Santa Fe River
Alachua / Columbia Co. · 75 mi · Class I
0.38CFS/ 7.76 ft
Below Optimal
Stable
Water temp: 68°F
Optimal: 200–1500 CFS · USGS #02321500
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
75 mi
Length
Class I
Difficulty
200–1500 cfs
Optimal
620 cfs
Avg Flow
558 cfs
Hist. Median
#02321500
USGS Gauge
O'Leno State Park · River Rise Preserve State Park · Outstanding Florida Water

One of Florida's most remarkable rivers — the Santa Fe literally disappears underground into a sinkhole at O'Leno State Park, flows through three miles of subterranean limestone caverns, then resurfaces at River Rise Preserve State Park. Above the sink, the river is tannic blackwater; below the rise, it is fed by dozens of crystal springs including Ginnie, Poe, and Blue Springs. A geological wonder and a world-class paddling destination.

Trip sections
Worthington Springs to O'Leno SP — 20 mi, tannic blackwater, upper river
River Rise to Ginnie Springs — 10 mi, spring-fed, crystal-clear
Ginnie Springs to Suwannee confluence — 15 mi, spring runs and limestone
Outfitters
Santa Fe River Paddling
Kayak and canoe rentals for Santa Fe River trips, High Springs
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.