/NW 182nd Ave and continue to follow State Hwy 236 for 8.5 miles

  4. Continue straight to stay West onto NE Co Rd 340 for 11.3 miles to the Park Entrance. The Park entrance will be on your right marked with signs before you cross over the Suwannee River.

  5. Follow signs for entry.

ACCESS INFO

Payment via Iron Ranger required to enter:

  • $4 for single vehicle with 1-7 individuals

  • $5 for single vehicle with 8 individuals; $2 for additional passengers in a single vehicle exceeding 8 individuals

  • $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists

Please note, there is limited parking on site.

GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES

  • Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

  • Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash.

  • Trails are unpaved and in some places can be muddy, uneven, or wet.

  • Drones are not permitted.

  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

  • Consumption or other use of any alcoholic beverage, intoxicants, and unlawful drug or substance is forbidden.

  • Hunting and trapping is not allowed.

ANNUAL PASSES

You can purchase annual passes for Rock Bluff Springs online or by mail. If purchasing by mail, please send payment to Alachua Conservation Trust at the following address. Please include your current mailing address with your payment.

Alachua Conservation Trust
Attn: Annual Pass
7204 SE County Road 234
Gainesville, FL, 32641

  • Annual Park Family Pass (up to 6 people) — $85.00

  • Annual Senior Park Pass (2 people, one must be 60+) — $50.00

  • Annual Individual Park Pass — $50.00

An annual pass will be sent by mail from Alachua Conservation Trust once payment is received. All annual passes are valid for one year from the date of issue.

TRAIL MAP

Click on the map to download the full preserve guide.

Banner photo by Alison Blakeslee.