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Ponce DeLeon Springs

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

In the middle of the Florida Panhandle, Ponce de Leon Springs is along the upper end of a belt of shimmering springs that feed the Choctawhatchee River basin

Ponce De Leon      ( 30.722975,-85.930478 )      

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In the quiet town of Ponce de Leon, the spring’s the thing.

Chalky blue 68-degree water tempts swimmers in for a chilly dip in this first-magnitude spring, which gushes forth 14 million gallons of clean, clear water daily.

It’s a natural plunge pool hemmed in by limestone walls and shaded by ancient cypress, inviting relaxation on a quiet summer weekday.


Resources

Resources for exploring the area around Ponce De Leon

North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Ponce De Leon
Trailhead: 30.722975,-85.930478
Address: 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Rd, Ponce de Leon
Fees: $4 per vehicle
Restroom: Full bathhouse near the parking area
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-836-4281

Open 8 AM to sunset daily. Leashed pets permitted on trails but not in the swimming area.

The park closes when it reaches capacity so arrive early, especially on weekends.


Directions

 
The park is along US 90 just north and east of the interchange for Ponce De Leon off Interstate 10.

About the Park

Weekends mean the old swimming hole is pretty busy! Especially during the summer months. Arrive early and stake out a spot.

This has been a popular local bathing spot since the 1920s, and still hosts swarms of families looking for a picnic spot and a place to lay a beach towel.

You are welcome to bring your fishing pole and watch in fascination as the fish rise to the bait. Downstream from the spring, away from the swimmers, of course.

Hiking

To slip away from the crowds, follow the Spring Run Nature Trail along the spring run into the hardwood forest it nourishes.

It connects to the Sandy Creek Trail, which showcases views of the larger creek fed by the spring run.

Ponce De Leon Springs

Ponce De Leon Springs Nature Trails

Two short nature trails, the Sandy Creek Trail and the Spring Creek Trail, follow the confluence of waters at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park.

Trail Map

Ponce De Leon Springs trail map

Explore More!

Slideshow

See our photos of Ponce De Leon Springs


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Morrison Springs

Morrison Springs Park

Surrounded by a rim of old growth cypress, Morrison Springs is a beautiful second magnitude spring with swimming and diver access down an interpretive boardwalk

Diver in Vortex Spring

Vortex Spring

While dive training is part of what they do, you don’t have to be a diver to visit Vortex Spring Adventures, where 28 million gallons of water a day create a natural summer-season water park that the family will love

Beckton Spring

Paddling Holmes Creek

With a dozen launch points and more than 15 springs along its 16 mile length, Holmes Creek, a tributary of the Choctawhatchee River, is a must-do paddling trip along a remote waterway.

Seacrest wolf preserve

Among the Wolves

When getting to know wolves means sitting among them, it’s a bit intimidating. But being among the wolf packs of Seacrest Wolf Preserve near Chipley will open your eyes as to why wolves are well worth protecting.

Park Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Florida State Parks, Loop Hikes, Nature Trails, Northwest Florida, Parks, Places, SpringsTag: Big Trees, Bonifay, DeFuniak Springs, Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly, Florida State Parks, Picnic, Ponce De Leon, Snorkeling, Swimming, Vernon, Wildlife Viewing

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Our recent park & trail updates in this region

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Sand trail along a shoreline in oak forest

Perdido Bay Trail

Perdido Bay Trail
Long boardwalk in cypress swamp

Walt Oberst Way

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Footpath with sign for Green Trail in pine woods

Panama City Beach Conservation Park Green Trail

Panama City Beach Conservation Park Green Trail

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