Wekiwa Springs State Park

First time here the other day and I was not too thrilled. My primary objective was for the hiking experience, not swimming or anything else. I didn’t mind the admission of $ 4 to get in. Once parked, I walked down to the spring pool.
I thought this experience was marvelous to look because it was so clear, beautiful, and breathtaking. No one was inside swimming, so it was perfect for picture shots.
I thought the hike was 10 miles, but it turns out to be 15 miles of hiking. I started my journey on the wet/​dry bride trail. While walking, I forgot to pick up a map of trails at the Ranger Station. I wish they would have put maps near the trails for people who are interested in walking.
About 10 minutes into walking, I noticed a pole with all the trails them. It was not fully detailed about the miles, but I took a picture of it on my iPhone for a guide. The hike overall was disappointing. Some parts were confusing because the trail went in a lot different directions and without a detailed-​map, it was difficult. I didn’t see a lot wildlife as some people saw. The trails were fine until the point of Cozy Camp. From here, the trail was muddy, mushy, very wet, and difficult to pass through. I didn’t want to get my shoes all muddy and nasty. I thought it would end soon, but it didn’t.
I walked all the up the hiking trail at the furthermost point and then got bored. Then suddenly the trail got more muddy and wet. Then at one point, the trail was completely in swamp water. I didn’t see any other walkway or trail. I had no choice to walk through this ankle deep swamp. It was gross, sticky, muddy, and just horrible. However, I did get a shot of the rainbow scene swamp.
After this trek, the trail ended up out of the wet lands and into a wide open field. I got lost on the main trail and ended up on the horse trail. I finally found the main trail to get back to my car. This hike took me about 5 hours to complete with minimal stops for photos.
I did see a small buck by himself. That was it. I would just recommend hiking to Cozy Camp or Sand Lake Loop trail if you are interested in hiking. The spring is the main attraction here.
As I was leaving, I saw 2 turkeys at the exit. They were cute.

We took the 14 mile trail and 7 miles into the trail was underwater so we had to turn around and go back after we were covered in mud and had wet shoes.
The spring was gorgeous.
The trails were very quiet and relaxing. It was nice to have multiple trails to choose from with varying distances. The trails allow for horses and dogs, very family friendly!

Went out for the first time. Easy to get to, easy to navigate the park and the trails we hiked were well marked. Like other post, you will not believe you are so close to Orlando and all the attractions. Thanks also to the park for providing a nice and clean preserved area.

What a fun day date!
If you and your significant other (or you bff, for that matter) love doing outdoorsy things together, I highly recommend you spend a Saturday at Wekiwa kayaking the springs. My boyfriend and I went kayaking for my birthday last year and we had a blast! The springs are absolutely gorgeous. And depending on the day you go it’s pretty quiet and serene.
About halfway down the stream is a spring-​side sports bar called Kings Landing. It’s a fun place to stop and take a break. Or else, head there after a few hours of kayaking to unwind with a few adult beverages.
For those of you who many not want to kayak or canoe, there is a swimming hole at the head of the spring. Great place for families with kids to set up for the day and spend some time in the cool water.
I would recommend you NOT go in the middle of the summer if you’re planning to kayak or canoe. Florida is just too hot. The cool days during fall and spring are the best times to go.

While the toll booth attendant would not cut me some slack on the $ 6 entrance price (despite the fact that the park closed in less than a couple of hours), it was still a worthwhile visit. I am a bit confused as to the hiking trails since the one I was constantly pointed to by the concessionaire attendant was rather short (yet their website claims there are thirteen miles worth of trails), so I feel I need to do further research, obtain a map and return.
The best thing this park has going for it (based on what I saw, anyway) was the beautiful spring water hole. The water is this amazingly beautiful turquoise color, and you can see straight down the bottom. There are, however, signs that say wildlife may be present, and you’re swimming at your own risk. The water felt nice and cool to the touch, and I regretted not having my swimsuit, despite the fact it was probably too crowded for my taste.
Canoeing and kayaking is also quite popular here and I was very much wanting to do so, but in reality, the weather was very unpredictable so perhaps it was for the best. I heard some of the people mentioning alligators and turtles while canoeing, so if you like seeing wildlife, this is your best bet. Their concession’s rental fees were something like $ 20 or so for 2 hours, which is quite reasonable.
There are tons of mosquitoes and always being dessert for them no matter where I go, I knew better and packed Off Deep Woods, which came in handy. If you’re also a delicacy for mosquitoes, you would do well to heed my advice. We might return with a picnic basket and our own canoe next time, as soon as we’re able to outfit it with a wheel mechanism and get it over to the launching area!

