Gainer Springs

"Gate was closed so we couldn't get in."

"Hit the creek early this morning and had the place to our selves ...Only an 11 minute drift down from the HWY 20 bridge and a 22 minute paddle back up. I've been paddling this creek more than 40 years and only realized a few years ago how close Gainer Spring is to the bridge and that going up the creek is even possible."

"What a beautiful set of springs. Almost missed the turn into it. It's on the righthand side after the broken chain link fence. There is a retaining wall on into but it is all private property so you have to stay in the water. We just tied our kayaks off to the posts and enjoyed snorkeling and swimming around the spring vents. There is one as you come in to the right beside the one tree in the water, one close to the retaining wall and the largest is along the ridge bluff to the left of the retaining wall. We stayed here for a long time. Water was shallow enough to stand in and get out of our kayaks for a nice break, lunch and snacks. Saw many fish, bass, brim and musk turtles. Pack drinks, snacks & sunscreen when kayaking and don't forget to cover your legs with a towel or plenty of sunscreen.( lesson learned our 1st kayaking trip) We used the Livery to launch from and paddled all the way to the 2nd bridge pickup our 1st trip. Very long all day trip but after the last spring there's nothing but creek to see. All in all a very memorable trip."

"This day was awesome, so relaxing and exciting at the same time!!"

"This is another of Florida's hidden gems. We stayed here for a while. If you have your own kayak, launch you kayak in Econfina public boat launch area. Be there early cause parking lot is not big enough or come on weekdays. We paddle towards the bridge and may be a mile or so you will see an opening on your right side . Some paddlers miss this area. Garnier spring is on your right side. This is private area so do not...i repeat do not set foot on the bank. Theres a guy on his car going to give you a ticket. Just stay in the water. The water is very clear that you can see the fish and the bottom. Theres some shaded area where we ate lunch and swim. Then we headed towards another spring on your right side where people can jump to the water from the bank. Then another small one where we rested for a while. I think that was the last spring. We paddled back towards the boat launch. The current is not as bad as i thought. There is a canoe rental that will give you a ride back to the starting point. Its 40 or so. The rest of the paddle i heard is just the river. Since we have kayaks i called before hand how much to ride back... lol. Its 35 per person and.my kayak. If you just want to see this hidden beauty and save money...just paddle back. Good exercise."