DeLeon Springs, Florida State Parks Video



The outstanding feature of the 625-acre park is the spring, overlooking beautiful Spring Garden Run, producing 19 million gallons of water a day at 72 degrees year-round.  The swimming area is accessible by stairs, ramp and a swimmer lift.  Lifeguards are provided during the summer months only and pets are not allowed in or near the swimming area.  SCUBA Diving is limited to classes by certified instructors only.  Snorkeling is a popular activity, but access to the cave is prohibited.  




If you prefer to stay above the water, canoes, paddleboats, and kayaks may be rented from the park's concession.  The park's paddling trail provides access to the 22,000 acres Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, with lakes, creeks, and marshes to explore.  The free boat ramp, with dock, can accommodate boats up to about 20 feet, with the St. Johns River a distance of about 10 miles.  Fishing is excellent in the spring run from the shore or the fishing dock.  A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for visitors between 16 and 65 years of age.  Bow fishing is permitted in the park's section of the spring run between sunset and 8 a.m.  Birding is great, and the park is on the Great Florida Birding Trail.


Picnic tables, grills, and a playground are available under the grand live oak trees, with four pavilions available for rent.  Two additional pavilions are free, first-come, first served.  All are near the spring and restrooms.  Visitors can hike the 4.2 mile Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail or take a leisurely stroll on the one-half mile paved Nature Trail to see the 600-year-old cypress tree.  The Butterfly Garden has about 500 plants for the benefit of resident and migrating butterflies and hummingbirds.  The park offers an interpretation of its cultural and natural history through kiosks and signs throughout the park and exhibits in the Visitor Center.  Park Ranger programs, covering a variety of topics, are offered during the Fall and Winter months.


The popular Sugar Mill Restaurant, located in a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill, features cook-your-own pancakes at the table and freshly made bread and cookies.  Books and gift items are also available.  The Fountain of Youth Eco/Heritage boat tour aboard the M/V Acuera, departing four times daily, is a 50 minute trip through Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, where alligators and birds abound.













Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blue Spring, Orange City, Florida State Parks Video

Image
Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. During manatee season, which approximately runs from mid-November through March, several hundred manatees can be viewed atop the spring’s overlooks on cold days. The spring and spring run are closed to all water activity from mid-November to at least mid-March.  Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced. The spring's crystal clear, 73-degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers, with a partner during our designated swimming season. Fishing, canoeing, and boating are also enjoyed along the St. Johns River. Riverboat tours are available; for reservations, call St. Johns River Cruises at (386) 917-0724Call: (386) 917-0724. A self-guided t
Read more

Lake Louisa, Florida State Parks Video

Image
A short drive from Orlando, this 4,500-acre park is noted for its beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes. Lake Louisa, the largest in a chain of 13 lakes, is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water Way. Lake Louisa, Hammond Lake and Dixie Lake, the park’s most accessible lakes, provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The park is home to 11 distinct natural plant communities and lies within the easternmost boundary of the Green Swamp (Area of Critical State Concern) and the northernmost boundary of the Lake Wales Ridge. The presence of white-tail deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, raccoon, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, osprey and cypress fringed lakes makes nature study a great pastime. The park is located on US Highway 27, seven miles south of State Road 50 in Clermont. History still resurfaces today. During the 2001 drought, when the lake level dropped, two prehistoric dugout canoes were found in LakeLouisa. Later that year, remnan
Read more