So I decided that we needed to go on an adventure today that didn’t cost a lot of money! And we found this place! First off it only cost $ 6 for a car load of people, second off its not full of a bunch of tourists, third– u can snorkel and dive in the lil caves they have for free, fifth-it’s a great place to have a picnic and or grill out, sixth-​u can rent paddle boards, canoes, or kayaks by the hr and see a bunch more wild life! I could keep going on and on but I will leave a little up to you to see! It was a great day all in all!

Wonderful place to get outdoors! Wekiwa springs is perfect and has tons of things to do– all outdoors!

Day 1– This is for both the spring fed water hole and the big buck primitive camp site. Let me start with the water hole:
This is the clearest water i’ve ever seen. I want to live in it. If i were a local, i’d be here every weekend. The one drawback is that i was the only person in his 20s, out of 100+ people. Everyone is either too young or way too old. Could just be that it’s monday and school is out for summer. What blew my mind is that it was 90 degrees out but the water felt 30. We need one of these magical springs in south florida!
After lingering in the frozen water hole for a few hours, i started my hike over to the camp cozy primitive site. I’m still not sure if the frozen bath helped or hurt, but i never made it to cozy since i ran out of drinking water. Who knew that it would be hot as hell in the summer? Taking the extra scenic route (damn i hate park maps) and falling a mile short, i did stop at the big buck camp site before turning around.
Even though big buck was pretty close to the creek, there were far less mosquitos on the site when compared to the trails leading to it. The site was really clean, had a picnic table, 2 benches, a fire pit, and a water line (non-​potable). There where also 2 sets of trees which looked like they would hang a hammock well. Only thing i would say it needs is a «poker» for the fire pitt.
The mosquitos — they are 2 feet long with suckers comparable to 14g needles. There is a lot of stagnant water by the trails so the second you stop moving they will be on you. Take some good bug spray!
There are plenty of critters in this park. I encountered a snake, a deer type thing, some sort of turtle, and i may have walked passed a gator — i just heard some crazy rustling at one point on the white trail… i didn’t even look, i just ran… they’re out there!
I left the park dehydrated, with burns on my leg, blisters on my feet, sore shoulders and a brusied ego but i WILL come back for some primitive camping — maybe in the «winter».

First time here. Was pretty awesome. Water was cold but warmed up the longer you stayed. Like a degree or two lol. Definitely make a trip here again!!!

I loved it! So much to do and spots to go! The park was well maintained, clean… The boys loved snorkeling and tubing in spring water. I gave it a four star because I do not recommend coming here during a holiday weekend. It was too crowded although I heard they closed the park so that was nice to know. I will review it again on a non holiday weekend!

So I came back this weekend to break in my new kayak. Was an amazing trip. The reason for this updated review is in regards to the swimming hole, though.
After almost 3 hours on the water, my friends and I packed our equipment away and headed down to cool off in the spring. While there, I noticed that there was a handicap lift into the springs, making it handicap accessible. This might have been here last time and I just missed it, but I was still blows away! Love that they are trying to remove barriers to allow everyone to enjoy this beautiful place!

Never dipped my body in natural spring water before and this first time experience was amazing!!!
Water was cold but the day was hot so the water was perfect!!! My family and I stayed in the water most of the time because it was so good!!!
We found a nice spot to put our belongings. There were benches around the pool area.

