O' Leno State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
O'Leno State Park is a popular destination located in High Springs, Florida.
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Summary
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The park is known for its natural beauty, with its lush forests of oak and cypress, and unique sinkholes.
One of the main attractions in the park is the Santa Fe River, which flows through the park and offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The park also has several hiking trails, including the 7.5-mile long River Trail, which runs along the Santa Fe River and is known for its scenic views.
Another point of interest in the park is the historic suspension bridge, which was built in 1934 and is still in use today. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and surrounding forests.
In addition to its natural beauty, O'Leno State Park has several interesting facts and historical sites. The park was originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was one of the first state parks in Florida. The park also has several historic cabins and buildings, including the park ranger's house, which was built in the 1930s and is now used as a museum.
The best time of year to visit O'Leno State Park is in the fall and winter months when temperatures are cooler and there are fewer crowds. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities and events throughout the year.
Overall, O'Leno State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Florida.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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