Gilchrist County has been one of North Florida’s best kept secrets, but that is rapidly changing.  In the last 10 years it has experienced a 49 percent population growth. Current population is approximately 14,000.  The county is formed by two towns, Trenton and Bell.

The county covers 348 square miles and is crossed by two pristine rivers, the Suwannee and Santa Fe. Gilchrist County offers recreational activities like swimming, tubing, snorkeling and cave diving in crystal clear springs, such as Ginnie, Blue, Fanning and Hart Springs. If fishing is more your style, the Santa Fe & Suwannee Rivers offer up a wide variety of catches such as bass, catfish and sunfish. Rentals of canoes, kayaks and tubes are available. For the land lover, scenic trails for hiking, cycling, walking, jogging, bird watching, horseback riding, and in general, a wide array of nature-related activities.
 
Residents wishing to continue their education have many choices.  Gilchrist County is within an hour’s drive of the University of Florida, St. Leo’s College, Santa Fe Community College, Lake City Community College, Central Florida Community College, and Florida Southern University.

Gilchrist County is also close to many larger cities, listed below are the distances in miles to each.

Mileage to nearest cities:
Tampa ………….127
Orlando ……….126
Jacksonville …..98
Miami …………....351
Atlanta …………..304

Gilchrist County Schools:
www.gilchristschools.org