Boating - Non-Motorized

Boating - Non-Motorized Areas

• Apalachicola National Forest

  

  The Apalachicola National Forest is home to some of the most unique animal and plant species in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy safe, family-friendly activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking and trail-riding while surrounded by tranquil, diverse ecosystems.

   

• Apalachicola River

  

  Forming the western boundary of the forest, the Apalachicola is a wide, curving river rolling down to Apalachicola Bay. It has the highest diversity of freshwater fish species in the state, which translates to some of the best fishing in Florida's Panhandle. The numerous creeks and tributaries feeding into the Apalachicola offer scenic runs with deep, quiet pools.

• Cotton Landing
• Hickory Landing
• Kennedy Creek
• Owl Creek
• River Styx
• Smith Creek Landing
• White Oak Landing
• Bradwell Bay Wilderness
• Clear Lake Wilderness Study Area
• Lost Creek
• Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness
• New River

  The New River is one of the most primitive, remote canoeing opportunities in north Florida. There is no canoe trail through the Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness (area is unavailable), since the river loses its identity in the swamp and divides into multiple, twisting channels. It is possible to put in below the Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness at the southern boundary of the forest and canoe down through Tates Hell State Forest to Carrabelle. There are concrete boat ramps, picnic and camping areas within the state forest.

  The water level in New River fluctuates considerably and, while stream gauge readings are not available, visual inspection should provide a reasonable clue of what to expect. Drought conditions in the region create almost impassible conditions on the New River. You can put in where New River crosses Forest Highway 13 or along Forest Road 182.

  Interested adventurers might also want to call the A (area is unavailable)palachicola Ranger District Office in Bristol, Florida, before making the trip.

• Magnolia Landing
• Ochlockonee River

  The Ochlockonee River splits the forest in half, running from Lake Talquin north of the forest down to the bay, navigable throughout its length for most of the year.

  Boating -- Motorized and Non-motorized

  • Small motorboats can take advantage of the excellent fishing on the Ochlockonee by boat launches (called landings) at Highway 20, Pine Creek, Whitehead Lake, Revell, Mack, Hitchcock Lake and Wood Lake.
  • Canoes and kayaks may also launch from these sites.

  Camping

  • Camping, water and restroom facilities are available at Whitehead Lake, Mack Landing and Wood Lake. All of these sites are hunt camps during hunting season (December-January).
• Hitchcock Lake
• Mack Landing
• Pine Creek Landing
• Revell Landing
• Whitehead Landing
• Wood Lake
• Porter Lake
• Prospect Bluff Historic Sites
• Silver Lake Recreation Area

  

  Visitors most often come to the largest recreation area on the Apalachicola National Forest to swim off the 250-foot white sand beach, walk the mile-long interpretive trail or picnic at one of 45 picnic tables, each of which comes with an individual grill. This family-friendly destination just outside Tallahassee is ideal for a family day of fun in the sun!

  Boating--Non-motorized

  • Non-motorized boats float on the 15-acre lake angling for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. The landscape is a mostly longleaf pine and hardwood hammock forest.

  Fishing

  • Fish from banks of the lake, which are accesible in many spots via the hiking trail. 

  Nature Watching

  • Bald eagles and songbirds are at home in this longleaf pine forest that also makes room for cypress, tupelo trees, turkey oak and palmettos. Rare species of plants and animals can be found at Silver Lake, but the observant visitor is more likely to see turtles, alligators, bears, turkeys and armadillos.
  • Silver Lake is in the Munson Sandhills, which are composed of deep dry sands that have accumulated over limestone. Because the sand absorbs rainfall so completely, wetlands are relatively rare in this part of the forest. In places, the limestone dissolves and collapses, forming the depressions and ponds, lakes and sinkholes that are common in the area.

  Walk the Trail

  • The gentle one-mile loop Silver Lake Trail circles the lake.
• Sopchoppy River

  With its headwaters arising on the Apalachicola National Forest, the Sopchoppy River is a local favorite with non-motorized paddlers.

