Branford Real Estate

Branford, Florida is a small town on the Suwannee River near the intersection of US-Highways 27 and 129. It is about 45 minutes northwest of Gainesville and the University of Florida.

In the years before the railroads came to this part of Florida, the Suwannee River was an important transportation artery from the Gulf of Mexico to Branford and points even further upstream such as White Springs. Branford was originally known as Rowland’s Bluff and was the location of a ferry across the river into Lafayette County. The name was chosen by Henry Plant, the railroad man, after his home town in Connecticut.

The Suwannee River Greenway through Branford is a 12.5 mile paved trail that runs along a former railroad corridor. It is great for cycling and hiking through canopied trees and fresh water springs. Bob’s River Place on the Suwannee is a popular privately owned recreation area that is the favorite swimming hole for this part of Florida. It is usually open from spring through early fall. Troy Spring State Park is another popular location for recreation in Branford. It is the location of a beautiful freshwater spring that feeds the Suwannee River. The park offers swimming, open water scuba diving, birding, hiking, picnicking and the rare chance to explore the wreck of a Civil War steamboat!

Sources; bobsriverplace.com,floridatimesunion.com,floridabackroadstravel.com