Overview

Wekiwa Springs State Park is a 6,400 acre preserve. Much of it still is as it was when the Timucuan Indians lived there. The primary feature is Wekiwa Springs, a crystal clear spring which is the source of the Wekiva River, part of which is designated a "Wild and Scenic River".

The Wekiwa Trail passes through open scrubby flatwoods of pine and palmetto, open prairies, hardwood hammocks, cypress swamp, and vine-tangled wetlands. The trail makes several picturesque crossings of spring-fed streams and follows the edge of scenic Rock Springs Run, where Camp Cozy is a popular destination for backpackers.

Animal life is abundant, including bear, deer, fox squirrels, wading birds, raccoons and alligators. Fishing is good. The park has a concession stand and interpretive center at the springs. Ask at the park entrance station for brochures on the trail and on plants and wildlife.

The main loop is 8.4 miles long and starts and ends at Sand Pond. Scenic connector trails lead through pine flatwoods to Lake Prevatt and the campground as well through steep slopes with shady hardwood forests to Wekiwa Spring, where an interpretive boardwalk explains the unique flora and fauna surrounding a spring.

Map

Between Apopka and Longwood, north of Orlando. From I-4, exit west on SR 434 and drive about 1.5 miles to Wekiwa Springs Road. Turn right and drive 5 miles to the park entrance.

 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

Park at Sand Lake to access the loop directly, or at the main parking area for a longer hike via a .9-mile connector trail between Wekiwa Spring and the loop.

Features

Campsites

Conditions

Extremely varied terrain including steep forested hillsides, cypress swamps, open prairie and pine flatwoods.  

Precautions

Follow blazes carefully. There have been recent changes to the trail system due to the creation of mountain bike and Volksmarch trails. Hang food out of reach of bears and raccoons. Fires are allowed only in fire rings at designated campsites.

Restrictions

 Open 8-sunset. State park fee charged. Backpackers must obtain a permit from the ranger station when entering the park.  

Resources

Hiker’s Guide to the Sunshine State

Central 1 Loop Trails

Wekiwa Springs State Park