  Boating - Non-motorized

  • Although some hardy paddlers put in at the top of Bradwell Bay Wilderness on Forest Highway 13 and paddle the six miles down to Forest Road 346, low flows and twisty turns can make this a challenging trip.

  The U.S. Geological Survey stream gage at Oak Park Bridge on Forest Road 346 should read between 10 and 14 feet before this upper section is considered for paddling.
  
  Below Oak Park Bridge, the Sopchoppy continues its tortuous meandering before becoming a larger blackwater river above the sleepy town of Sopchoppy. From there it is a much easier paddle to the boat ramps at the Sopchoppy City Park or the Ochlockonee River State Park.

• Upper Sopchoppy River
• Wright Lake

  Wright Lake is a quiet scenic lakefront recreation area that offers a host of amenities and activities for campers and day-trippers. The area around the clear, spring-fed lake offers both a day-use area for swimming, picnicking hiking, and a campground in a beautiful forest setting along one portion of the lakeshore. It is perfect for fishing and boating. Swimmers can also enjoy the white sand beach, and a nearby bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake.

  Boating

  • Electric trolling motors or paddle boats are welcome on the lake

  Camping

  • The campground includes 18 campsites with picnic tables, grills, tent pads and fire rings. Each site also has a lantern post.
  • Spark Generators are allowed at sites.

  Fishing 

  • Wright Lake is the perfect place for fishing. 

  Nature Viewing

  • The area around Wright Lake is one of the best places in the Apalachicola National Forest to see pitcher plants, which bloom en masse in late March / early April.

  Walking / Day Hiking

  • Two trails are available at Wright Lake: a short nature trail and a 4.6-mile interpretive trail that circles the lake and showcases the full spectrum of habitats in this part of the Apalachicola National Forest.
• Ocala National Forest

  

  Nestled between well-known theme parks and white, sandy beaches, the jewels of the Ocala National Forest attract visitors from around the world.

  A travel destination in its own right, the Ocala features more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing and boating.

  From migratory birds and playful manatees to delicate freshwater springs and some of the world's rarest plants, the Ocala is a haven where people (and animals) escape to one of Florida's remaining wild places. Here, opportunities abound for all to bask in the wonders of Mother Nature 365 days a year.

   

• Alexander Springs Recreation Area

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Only 27 first-magnitude springs exist in Florida, and Alexander Springs is by far one of the easiest to enjoy. A broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool is a constant 72°F and extraordinarily clear. Ripples play across the sand bottom as small fish dart about. Surrounded by a floodplain forest of maples, sweetgum and cabbage palms, this recreation area feels almost tropical.

  Camping

  • 67-unit campground accommodates tents and RVs up to 35 feet. All campsites require reservations by calling 1-877-444-6777 or at recreation.gov.
  • Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
  • No electrical, water or sewer hookups. Hot showers and dump station.
  • Concessionaire sells snacks, groceries, ice, charcoal, firewood, beach items and personal items.

  Backpacking

  • Alexander Springs is one of several refreshing stops along the Florida National Scenic Trail. A 0.5 mile blue-blazed trail leads from the camping area to the main Trail, which is blazed orange. Alexander Springs to Clearwater Lake is 9.7 miles south. Alexander Springs to Farles Lake is 7 miles north.

  Boating

  • An on-site outfitter rents canoes for the paddle down Alexander Run into the Alexander Springs Wilderness. You’ll need to paddle back to the springs unless you’ve arranged for your own take out farther downstream.

  Nature Viewing

  • Birding is fabulous along Alexander Run.

  Picnicking

  • Plenty of picnic tables are available under the oaks, all within sight of the splashing fun of the springs.

  Scuba Diving

  • Alexander Springs is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted. Open water diving enables you to explore the broad mouth of the spring.

  Swimming

  • Alexander Springs is one of the best swimming holes in the Ocala National Forest, with a gently sloped beach leading into the gently sloped spring basin.

