Overview

Rock Springs Run State Reserve began as 8,750 acres purchased in 1983 with funds from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Program. Its purpose was to provide habitat preservation, watershed protection, and to offer recreational opportunities to Central Florida. Today the Reserve has increased in size to over 13,850 acres. It is a beautiful tract and contains most of the plant communities that are commonly found in this part of the state. The Reserve’s sand pine scrubs, pine flatwoods, bay heads, hammocks, and swamps provide habitats for several rare and endangered species including Florida black bears, scrub jays, wood storks, sandhill cranes, gopher tortoises, and indigo snakes. One outstanding feature of the Reserve is Rock Springs Run, marking its western border.

There are two hiking loops, blazed white: the North Loop and the South Loop. While the North Loop is largely footpath through hammocks, pine flatwoods, and scrub, most of the South Loop follows forest roads through the scrub, pines, and floodplain forests, with side trails down to Rock Springs Run, where you’ll find a beautiful campsite (shared with canoeists).

The many forest roads enable you to modify the length of your hike based on your interest and stamina. Be sure to have a map handy!

Map

Along SR 46 west of Sanford. Drive 7.4 miles west of I-4 along SR 46 to the preserve entrance on the left.

 Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey. 

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Drive 0.6 mile down the entrance road to the hiker parking area on the left.

Features

Campsites

Conditions

Level walking in a variety of habitats, including oak hammocks, pine savanna, floodplain forest, and open scrub.  

Precautions

This preserve has a high bear population. If you are backpacking, bear bag your food. Use insect repellent to avoid tick and mosquitoes. Be careful with fires, as much of the habitat is scrub. Wear blaze orange during hunting season. Follow blazes closely.

Restrictions

State Parks fee. Overnight trips require permission from Wekiwa Springs State Park for use of the riverside campsite. The removal of plants or animals is prohibited except by permit. Florida Statues prohibit the destruction or removal of any Indian artifacts. 

Resources

Hiker’s Guide to the Sunshine State

Central 1 Loop Trails

50 Hikes is Central Florida

Rock Springs Run State Preserve