O'Leno State Park ranks among Florida's best places to hike, camp, and enjoy the often forgotten natural beauty of the Sunshine State.
O’Leno State Park is located in High Springs, Florida, just north of Gainesville. It is one of Florida’s first state parks, and features many different habitats that are perfect for hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife viewing. In addition to the many beautiful natural sights that can be found there, O’Leno is also a reminder of Florida’s historic past.
History of the Park
O’Leno State Park is located along the banks of the Santa Fe River, which is a major tributary of the Suwannee River. In the mid 19th century, settlers founded a town at this location. The town was originally named Keno, after a popular gambling game of the time. The town grew and prospered, and eventually featured a mill, a general store, and even a hotel. Keno was even the final line for Florida’s first telegraph. After some pressure to change its name to something a little less controversial, the townspeople renamed it Leno.
But the prosperity of the little town was not meant to last; the railroad eventually led to the town’s demise, and it was abandoned, leaving behind only an old road and some mill dams.
In 1938, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), founded by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, came to the area and constructed a suspension bridge over the river. The park was then developed by the CCC and the Works Progress Authority (WPA) as forestry camp and training facility.
Today, the park is open to the public 365 days a year. The focal point is the suspension bridge that connects parking areas to the many hiking trails across the river. One of the most interesting aspects of the park is the natural land bridge upon which hikers traverse. The bridge, created when the Santa Fe River begins an underground trek for several miles, has provided passage for many travelers since the Europeans explored the area hundreds of years ago.
Park Activities
There are many activities to enjoy at O’Leno State Park, making it an ideal destination for families and avid outdoor lovers.
- Camping - A large group campsite features cabins, a dining hall, and a meeting hall. There are also restrooms, a covered pavilion with grills, picnic tables, and a playground. There are also primitive campsites, as well as campsites for those who prefer the comforts of the Winnebago.
- Hiking – There are several hiking trails at O’Leno, ranging from the short and easy .61 mile Limestone trail to the more challenging 4.25 river Rise Trail, which follows the underground flow of the river and it eventual emergence from the earth below. Some of the trails also allow biking and horseback riding. The most popular trail by far is the River Trail, a 1.44 mile loop that follows the River Sink, the point at which the river begins her subterranean journey.
- Canoeing – Canoes can be rented at the park at an hourly rate. Float along the Santa Fe River, and see river otters, alligators, turtles, various bird species, and plenty of Florida fauna. Canoeing is a seasonal activity, as the river’s water levels vary greatly depending on the rainfall amounts of the area.
- Swimming – Adjacent to the suspension bridge, visitors can take a dip in the Santa Fe River off a small platform. This is done at the swimmer’s own risk, thanks to the occasional alligator sighting. Fishing can also be done at this spot.
O’Leno State Park has everything to offer the outdoor lover. From hiking to camping to picnicking to canoeing, there is a little something for everyone at this hidden gem of North Central Florida.
Sources Consulted:
O'Leno State Park. Retrieved on 7 January 2008.
Florida State Parks - O'Leno State Park. Retrieved on 7 January 2008.