  Walking the Trail

  • Day hikers will appreciate the shady Timucuan Trail, a 0.9-mile interpretive loop with a boardwalk through a jungle of palms along the spring run and more challenging terrain leading into the Big Scrub.
  • Enjoy the beauty of a turquoise spring basin on a walk around Alexander Springs. A paved path leads along the south side of the basin from the canoe launch to the trailhead for the Timucuan Trail. There, the interpretive trail continues as a boardwalk through the lush palm hammock along the spring's edge to observation decks along the spring run.

   

• Alexander Run
• Alexander Springs Wilderness
• Beakman Lake
• Billie Bay Wilderness
• Chain of Lakes
• Clearwater Lake Recreation Area

  

  Enjoy a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley. A longleaf pine forest and wiregrass ecosystem surrounds the 32-acre lake and provides a beautiful, shaded, wooded setting for the campground, a day-use picnic area, beach and a nature trail.

  Boating

  • Paddle your canoe or kayak across our placid waters in search of a quiet spot along the reedy shoreline. It's slightly more than a mile circuit around the edge.

  Camping 

  • Nicely shaded, the 42-space Clearwater Lake Campground provides breezy lakefront sites. It accommodates both trailers and tents, and has bathhouses with showers.

  Fishing

  • Cast a line from your campsite or wade out into the grassy shallows for a chance to catch both bream and catfish.

  Hiking & Backpacking

  • The Clearwater Lake Nature Trail is a 1.3-mile loop starting at the day use area. It is an easy walk that traverses the major habitats around the lake, including pine flatwoods, freshwater marsh and oak scrub, providing interpretive information and numerous benches for birding or resting.

  Mountain Biking

  • Explore 22 miles of singletrack along the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail between Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Clearwater Lake Recreation Area.

  Swimming

  • A swimming beach along Clearwater Lake provides a place for families to frolic in the water.

  This site is operated by Naventure.

• Davenport Landing Trail

  Enjoy a 1.2-mile round-trip interpretive hiking trail that leads to a former 19th century steamboat port. This location is where riverboats headed up to Silver Springs would stop for fuel. Along the way, you'll learn about middens along the Ocklawaha River and encounter the Civil War-era gravesite of Thomas Cassidy Fillyaw. 

  The Davenport Landing Trail leads into a lush river bottom forest with many colorful wildflowers during the spring and summer months. In late fall and early winter, sweetgum and red maple trees turn bright hues of crimson and gold and shed their leaves across the landscape.

  Boating

  • Paddle your canoe or kayak across the beautiful waters of Davenport Lading in search of a quiet spot along the shoreline. 

  Fishing

  • Sitting along the Ocklawaha River, this is the perfect location to cast a line from the shallows for a chance to catch that big one. Just keep an eye out for any alligators that may be roaming the area. 

  Hiking

  • The Davenport Landing Trail is a 0.6-mile interpretive walk to a former steamboat landing along the Ocklawaha River (1.2 mile round-trip). Since it is within the river's floodplain area, expect a high concentration of mosquitoes and dress / prepare accordingly.

  Interpretive Area 

  • In addition to leading you to the site of a historic steamboat landing, interpretive information along the Davenport Landing Trail includes middens along the Ocklawaha River from the Timucuan period as well as a Civil War-era gravesite.

  Primitive Camping 

  • Many people enjoy this solitude and primitive experience, but knowing your limits, skills and abilities is a must. Following certain rules and regulations will help make your experience safer and ensure settings remain unspoiled.  
• Doe Lake Group Camp

  The Doe Lake Group Camp is centered around a classic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps dining hall that has been historically restored. This beautiful building sits atop a grassy hill overlooking the clear waters of Doe Lake. Restoration efforts are the result of an agreement between the Friends of Doe Lake and the Forest Service.  A bath house, including showers, was built in the same architectural style.

  Boating

  • Low-powered boats, canoes and kayaks can be launched from an unimproved boat ramp. Open to visitors under a group reservation only.

