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.
Ponce De Leon SpringsResources
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Overview
Location: Ponce De Leon
Trailhead: 30.72160, -85.92981
Address: 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Rd, Ponce de Leon
Fees: $4 per vehicle at both locations
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 springs are off US 90 just north and east of the interchange for Ponce De Leon off Interstate 10. The L.D. Anderson Tract is off SR 81 on L.D. Anderson Rd, a left turn 0.7 miles south of the interstate. The trailhead is on the left and has a rugged slope into the parking corral.
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 Nature Trails Two short nature trails, the Sandy Creek Trail and the Spring Run Trail, follow the confluence of waters at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park.South of Interstate 10, a separate tract of Ponce De Leon State Park offers a two mile loop along the edge of a network of four miles of forest roads.
It showcases restored pine savannas above Sandy Creek as well as gum-cypress swamps along its trails and boardwalks. Shorter loops are possible using interior forest roads.
L.D. Anderson Tract South of Interstate 10, the loop on the L.D. Anderson Tract of Ponce De Leon Springs State Park showcases careful restoration of native habitats in the uplands bordering Sandy Creek.Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
Visiting the springs and the nature trails along the spring run.
Slideshow
See our photos of Ponce De Leon Springs
Nearby Adventures
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Hal Scott Red Trail - November 13, 2026
- Baseline Trails - November 7, 2026
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026