The Family Adventure Guide - September Issue 2023 - Magazine - Page 14
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SILVER GLENN
THESE ARE OUR FAVORITE
NATURAL SPRINGS IN FLORIDA
TO VISIT DURING THE SUMMER.
Florida Natural Springs have very high visitation on
weekends and holidays. When the park reaches capacity
at the headsprings entrance, the park will close to all
visitors. When the park is closed, vehicles may not wait in
line in the park or on adjacent roads. It is advised to get
there very early and wait for the park to open.
By Brenda Ferrari
De Leon Springs
State Park
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Inside the ruins of an old sugar mill – you can
make your own pancakes. The server brings
you a pitcher of pancake batter and you cook
your own breakfast at a griddle in the center of
your table.
Visit each website before going, they each have
different fees and rules.
GILCHRIST BLUE SPRINGS
STATE PARK
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Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park contains a collection of natural
springs, including a large second magnitude spring that
produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day.
This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has outstanding water
clarity and discharges water through a shallow spring run about
one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. The refreshing 72-degree
waters of Blue Spring greet visitors at this gem along the St.
Johns River.
Manatees swim in the spring run and attract a variety of wading
birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. To see the park’s
wonders, visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5mile Pine Island Trail.
THE FAMILY ADVENTURE GUIDE- FLORIDA EDITION
The outstanding feature of this 625 acre park is
the spring, overlooking beautiful Spring Garden
Run, producing 19 million gallons of water a
day at 72 degrees year-round. A paddling trail
provides access to the 22,000 acre Lake
Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, with lakes,
creeks and marshes to explore.
KELLY PARK/ROCK SPRINGS
RUN STATE RESERVE
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Rocks Springs is a gorgeous natural Florida
spring and spring run, which is great for tubing.
Many people describe Rock Springs as Orlando’s
natural lazy river.
Rock Springs Run flows downstream for 8 miles.
There, it merges with another spring run to form
the Wekiva River.
26,000 gallons a minute bubble up from
underneath the surface and the temperature is
at a constant 68 degrees!
Kelly Park is also home to over 7 miles of hiking
trails and is popular for camping.
14 | June 2022 issue