  Camping

  • Doe Lake is a designated group campsite with a variety of activities on site. Centered around a historic lodge with a large group kitchen, it's an ideal place for major outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people. A maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days is allowed within a 30-day period.

  Fishing

  • Launch a canoe or low-powered boat and drop a line in the middle of Doe Lake for an afternoon of fishing. Bank fishing is possible along parts of the shoreline as well. Open to visitors under a group reservation only.

  Horseback Riding and Primitive Camping

  • The LAM Equestrian Trail starts at Doe Lake and extends north for 34 miles, paralleling the Ocklawaha River, towards Eureka. Primitive camping is permitted along the trail except during hunting season. You must be a part of the group renting this group recreation area to camp here with your horse.

• Doe Lake Boat Ramp
• Farles Prairie Recreation Area
• Fore Lake Recreation Area

  

  In the stillness of the morning fog, a red-shouldered hawk calls out with an echo across Fore Lake. Bounded by marshes, this lake in a scrub ecosystem is an excellent spot for birding from the shores of Fore Lake Recreation Area, where visitors can picnic and swim, or make a night of it in one of the 31 campsites tucked away between the saw palmetto and oak trees. Bring your fishing gear to make full use of the pier and canoe launch area.

  Boating -- Non-motorized

  • Canoes and kayaks welcome. 

  Camping

  • Tents and camping trailers welcome. Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
  • Visit Fore Lake Campground website for more information.

  Nature Viewing

  • Birding is excellent around the lake.

  Picnicking

  • Picnic tables sit in a shaded area overlooking the lake. Grills provided.
  • A large picnic pavillion is available for group use. Reservations are required.

  Swimming

  • A designated swimming area with a small beach is part of the allure of Fore Lake on a hot summer's day.
• Fore Lake Pier and Launch
• Grasshopper Lake
• Halfmoon Lake
• Hopkins Prairie Campground
• Juniper Prairie Wilderness

  Protecting the heart of the Big Scrub, the 14,283-acre Juniper Prairie Wilderness is perhaps the best known of the four wilderness areas in the Ocala National Forest thanks to its frontage and prominent signage on SR 40 - the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway - and SR 19.
  
  As a wilderness area, it remains roadless, untouchable by motorized vehicles or equipment. This special designation provides certain challenges in a flammable habitat such as the sand pine scrub for which our forest is famous, since firefighting options are limited. As a result, portions of the wilderness may seem denuded after a forest fire. But the scrub regenerates quickly, pushing up saw palmetto and young sand pines to provide shade and habitat for wildlife.

  The wilderness contains a mosaic of habitats bound together by the flow of open prairies, many with ponds, across the landscape. By hiking, backpacking or paddling through the wilderness, you can enjoy the flora and fauna of pine flatwoods, hardwood swamps, shallow lakes, grassy prairies, sand pine scrub, oak scrub, sinkholes and sawgrass marsh.

  Backpacking

  • Backpacking is one of the more popular ways to see the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.
  • A portion of the Florida Trail traverses the entire Juniper Prairie Wilderness between Juniper Springs and the Pat's Island Trailhead, with side trails to the historic Pat's Island settlement along the Yearling Trail (signposted) and to Juniper Run (unmarked).
  • Fans of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ book "The Yearling" know that Pat's Island, at the northeastern corner of the wilderness, was settled by the Long family around 1840. The historic settlement is where portions of the 1949 movie starring Gregory Peck was filmed and is accessible from the Yearling Trail across from Silver Glen Springs on SR 19.

  Boating

  • Canoeing is a great way to see the variety of ecosystems and abundance of wildlife in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. 
  • The canoe rental at Juniper Springs Recreation Area provides paddlers with the opportunity to explore the wilderness by water with a haul back to your starting point.
  • Visitors can bring their own canoe or kayak and put in at Juniper Springs for a launch fee. To self-shuttle, limited parking is available at the Juniper Wayside along SR 19 for take-out.

