When it gets close to 100 degrees around here, the best way to cool off is in one of the beautiful springs that feed into the Suwannee River. You could easily see all three of the best, free springs in one day or enjoy each one at your own pace. There are certainly other great springs in the area, but after exploring this river for more than 12 years, I can safely say these are the three best springs where there is currently no entry fee.

We will start our spring run traveling north from Live Oak on Highway 129. You will pass I-10 and the new Busy Bee. None of these springs allow alcohol consumption, so make sure your coolers are suds-free. Just after the next gas station north of the Busy Bee on 129 you will turn right on 93^rd Drive. The entrance to Suwannee Springs is on your right. There is plenty of parking and a place to lock up your bicycle if you biked over from the Spirit of the Suwannee Campground. There is easy access to the spring, which is surrounded by a large brick structure that was built before 1900, and the river. There is a sandy area that is perfect for wading into the river to cool off.

The next spring on our journey is south of Live Oak off of Hwy 51. You need to turn right on 152^nd Street which is just past the gas station the locals call the Taylor store. You will be heading west on this road for a long time. When the road goes from pavement to sand, you are almost there. Follow the road around to a stop sign and the entrance to Charles Springs is straight across the intersection. The coolest thing about this spring is the swim-through cave in crystal clear water. When the water level is right you can enter the spring in one part of the rock formation and exit from another.

Charles Springs also has a well maintained boat ramp south of the spring. Let me warn all motor boaters who are new to the area to drive slowly, until you learn where all the rock piles in the river are located. Sometimes when the river is low you will learn about new rock piles that were not there last month or even last week. After enjoying all that Charles Springs has to offer, head back east on 152^nd street and turn left on Hwy 51 at the Taylor store. There is still another great spring to see.

Heading north on Hwy 51 turn right on County Road 349. Stay on CR 349 past the blinking red light and slow down when you see the sign for Suwannee Farms. You will be turning right on 198^th terrace and left on Royal Springs road. The main attraction at Royal Springs (besides the crystal clear, cool water flowing out of the ground and into the river) is the wooden jumping platform. When the water level is right, it is a 20-30 foot jump into the center of Royal Spring. There is also a good boat ramp down river from the spring. Remember my earlier warning about the rock piles in the river when boating in the area.

Visiting all three of these springs or just spending a lazy day at any one of them is a Suwannee County treasure that should not be missed.

Eric lives in Suwannee County and is a public school educator. He is an independent contractor. You can reach him at miamistyle8@gmail.com.