Protecting more than 14,000 acres along the Wekiva River basin, Rock Springs Run State Reserve is well known for its Florida black bear population.
Two loop trails provide access to a vast landscape of pine flatwoods and scrub forest that Florida scrub-jays call home.
A wizened pine along the trailResources
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Overview
Length: Up to 12.3 miles in two loops
Trailhead: 28.804783, -81.453733
Address: 30601 CR 433, Sorrento
Fees: $3 per vehicle
Restroom: None
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 407-553-4383
Open 8 AM to 6 PM. Leashed dogs welcome. Hunting is permitted in this state park. Please check the FWC website for hunting season dates. Wear a bright orange vest or shirt if you choose to hike during hunts.
Directions
take I-4 exit 101A, Sanford. Head west on SR 46 for 7.4 miles, passing Lower Wekiva River State Preserve and Seminole State Forest. Turn left into the preserve and stop at the self-serve pay station. Drive 0.6 mile straight down the entrance road to the hiker parking area on the left.
About the Park
Rock Springs Run State Reserve is the one park where we’ve seen the most evidence of our native Florida black bear.
Expect to find bear tracks, torn-apart stumps, and fresh steaming lumps of bear scat. We even saw a bear in a tree right at the front gate.
Bear trackForming a border along the preserve across from the backcountry of Wekiwa Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run itself is beloved of paddlers.
There is no put-in access at this state park for the run, but paddlers will find a curve in the creek suitable for landing for a break.
Rock Springs RunMore than 17 miles of forest roads and signposted trails cross this vast expanse of pine flatwoods and floodplain forest.
We documented a loop of a little over 12 miles in our first edition of 50 Hikes in Central Florida. Shorter hikes are possible. Trails are shared with equestrians and cyclists.
Rock Springs Riding Ranch provides guided trail rides from one to six hours. Visit their website for current pricing.
The pine flatwoods are extensiveEncompassing habitats that slowly drop in elevation from high scrub, where Florida scrub-jay sightings are probable, down to Rock Springs Run, the multi-use trails are extensive.
They are sometimes tough to follow, and sometimes deep in soft sand. We’ve gotten lost here more than once. A GPS or compass, and a map, are a must.
Tiny bubbling springs in the woodsThe “reserve” part of the name means seasonal hunting is permitted here, primarily for hogs and turkey.
During those times, some trails may be closed to other users for safety reasons. Check ahead on the FWC website for hunting season dates.
Turkey crossing the park entrance roadExplore More!
Rock Springs Run Hiking Trail With more than 12 miles of hiking through the heart of Florida black bear territory, the loops at Rock Springs Run Reserve State Park get you into the wild outside Orlando.Slideshow
See our photos of Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Wekiva River Paddling Trail A leisurely float downriver from Wekiwa Springs provides paddlers an immersion in the beauty of a Wild and Scenic River teeming with wildlife. 
Seminole State Forest With nearly 50 miles of trails and roads for hiking, biking, and equestrian use, Seminole State Forest offers surprising panoramas and bubbling springs north of Orlando.
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park Paddle, hike, or ride your horse within this massive riverine preserve on the edge of the Orlando metro, where the Wekiva River and St. Johns River mingle.
Black Bear Wilderness Area North of Orlando, Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford offers some of the best wildlife watching in the region on its loop along the St. Johns River.