Newly remodeled, this is a great park. Plenty of
hiking trail miles, picnic area, and great kayaking/canoeing from the spring
head out into the Wekiva River.
There are two campsite loops. All sites on this loop
have full hookups. Some sites, like ours, were in partial shade while
many others on this loop and the sites on the other loop enjoyed full
shade. We are here in the winter, so partial shade is better for the heat
of the sun. The only problem this weekend...overcast and rain 3 of the 4
days. But still a great weekend.
Looking down our loop road. As the road curves to the left it enters a thicker wooded area.
On the grassy knoll overlooking the spring head. Visitors bring blankets and/or chairs to picnic here or just sit and look at the spring.
The spring head pumps 43 million gallons per day from
the aquifer into the Wekiva River. The water temperature is a constant 72
degrees. The weekend we were here
the water temperature was 20 degrees above air temperature creating a mist across
the water earlier in the morning.
Half way down the run a bridge crosses accessing the half mile wet/dry trail
Looking back toward the knoll from the bridge.
Kayakers leave the spring run into the Wekiva River
from the kayak/canoe landing where the two meet.
A
view of the spring run water from the bridge.
Cross the bridge and turn right to enter the wet trail
along the spring run.
The boardwalk meanders through the wet section
crossing small creeks and marshy ground.
At the end of the boardwalk the path heads uphill to a
dryer hammock area and other connecting hiking trails.
There are 7 marked hiking trails ranging from 13.5 miles in length to .25 miles. There is one trail designated a horse trail and one a bike trial. Bikes can also be ridden on paved roads and service roads. Following are photos from some of those trails:
Along the main hiking path is Sand Lake. A small lake that drains, small creek, into Wekiwa Springs run. It has a parking area with a few picnic tables and quarter mile trail around the lake with tables, benches and grills along the way for picnicking and enjoying the lake. Really nice.
BLACK BEARS!
Are they trying to tell us something? This poster board is at the entrance to both campsite loops. The ranger at check-in was very emphatic about the bears. Didn't see a single one. Maybe next time.
