Description

A designated Outstanding Florida Spring, Wekiwa Springs is a second-magnitude spring in a semitropical forest setting at the base of a northeast-sloping, grassy, open-wooded hillside. The springs form the headwater of the Wekiva River, a tributary to the St. Johns River.

Two areas of discharge can be observed as surface boils near the edge in the southeast half of the pool. The strongest boil was over a large, irregularly shaped vent, about 35 feet long by 5 feet wide, located in the limestone bottom about 15 feet below the surface. The other boil was above a rock ledge in the extreme southeast edge of the pool. Except for the limestone rock bottom in the southeast part of the pool, the pool bottom was mostly sand. The spring pool is kidney-shaped, about 200 feet long and 100 feet wide, elongated southeast. A sidewalk surrounds the pool, and a wooden footbridge crosses the run just below the pool. A 2- to 3-foot high retaining wall encloses the pool and extends a short distance down the run. The clear, bluish-green water flows northeastward in a run 60 feet wide to the Wekiva River.

Recreational activities and public access

Wekiwa Springs is part of Wekiwa Springs State Park. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from the park’s concessionaire. The area also offers camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, nature trails and abundant wildlife.

Fees apply for day-use, camping and other concessions at the park. See the state park web page for more information.

Directions

Wekiwa Springs State Park is approximately 20 minutes north of Orlando and approximately 45 minutes north of the attractions. It is easily located off Interstate 4 at exit 94. Take SR 434 West to Wekiwa Springs Road. Turn right on Wekiwa Springs Road and travel approximately 4 miles to the park entrance, which will be on the right.