Wekiwa Springs State Park
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Wekiwa Springs State Park is a 7,000 acre (28 km²) Florida State Park in Apopka, Florida. It is located 20 minutes north of Orlando, off Interstate 4 at exit 94, near Altamonte Springs and Longwood. The park also contains the head water of the Wekiva River. It also serves as the headquarters of one the state's five AmeriCorps Florida State Parks chapters.
History
In the 1800s, Central Florida was primarily agricultural; however, with the end of the Civil War a stout tourist trade started to take advantage of Florida’s temperate winters, long summers and abundant natural beauty and out of that growth came Wekiwa Springs. In 1941, the Apopka Sportsmen’s Club purchased the property from the Wilson Cypress Company, which had maintained a small Turpentine camp in what is now the park, maintaining the area for recreational use. By 1969 the state of Florida expressed interest the property for use as a state park and, starting in 1970 visitors from all over the country and all over the world have been enjoying the natural spring, crystal clear water and the area's abundant wild life. A major point for the springs popularity is the year round 72 degree temperature of the water.
Attractions
The Spring
The main attraction at Wekiwa Springs Park is the spring, providing approximately 42 million gallons of water to the Wekiva River each day.[1] The swimming area varies in depth from under a foot to five feet, and a small 15–20 foot deep cavern at the source of the spring. The cavern extends deeper into a cave, which has been explored in great detail. SCUBA and cave diving is strictly prohibited. The park has a nature center, and access to Wekiwa Springs, Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River. Picnic pavilions equipped with charcoal grills exist in the picnic area. Canoes can be rented at the nature center. There are two campsites in Wekiwa Springs State Park that can only be accessed by canoe or kayak.
Camping
Spread out across the 7,000 acres (28 km2) is located a fairly substantial camping area. Infrastructure exists to support all forms and types of camping from tents to recreational vehicles. Family, primitive and cabin youth camping areas are available. Camp Cozy is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from the main spring and offers primitive camping. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times. Intoxicants and firearms are prohibited.
Trails and hiking
A network of 13.5 miles (21.7 km) of trails exist in and around the spring allowing for bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding. The 5.3-mile (8.5 km) Volksmarch trail is marked with orange diamonds.
Ecology
The area around the spring is largely undeveloped and has acres untouched Florida Ecology. Among the wildlife of the park are coyote, rabbit, deer, gray fox, bobcat, raccoon, opossum and black bear. Fishing is permitted, as well as canoeing and snorkeling. However, SCUBA and specifically cave diving are not. The cave has been explored in the past to a distance of about 50 meters.
Administrative
Florida state parks are open between 8 A.M. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays). The nature center is open Saturday and Sunday from 12:00PM to 3:00PM EST.
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