River Rise Preserve State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Poe Springs O' Leno State Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
River Rise Preserve State Park is a 1,600-acre park located in High Springs, Florida.
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Summary
It is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can explore the park's many trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The park also has several points of interest, including the River Rise, a unique geological formation where the Santa Fe River emerges from underground. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Old Bellamy Road, which was once used by Native Americans and early settlers.
One interesting fact about the River Rise Preserve State Park is that it was once used as a filming location for the movie "Doc Hollywood," starring Michael J. Fox. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and gopher tortoises.
The best time of year to visit the River Rise Preserve State Park is during the fall and winter months, when the weather is cooler and the park is less crowded. Visitors should also be aware that the park is closed during certain times of the year due to hunting season, so it is important to check the park's website before planning a trip. Overall, the River Rise Preserve State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities.
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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
Area Campgrounds
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|---|---|---|
Oleno State Park
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Dogwood Campsite
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O'Kemp Group Camp
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