One of Florida’s largest springs is well-known to residents of the Orlando metro area, thanks to prominent signs on Interstate 4 and easy access through Longwood and Apopka to the park.
The centerpiece is the rocky fissure in the earth that bubbles forth Wekiwa Springs, contained within a carefully constructed swimming area before it bursts out into the wild and scenic Wekiva River.
Resources
Overview
Location: Apopka
Trailhead: 28.709642,-81.462835
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle. $5 per night per person for primitive camping.
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 407-553-4383
Open 8 AM until sunset daily. Leashed pets welcome, but not in the swimming area.
The park gates will close when the parking areas reach capacity.
Directions
From Interstate 4 exit 94, follow SR 434 west for 1 mile to Wekiwa Springs Road. Turn right. Drive 4.1 miles to the park entrance on the right. Once you pay your admission fee, take the left fork of the park road and follow it to where it ends at Sand Lake trailhead.
About the Park
No matter what your flavor of outdoor recreation, you’re sure to find it here. Backpacking? Check. Horseback riding? Check.
Paddlesports? Check. Human-powered only, please. Paddlers coming down Rock Springs Run can take out here.
Nearly 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, 8 miles of equestrian trails, and a large family camping area mean this place is packed on weekends, especially in summer.
When we lived nearby, we found the ideal time to visit was when the park opened on weekdays.
Explore the park
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.
Wet to Dry Trail
Starting at the outflow of Wekiwa Springs, the Wet to Dry Trail at Wekiwa Springs State Park offers an easy walk showcasing habitat changes by the waterway.
Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail
A 10.2-mile loop through landscapes both vast and intimate, the Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail shows off the best of nature at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
A Walk at Wekiwa
A walk in the park at Wekiwa Springs State Park doesn’t have to be a long one. Here’s a way to sample the park’s highlights and habitats along its trails.
Reserve Campsite Visit park website