  Camping

  • The prime overnight destination is Hidden Pond. This backcountry camping area has no amenities but is situated on a ridge between a spring-fed pond and a broad wet prairie, providing natural air-conditioning when a breeze sweeps across either watery landscape. When it's not general gun hunting season, you're welcome to pitch your tent anywhere under the stars. 

  Nature Viewing

  • On a paddling trip down the seven-mile canoe run, you might glimpse alligators, wading birds, deer, snakes, raccoons, fox, and even wild boars.
• Juniper Springs Recreation Area

  

  Juniper Springs is one of the oldest and best-known recreation areas on the East Coast. Located between Ocala and Ormond Beach along SR 40, this complex of swimming and picnic area, campground and trails was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This setting houses hundreds of tiny bubbling springs and massive springs gushing out of crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks, an oasis within the heart of the desert-like scrub ecosystem.

  Boating

  • Juniper Run is a narrow, winding waterway set under a dense canopy of old-growth forest and few places solid enough to get out of your canoe. Just before the take out point near SR 19, the waterway broadens to encompass wetlands teeming with wading birds and wildlife.

  Camping

  • Who doesn't love camping under a dense canopy of live oaks? Juniper Springs is one of the nation's top destinations for camping, not just because of the many activities available on site but also for its well-shaded setting.

  Interpretive Area

  • As a Civilian Conservation Corps-era recreation area and campground, Juniper Springs is a historic site with an interesting story to tell. Stop in the old Mill House to learn why and how the swimming area and campground were built, and how the mill used to provide electricity for the campground.

  Nature Watching

  • The dense, jungle-like forests surrounding Juniper Springs and Juniper Run - as well as the waterway itself - are home to wildlife that you might not commonly see elsewhere. Among the more interesting residents of our natural communities are the albino gray squirrels seen near the Mill House, the otters that play along the edges of the spring run and the American eels that migrate out to the Sargasso Sea to spawn, returning to Juniper Springs to live. 

  Swimming

  • Juniper Springs is notable as a crystalline pool of spring outflow, shallow at one end and deep enough to jump into at the other. Natural tapegrass grows along the bottom of the spring. Don't be surprised to see an American eel amid the greenery.

  Day Hiking / Walking / Backpacking

  • Backpackers often use Juniper Springs as a stopping-off point while working their way along a 72-mile unbroken segment of the Florida Trail.
  • Current Boardwalk area is closed to the Public for necessary renovations. Please stay tuned for project updates and related detours in the area.

  This site is operated by Naventure. 

• Juniper Run

  

  Named one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by ReserveAmerica and typically a high point of a visit to Florida, Juniper Run is a narrow, winding waterway set under a dense canopy of old-growth forest and few places solid enough to get out of your canoe. The seven-mile journey starts just below the springs and follows the spring run through the heart of the Juniper Prairie Wilderness to a take-out off SR 19, well before the run empties into the St. Johns River at Lake George. Juniper Run is popular year-round. Please keep in mind that temperatures may be cool in the winter and afternoon thunderstorms may be frequent in the summer. 

  Boating

  • Canoeing and kayaking are the only permitted activities along Juniper Run.
  • The waterway varies greatly in depth and width and passes under many low-hanging trees in the first several miles. Pull-off and take-out points are very limited due to the narrow channel and the nature of the surrounding terrain. 

  ** IMPORTANT:

  • Visitors planning to use their own kayaks/canoes to paddle Juniper Run, must arrive and launch before 1 p.m. daily. If using personal motorized vehicles to shuttle between locations, the vehicles must be staged before launching.

  • Inflatable items including rafts, johnboats, inner tubes and inflatable kayaks are not permitted. This is for public safety, to protect the environment and provide visitors a more pleasant wilderness experience.

  Wildlife Viewing

  • The dense, jungle-like forests surrounding Juniper Springs and Juniper Run - as well as the waterway itself - are home to wildlife that you might not commonly see elsewhere. Among the more interesting residents of our natural communities are the albino gray squirrels seen near the Mill House, the otters that play along the edges of the spring run, and the American eels that migrate out to the Sargasso Sea to spawn, returning to Juniper Springs to live. Just before the take-out point near SR 19, the waterway broadens to encompass wetlands teeming with wading birds and wildlife, providing a different perspective on paddling in Florida.

