Just minutes from downtown Orlando, far from the theme parks and crowds, you’ll find a natural oasis in Wekiwa Springs State Park. Watch for wildlife or cool off in the Wekiwa River, fed by emerald springs. Hike on a miles-long trail network (or bike or ride a horse), then go canoeing and kayaking. Amidst the purple pickerelweed blooms, find light adventure exploring the spring vent and the scenic sandhill uplands. This delightful area in Orange County has been attracting visitors since the mid-19th century (when it was discovered and named Clay Springs).
When the mercury rises, take a swim in crystal-clear Wekiwa Springs – the water is 72 degrees F year-round and an average depth of four feet. Spread out and picnic on the grassy slope leading into the water. The spring expels 43 million gallons of water a day. Bring along snorkeling equipment and see what lies beneath the emerald surface.
Visit the park’s concessionaire, Wekiva Springs State Park Nature Adventures, for well-crafted itineraries that help you explore the park, from canoeing and kayaking to biking and hiking. They can help you arrange campsites, tell you where to spot a manatee and lead you on horseback along a hand-cut, 100-year-old trail through Central Florida’s pine flats.
Hiking at Wekiwa State Park
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the state park’s series of trails, ranging from .8 of a mile to 13.5 miles. The wet-to-dry trail starts at the spring and goes up a boardwalk, taking you from the wet hammock next to the spring through dry upland. Or, hike the Orange or White trail to see local plant and bird life, including sandhill, river swamp, hardwood hammock, mesic flatwood and more. Along the way, you might glimpse white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, turkey and other bird species – or, though not likely, bobcats and Florida black bears.
Biking at Wekiwa State Park
No matter what level of cyclist you are, you’ll find an enjoyable ride at the park. There’s an off-road bicycle trail of approximately 9 miles, but you may also bike on 8 miles of the horse trails.
Camping at Wekiwa State Park
Several camping options exist at the park, starting with the 60 spacious sites in the sandhill habitat under the longleaf pines. These sites offer water and electrical hook-up, a fire ring and a picnic table. Looking to get a bit farther out into nature? Consider hiking out to Camp Cozy (about 3 miles off the main hiking trail) or Big Fork (about 1 mile). Feel like kayaking and camping? Paddle to two sites accessible only by water: Otter Camp and Big Buck Camp on Rock Springs Run. Or, try equestrian camping and ride horseback to a site at Big Fork.
Hang Out at Wekiva Island
Just down the river from Wekiva Springs State Park, Wekiva Island has all the services and activities you’ll need for enjoying a day at Wekiva State Park. As a nearby concessionaire, Wekiva Island offers indoor/outdoor recreation, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, volleyball, cornhole, a picturesque boardwalk and drinks and snacks at The Tooting Otter Craft Beer, Wine Bar & General Store.
Other State Parks Nearby
Ready to explore more natural areas near Orlando? Check out:
Rock Springs Run Reserve
Before or after your time at Wekiwa Springs State Park, consider visiting Rock Springs Run Reserve, co-managed with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. There is primitive camping on Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River if you’re seeking solitude – accessible by canoe only. Or, you can even horseback ride to your campsite! The park offers guided horse trail rides, as well as biking and hiking on 17 miles of trails through sand pine scrub and pine flatwoods.
Blue Spring State Park
This state park comes with the added bonus of a manatee population. Visit for the annual Manatee Festival in January, or just come see them when they congregate from November to March. Take a dip or go snorkeling in the 73-degree, crystal-clear waters.
De Leon Springs State Park
Get out into this 625-acre park in De Leon Springs via boat on the M/V Acuera along Spring Garden Run. Keep an eye out for eagles, manatees and alligators along the way. The spring spews 19 million gallons of water per day into the Spring Garden Run, providing a 72-degree swimming and paddling destination. There’s a paddling trail to follow to the 22,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Or, you can go birding on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Still want more? Go hiking on the Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail. Walk on the paved Nature Trail and visit a 600-year-old cypress tree. Or, check out the Butterfly Garden with tons of local plant life and hummingbirds. Hungry? Make your own pancakes for dinner at the historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House, set in a 19th-century sugar mill.
Hontoon Island
Feel worlds away from the everyday at Hontoon Island – you’ll have to take a private boat or the park ferry to get there. Once you’ve arrived, 6 miles west of De Land, you can hike, fish, picnic, camp and learn about local Native American history.
Lake Louisa State Park
Just a short drive from Orlando, this state park boasts six lakes, of which Lake Luisia is the largest. Hike on 25 miles of trails and spend the night in one of the many rental cabins so you can wake up to water and hillside views.
Lake Griffin State Park
Love trees? Come admire one of Florida’s grandest and largest live oak trees near Lake Griffin. Paddle along the Dead River to the lake, then fish to your heart’s content.
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area
Meet the wildlife of the area in this 30,000-plus-acre preserve, where you can find rare orchids, eagles, deer, turkeys, bobcats and the state’s largest stand of cypress forest.