Troy Spring State Park sits along the Suwannee River in Branford, Florida, where a first-magnitude spring pushes 70 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily into a deep, turquoise pool. The spring maintains a constant 72°F year-round, making it one of the most inviting swimming holes in North Florida regardless of season.

What sets Troy Spring apart is the submerged remains of the steamboat Madison, a Civil War-era vessel scuttled in 1863 to prevent Union capture. The wooden hull rests in the spring run, visible from the surface on calm days and accessible to certified divers. It’s one of the few places in Florida where you can swim above a piece of Civil War history.

The 84-acre park, established in 1995, centers on the spring pool and its short run to the Suwannee River. Swimming and snorkeling in the spring basin are the main draws, with visibility often exceeding 50 feet. Kayakers and canoeists can paddle the spring run out to the Suwannee, connecting to the larger river trail system. The surrounding hardwood forest offers shaded picnicking and short nature walks along the riverbank.

Spring through fall brings the warmest weather for swimming, though locals visit year-round thanks to the constant water temperature. Winter weekdays are the quietest. The park does not have on-site camping, but nearby Suwannee River campgrounds and Ichetucknee Springs State Park offer plenty of options within a short drive.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 572 reviews. Lafayette County, Florida.

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