Wekiva Springs

[Contrast]

Going back to Florida for 3 weeks next month and think we're going to take a trip to Wekiva Springs whilst we're there, heard great stuff about it.

Couple of questions though

1. Do I need to book in advance to be able to canoe, if so how far in advance?
2. I've never actually done canoeing before, will that be a problem?
3. Are there any nice walks we could do there?

 

[Contrast]

Nobody been there?

 

[Master Yoda]

It has been more than 20 years since I have been there so take this advice with a grain of salt. Canoe rentals are done by a company called Nature Adventures. Like with most things, if they will take a reservation, make one. Canoeing is pretty easy and Wekiva Springs is about as turbulent as your average swimming pool so most people will have little problem with it. For the most part as long as you do not stand up or put your hands on the side you should be fine. The hiking trails were fine. They are nothing like some of the trails in the mountains that open up to views worthy of a screen saver, but they are nice. No matter what you do, bring good mosquito repellent. (something 100% DEET would be my choice)We had a very mild winter followed by a very wet summer and the mosquitos are incredibly bad this year.

Here is a link to what is there. It should answer any questions you have.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/activities.cfm

 

[Contrast]

Thanks very much for the reply and for that link. I think I will head there then when I go to Florida next week, canoeing sounds very appealing as do the hiking trails.

 

[Bairstow]

I remember my family stopping there once at the end of a parks trip. My sister and I went swimming there and were the only ones in the water, as it seemed to be just a few degrees above freezing. It's fun to look around in there, so I was glad I brought my goggles. I never was able to swim very far down into the wellspring, due to the current. I remember them having a pretty decent nature center there too.

 

[Master Yoda]

I remember my family stopping there once at the end of a parks trip. My sister and I went swimming there and were the only ones in the water, as it seemed to be just a few degrees above freezing. It's fun to look around in there, so I was glad I brought my goggles. I never was able to swim very far down into the wellspring, due to the current. I remember them having a pretty decent nature center there too.

Florida spring water is 72 degrees year round.

 

[Bairstow]

What it is and what it feels like are two different things.

 

[Master Yoda]

What it is and what it feels like are two different things.

That is quite true. Water has great ability to move heat from a greater concentration to a lesser concentration quite rapidly. This is why 72 degree air feels fine in most cases but 72 degree water can feel like ice. What is really interesting (well to me at least) is how the outside temperature can alter this sensation. We went to a Halloween party several years ago at Ginnie Springs and we had a rather unseasonable cold snap where it was in the low 50's high 40's at night. On that night the 72 degree water felt like a warm bath.

 

[Piebald]

Going back to Florida for 3 weeks next month and think we're going to take a trip to Wekiva Springs whilst we're there, heard great stuff about it.

Couple of questions though

1. Do I need to book in advance to be able to canoe, if so how far in advance?
2. I've never actually done canoeing before, will that be a problem?
3. Are there any nice walks we could do there?

Just ran into this but I imagine it's not too late. I have been there many times, most recently in the spring. Depending on when you go, it is generally best to go early in the morning. It's not one of those things that is anticipated to be super packed, but we have learned that going on a weekend late morning early afternoon has been problematic. Especially if the forecast calls for favorable conditions. I say get there early and beat the possible crowds. I have seen them close both entrances to capacity (both the park itself and the island where mostly young adults/adults go to drink).

Canoeing is fun and there is no problem doing it. You rent the canoe/kayak and off you go (it's like 12.50 per person or per boat, I don't remember.) Make sure the people you go with understand there is gonna be some strength needed and the possibility that someone may have to jump out and push the canoe around or out of some sticky situations. I've seen kids get stuck in mangroves and cannot maneuver themselves out. Except for the initial area where you rent the boats, for the most park the waters are extremely shallow and clean. I went with my girlfriend and if it was just her or one of her friends, they'd be S.O.L. They pretty much give you a whistle and say "Have fun". You can go pretty far and even up to another park if you so wish. Keep in mind that is about 8 miles north. I also know you can go to Rock Springs and horseback ride back to Wekiva.

I've never walked around there, but there are nature trails. Typically we are too lazy to do that after the canoeing. They look nice, however. There is certainly wildlife out there. You will see otters, alligators (small ones), lots of birds and fish. Don't worry about the alligators, they are scared of the canoes and I have never seen one that would even pose a threat let alone bite you. They're mostly babies. Keep in mind though that this is Florida and you can find gators in any body of water, even a puddle. There has been an increase in bear sightings in that general area. However, they seem to avoid the springs/streams/ etc and stick to the inland parts.

 

[Bid Disney Collector]

I live right up the street from the park!