  This site is operated by Naventure. Please visit their website and contact them for more details about this recreation site.

• Juniper Wayside
• Lake Catherine
• Lake Charles
• Lake Dorr Recreation Area

  A massive patch of blue in a sea of green - that's Lake Dorr, one of the prettiest big lakes in the Ocala National Forest. Experience outdoor recreation at either the Lake Dorr Recreation Area - campground or day use - or by renting the cabin for your family or group. Along the northwest shore of the lake, the recreation area is set under the deep shade of an oak hammock. Offering RV camping, we also have a boat ramp and picnic area overlooking the view.

  Camping

  • Bring the family out and get back to nature in this picturesque setting. with campsites for tents, campers and RVs. 
  • Reservations may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov. 

  Boating

  • Bring your boat, kayak or canoe and enjoy a day of fishing or exploring. 

  Fishing

  • Cast for bass in the middle of Lake Dorr or drop a line in from the shore. Boat ramp available.

  Waterskiing

  • Interested in getting on the water while gliding across the surface at high rates of speed? Sounds fun doesn't it? Bring your boat and get out there.

  Lake Door Cabin

  • Set along the south shore of beautiful Lake Dorr, this secluded cabin is ideal for a family getaway. The cabin is situated with two bedrooms (including bunk beds) and a sofa bed, it can sleep up to 10 people. With a private boat ramp, fishing dock and canoes, it's a great destination for small groups that love being on the water.
• Lake Dorr Boat Ramp
• Lake Dorr Cabin
• Lake Eaton Campground

  A large, shallow lake cradled by the Big Scrub, Lake Eaton offers many distinctive faces. As a seasonal access area, the Lake Eaton Campground has only 14 sites. At the end of the road, the Lake Eaton Boat Launch and Pier offers opportunities for boating and fishing.

  Boating

  • Access to Lake Eaton for anglers and birders at the end of the entrance road for the Lake Eaton Campground. You do not need to be camping to enjoy lake access, which is open year-round.

  Camping

  • Open seasonally, the Lake Eaton Campground provides access for campers and day use visitors to Lake Eaton via a boat ramp and accessible fishing pier. No hookups available.

  Fishing and Nature Viewing

  • Shallow and broad, Lake Eaton covers 308 acres and is accessible from several points along its extensive shoreline for fishing, birding and wildlife watching. Fish from the pier at the adjacent Lake Eaton day use area or drop your boat in at the ramp.
• Lake Eaton Boat Ramp and Pier
• Lake Jumper
• Lake Lou
• Lake Mary
• Lake Shore Group Campground
• Little Lake George Wilderness
• Mill Dam Recreation Area

  Mill Dam has been a popular destination for generations. In the shade of live oaks overlooking the 168-acre Mill Dam Lake, Mill Dam Recreation Area offers two different experiences.

  October 1 -- March 15 is for group camping by reservation only through Recreation.gov.

  March 16 -- September 30 the site is open to daily visitors for picnicking and swimming (no camping/overnight use during these months). Expect crowds on weekends during summer months. 

  This recreation site is operated by Adventure Ocala.

• Mill Dam Boat Ramp
• Salt Springs Recreation Area

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  The Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring giving the area its name. Plenty of outdoor activities keep campers and day-use visitors busy, including swimming in the springs, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and boating. In the early 1900s, many people came to the spring, believing it had medicinal healing powers. Today's visitors will find Salt Springs gushes forth 52 million gallon of water daily at a constant 74° Fahrenheit.

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  Boating

  • An unimproved boat launch is located at the end of the campground closest to Salt Springs Run. It is directly across the run from the Salt Springs Marina. Follow the signs.

  Camping

  • The campground is the largest in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. The facility offers spacious campsites for RVs and trailers, as well as a designated tent-only area, which is a short walk from the parking area. Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area. Reservations for the campground may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.

