Paddling the Wekiva River

CLOSED DANGEROUS flooding from Hurricane Ian as of Oct 1.

One of only two designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the state, the Wekiva River flows sixteen miles from its headwaters at Wekiwa Spring to the St. Johns River.

Public lands protect a great deal of the shoreline and floodplain of this waterway, which is fed by numerous springs and tributaries.

Large walled spring basin with bridge over outflow

A river is born at Wekiwa Springs

The section of river between Wekiwa Springs State Park and Katie’s Landing is a little over ten miles long, providing an excellent day trip, especially for a group.

Take-outs are situated along the route, including a campsite that can be used for an overnight trip on the river.

Boardwalk on wild riverfront under trees

An intermediate take-out at Wilson’s Landing is a narrow passage adjoining a waterfront boardwalk

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

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Overview

Location: Apopka to Sanford
Length: 10.5 mile linear
Launch: 28.710664, -81.458535
Launch Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
Landing: 28.829041, -81.412764
Landing Address: 262 Wekiva Park Dr, Sanford
Fees: $6 per vehicle at launch, $3 per vehicle at landing
Restroom: At put-in, take-out, and Wilsons Landing Park
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 352-394-3969

Both launch and landing are in Florida State Parks, open 8 AM to sunset. Both parks permit dogs on a leash.

As a linear downstream paddle, this trip requires staging a vehicle at Katie’s Landing prior to embarking at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Directions

To stage a vehicle at the landing, follow our directions for Katie’s Landing at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park. To reach the launch, backtrack east along SR 46 to the light at Longwood-Markham Rd. Turn right. Make a left where the road meets Markham Rd in front of a gated subdivsion. Continue 1.2 miles to the stop sign at Markham Woods Rd. Turn right. Drive 7.4 miles to reach SR 434. Turn right. Past the light for The Springs, turn right on Wekiva Springs Rd. In 4.4 miles, the park entrance for Wekiwa Springs will be on the right. Turn right after passing the ranger station, and drive to the end of the parking lot. A sign in the lot directs paddlers to the launch at the bottom of a hill. This is the shortest drive between landing and launch, 17.4 miles.

Paddle

At the launch, a shallow beach allows for loading and a gentle push-off near the headspring.

Initially clear, the water quickly becomes dark and tannic while gliding across an open pool towards a narrow waterway on the opposite end.

Paddle launch at Wekiwa Springs

Dense floodplain swamps envelop this gentle stream as it drifts gently east.

Reaching a confluence with Rock Springs Run in 0.7 mile, turn right to follow the current downstream.

Lily pads in dark water at signposted trail junction

Rock Springs Run confluence

A curious bridge spans the river at one mile, having no connections to any roads. Built in the 1950s it was meant for a highway.

The land on the western riverbank eventually became Rock Springs Run Preserve. Abandoned due to the environmental impact, this structure remains today.

1950s bridge

Immediately after you pass under the bridge, Wekiva Island comes into view, a private take-out and launch along the river.

Often serving as an end point for paddle trips that start near the head of Rock Springs Run at Kings Landing, this waterfront venue offers food and facilities.

Adirondack chairs on a dock along the river

Wekiva Island

Wildlife becomes more abundant after Wekiva Island as weekend crowds on the water diminish quickly.

The waterway widens while meandering northward, and islands present paddling choices to the left or right.

The river widens

Limpkins walk lightly on large spatterdock leaves on the surface, in search of apple snails among the floating vegetation.

Gallinules bellow laughter-like calls from the weeds. Snowy egrets and great blue herons search for food in the shallows on the river’s edge.

Limpkin

A sign at 3.5 miles points to Buffalo Tram, a primitive campsite on the west side of the river. It has a bear locker, an important amenity for food storage.

This is one of two camping areas in Rock Springs Run Reserve accessible by water, and it can be booked in advance by calling Wekiva Springs State Park.

grassy camping area with bear locker and fire ring

Buffalo Tram Campsite

Continuing downstream, several islands can make navigation a bit tricky, although each path eventually leads in the same direction.

A variety of turtles gather on half-submerged logs sunning themselves alongside an occasional alligator.

Juvenile alligator

While dark waters swirl ominously and conceal submerged wildlife, fish are seen darting underneath in the shallower areas, including bream, bass, and freshwater eels.

At 8.5 miles, the trail passes Wilsons Landing, a county park that serves as designated take-out and launch.

Broad open waterway near Wilsons Landing

The river becomes exceptionally wide while approaching the tall State Road 46 bridge, revealing a jungle of aquatic grasses right below the surface.

Passing under the bridge, the current slows, and the water becomes glassy for the final mile before reaching Katie’s Landing at 10.4 miles.

aquatic grasses on approach to river landing

Katie’s Landing

Trail Map

Explore More!

Learn more about the state parks at both ends of this paddle

Wekiwa Springs State Park

A massive wilderness area on the edge of the Orlando metro, Wekiwa Springs State Park is centered on a first-magnitude spring that pours forth a river lined with jungle-like vegetation

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.