I cannot speak highly enough of Wekiwa Springs. I’ve been there probably 10 or 15 times in the last two years, and it’s always excellent.
The worst option is probably to just go to the swimming hole (it’s the spring proper). It gets extremely crowded.
Instead, I would try to rent a canoe (which I like better than a kayak). They can hold up to three people. Get there early; they do sell out on occasion. Paddle down the river a ways, and be patient. 90% of the people seem to go no further than Wekiwa Island, a redneck bar about a mile down the river. If you want some nature, some solitude, and to see a gator or other wildlife, keep going. Just keep in mind that it’s slightly harder paddling back up the river. I usually pull out on the way back up and have a beer at Wekiwa Island, which is a totally separate entity.
Even if you go over on time, the extra hourly charge is so cheap that it’s worth planning a half or full day on the river. There are definitely gators out there, just be vigilant and you will see one. This has held true for me almost every time, and any time of year.
Also, there are extensive hiking trails at Wekiwa. I have done the «Main Trail,» which is a 14 mile loop, beginning from the main trailhead near the swimming hole. There are other, shorter loops, down to something like half a mile. The trails are all VERY well marked and the hiking is spectacular. On the Main Trail, you will see scrub, wiregrass/​longleaf pine forest, palmetto uplands, oak hammock, cypress lowlands, and probably a few systems I forgot about. It’s incredible. The mosquitos were not bad in June. The ticks were. They’re unavoidable. Just check yourself often and follow the tick safety standards. Whether you hike clockwise or counter, your hike will begin and end in sugar-​sand scrubland with little shade. It’s an adventure and for the $ 5 of parking, you can’t beat the experience.

The spring was fun until my husband was attacked by mosquitoes. I don’t blame them as they have great taste. I suggest come prepared with iced water, sun block or tanning oil, bug spray and Benedryl (if you’re allergic to furry or scaly animals).

Oh the weather outside is frightful-​but really it’s one hundred and two million degrees outside, grab some sunblock and swimsuit because we might as well make the best of this heat.
Living in Florida is great because there are a million adventures to be had right in our own backyards. If you’re looking for a cost effective way to beat the heat this summer the springs are a great option! Crystal clear waters to cool you and the whole gang down along with trails for hiking and kayaks for renting there is something for everyone here. Highly recommend to a friend.

Loved this park! For a minimal fee, you can enter the park. We rented kayaks for about $ 20 each for two hours and a locker for $ 5 for the day. The waterway was so calm and gorgeous. We paddled out for about 45 min and then turned around and came back. On the way back in, we saw one gator in the water and two more on the banks, along with numerous turtles. Once back in, we went swimming in the spring area. It was pretty cool and lots of kids were enjoying the area. Finally, we walked on the nature Boardwalk area, but didn’t see anything.

Such a beautiful park.
Decided to spend spring break this year away from the beaches and visit the green spectrum of the outdoors with my girlfriend with the intent of kayaking. We ended up arriving at the park about 1pm that Saturday, wooooah big mistake there. There was a line of cars all the way from the entrance to the main connecting street with a sign saying that the park has a capacity limit and may close off. Luckily we road it out and found that there was plenty of parking inside, whew!
Upon arrival we headed straight to the kiosk for the kayak rents and to no surprise, more lines! As a no brainer there was a single waiting list for both kayak and canoes that had an estimated wait time of an hour where we signed for either or. This was due to the fact that they didn’t have a time restriction and you pay per extra hour. Being the patient people that we are, this didn’t worry us.
During our down time we took a stroll down to the waters and it was pleasant to hear nothing but water and the audible array of people enjoying the swimming area. I’m sure this would be a perfect opportunity to pass the time but we opt’ed to take a small walk through the park past the launch area which in my opinion was more worth it. You’re basically surrounded by the zen of trees in all directions. Xylem bliss.
After an hour we decided to head back to the kiosk and lucky for us the huge party in front of us did not respond and we were able to catch our ride. FINALLY. We were appointed to the launch and there was a single staff member in charge of docking and releasing everything. We ended up set sailing for a canoe instead of a kayak; though our initial plan was to kayak, I’m glad we ended up with the canoe which was perfect because I wanted to take all our cameras along [they provide plastic bags if you ever need any at the kiosk but we brought our own] the HMS Anderly (yes we named our canoe).
This was the first time for both of us riding in a canoe and it was nothing less than wonderful. It was easy to catch on and if not, these things are durable enough to grind or head on collision into other canoees’. Not that I encourage such thing, ehm. This is a shoulder burner if you haven’t workout in awhile and you will be heading downstream initially. So yes, that means you’re doing double the work on the way back, allocate your time if need be! We managed to spend our ideal two hours and had the best first experience of canoeing ever (as if I’m comparing it to any first canoeing that I don’t have, haha). Plenty to see, plenty to paddle.
Besides the wait here and there it didn’t deter us for this amazing time on the waters and through the woods. Certainly be on the look out for peak days but other than that, there isn’t a worry. Need there be any once you’re out here?