  Fishing

  • Salt Springs Run is a relaxing place to fish, with small coves along the cypress-lined shoreline.

  Hiking

  • The Salt Springs Trail is a pleasant loop of less than two miles through an intricate web of habitats surrounding the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest. While the trail includes some sharp climbs and a long boardwalk, it's a good walk for families with a big payoff at the end - an observation deck for birdwatching.

  Nature Watching

  • The Salt Springs Trail is an excellent place to familiarize yourself with the common native trees and shrubs of the Big Scrub, including sand live oak, Chapman oak, myrtle oak, southern magnolia and saw palmetto. Interpretive information at the kiosk and along the trail aids in your understanding of the flora of this unique landscape

  Swimming

  • Swimmers enjoy the clear waters of Salt Springs Run nearest its source at Salt Springs. A cluster of boats just past the floats marks the recreation area, with families frolicking in the shallows.

  This site is operated by American Land & Leisure.

• Salt Springs Marina
• Salt Springs Run
• Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area

  

  Both a popular day-use recreation area and an important archaeological site, Silver Glen Springs showcases the delicate balance between enjoying the outdoors and preserving precious  resources. With constant 73°F crystal-clear water, Silver Glen Springs is a popular swimming hole. Bring your snorkel and meet the fish face to face.

  Silver Glen Springs was once a village site, and is now home to enormous middens - ancient "trash" heaps full of fossilized snail shells and ancient items of everyday lives - beneath a canopy of live oaks.

  Boating

  • Kayak and canoe rentals are available for a trip down Silver Glen Run.
  • Boats must stay out of swimming area.
  • Please keep off the middens, which are the large mounds behind the fences. These areas mark an important archeological site and sacred space for Native Americans.

  Picnicking and Grilling

  • 58 picnic tables and 30 pedestal grills are available for visitors to enjoy.

  Swimming

  • Be sure to bring your snorkel, although diving or SCUBA diving are not allowed.
  • Stay within the marked boundaries of the swimming area to avoid damage to sensitive underwater habitats. 

  Walking Trail

  • A walk around the interpretive trails brings this past to life. The 3-mile round-trip Lake George Trail meanders through the woods and often provides a cool breeze. A visit to Jody's Spring beneath a canopy of palms along the Spring Boils Trail is another enjoyable walk and only 0.75-mile round-trip.

  This site is operated by Naventure.

• Silver Glen Run
• Volusia Wharf Boat Ramp
• Wildcat Lake
• Osceola National Forest

  

  The Osceola National Forest is a peaceful place where people come to escape their busy lives and reconnect with the land. Flatwoods and swamps transport visitors back in time, and provide a tranquil setting for first-rate hunting, fishing and swimming opportunities.

• Hog Pen Landing
• Ocean Pond Campground
• Olustee Beach

  

  Come join the fun! Swim along a shallow sandy beach and watch the water birds wade through the cypress. You may also enjoy fishing on the pier, picnicking under the hammock, or walking the Trampled Track Trail, which tells the story of Osceola's turpentining history.

  Boating

  • Kayaks, canoes and low-powered boats can enjoy the cypress that line the lake's perimeter. Enjoy the boat launch for easy access into the water.

  ​Fishing

  • Fish from either the shoreline or drop your boat into the water for deeper lake fishing. Anglers are sure to enjoy the barrier-free pier at the boat launch and parking area. 

  ​Hiking

  • While less than 0.5-mile long, this barrier-free trail takes you back more than a century through the history of a sawmill and community that thrived along the Ocean Pond shores in the early 1900s. The reward for your short trip is a beautiful observation point overlooking Ocean Pond. 

  Swimming

  • The sandy beach at Ocean Pond offers a chance to cool off on hot summer days.

  Waterskiing

  • Waterski along the glassy lake or watch the white caps roll in on windy days.

   

• Osceola Wildlife Management Area
• The Group Landing
• Watertown Lake