Rock Springs State Park is located in Sorrento, some 30 miles north of Orlando so it makes a perfectly reasonable day trip from the attractions area and a good contrast to the wonderful hubbub of the parks.
This park contains an amazing 30 miles of trails that can be walked, biked or explored on horse back. There are many miles of immaculate shore line and the entire park covers 14, 000 acres.
This area was first acquired by the State in 1983 and in both 1991 and 1995 more actres were added. This has the distinction of being the first Congressionally designated wild and scenic river, an accolade that is fully deserved.
Before the Spanish arrived here in 1513 this area had been occupied by the Native American. However, by the 18th century not one Indian was left living here. All along the Rock Spring Run and Wekiva River there are mounds (or middens) that provide a rich history of these times. Mounds are the rubbish tips of the day and each layer reveals more about how the people lived in long ago times and how their culture evolved.
Encircling the park is a spring river run system. This was created when the run off from the water shed and the flow from many artesian springs came together. This makes for wonderful peacefull canoeing opportunities (always one of the best ways to explore a State Park)
Of course, the trails are the big attraction here and the 14 miles are well used by hikers, bikers and horse back riders. You can hire a horse and this is clearly a fabulous way to cover the trails. Horses are available from the park concession holders who are Rock Springs Riding Ranch; call 352 735 6226.
It is recommended that ou take a compass and plenty of water with you; a mobile phone would not go amiss either. Also, the essential insect repellant.
The terrain includes swamp, pine flat woods and of course the Wekiva River. You can print out a trail map from the website; this is a great idea to plan your route in advance
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
c/o Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, Florida 32712
Phone: (407) 884 2008
Citizen Support Organization
Wekiva Wilderness Trust, Inc.
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL 32712
Visitor Service Provider
Rock Springs Riding Ranch
31700 County Road 433
Sorrento, FL, 32776
(352) 735-6266
This park contains an amazing 30 miles of trails that can be walked, biked or explored on horse back. There are many miles of immaculate shore line and the entire park covers 14, 000 acres.
This area was first acquired by the State in 1983 and in both 1991 and 1995 more actres were added. This has the distinction of being the first Congressionally designated wild and scenic river, an accolade that is fully deserved.
Before the Spanish arrived here in 1513 this area had been occupied by the Native American. However, by the 18th century not one Indian was left living here. All along the Rock Spring Run and Wekiva River there are mounds (or middens) that provide a rich history of these times. Mounds are the rubbish tips of the day and each layer reveals more about how the people lived in long ago times and how their culture evolved.
Encircling the park is a spring river run system. This was created when the run off from the water shed and the flow from many artesian springs came together. This makes for wonderful peacefull canoeing opportunities (always one of the best ways to explore a State Park)
Of course, the trails are the big attraction here and the 14 miles are well used by hikers, bikers and horse back riders. You can hire a horse and this is clearly a fabulous way to cover the trails. Horses are available from the park concession holders who are Rock Springs Riding Ranch; call 352 735 6226.
It is recommended that ou take a compass and plenty of water with you; a mobile phone would not go amiss either. Also, the essential insect repellant.
The terrain includes swamp, pine flat woods and of course the Wekiva River. You can print out a trail map from the website; this is a great idea to plan your route in advance
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
c/o Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, Florida 32712
Phone: (407) 884 2008
Citizen Support Organization
Wekiva Wilderness Trust, Inc.
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL 32712
Visitor Service Provider
Rock Springs Riding Ranch
31700 County Road 433
Sorrento, FL, 32776
(352) 735-6266