This park is gorgeous but in the peak months often gets very, very crowded. I prefer coming to this park before it opens and running the trails. I’ve done this several times as I’m an annual pass holder and have the before hours gate code. We usually park in back and run down to the springs (sometimes jump in to cool off) then run back, about a 4 mile round trip. The trail changes from sand to packed dirt with some awesome single file twists and turns over roots and downed trees that really tests your agility. We have not come across too many animals in our early morning runs– mostly deer or boar. I know there are black bears but maybe they hear us coming. One time as the weather warmed I was literally ran out of the woods but a swarm of deer flies. Like a scene out of a horror movie I was chased by the persistent swarm over a mile as I sprinted back to my car. After I dove into the car and slammed the door shut the nasty things were actually pinging against the glass trying to get in! Bug spray does nothing but make them laugh so don’t even attempt to hike if they are out. It was awful!
They also have educational programs from time to time that are free with park entry. We brought my reptile loving son to a talk they were hosting. He found it fascinating and loved meeting all the different turtles. They had just opened a new educational pavilion with live animals displayed. A couple of things I don’t like are the crowds (although not the parks fault) and that you cannot purchase real food here. I thought I remember back in the day them having a concession stand but those days are gone. We came unprepared without snacks and had to leave when the kids got hungry. The water is cold, as Florida springs are, so my 7yo wouldn’t swim long and it was too cold altogether for the 2yo who was happy to ride around in her inflatable boat.

Great place to escape the heat. go to take a plunge in the colddd (like 70 F?) but crystal clear water, kayak around, walk through the woods on the boardwalk…
Last time I was here, we rented a kayak. About 45 minutes paddle will take you to Wekiva Island (according to the kayak guy, it’s redneck party heaven on the weekends — his words, not mine!). The french fries were great!
Lots of pretty blue fish, 4 gators, some turtles, heron and other birds were spotted during the kayaking. If you didn’t see enough wildlife while roaming, there is a small educational center with some fish, turtles, snakes, stuffed bear ect. Probably best to try to catch a tour, since some weren’t labeled as to what they are.
Next trip, I’ll plan to kayak again and take the turn to head towards Rock Springs.

Beautiful park. My friend and I rented a canoe and decided to take an hour and a half trip upstream. It was gorgeous! If you are a nature lover who is looking for a tan and a decent workout, this is the place and activity for you! We managed to see herons, turtles, and even alligators chilling on their logs! So not for the faint of heart! You will see nature. I wouldn’t go if you’re going to have a ‘party’ on your canoe. Being floridian through and through, if you are responsible and safe then it’s a fun journey. But this is not the trip to get drunk on your canoe by smuggling beer onto your transport. If there’s one thing I don’t mess with, is alligators, even baby ones. Be smart and safe & you’ll have a wonderful time!
They even have a wading pool where you can go and enjoy some time in a treated environment sans alligators :). For $ 20, I definitely feel this outdoor trip is way worth it! Great to do with family and friends.