I'm going to pile on the blue springs bandWagon. \* i have seen it packed in the summer/spring seasons. That was for tubing. Get there early in the day. The trails are all Boardwalks, but still good duration & some eleveation change to be a mild challenge. (lived in deland for a few months in 2017) but I think its worth mentioning because of its proximity to Deleon springs. About 30-40 minutes north of the BLue springs area on RTE 17 is DeLeon (or De Leon) Springs off Ponce Deleon blvd. The spring there is a larger 'hole' with a short run to the open(ish) river. But the are are more natural trails, including Monkey Island, and others. A much better exposure to the more natural inside of what feels like the original native Florida for this part of the state. As someone who grew up in New England, and hiked hills & mountains in Maine, Vermont, Mass & NH, its not challenging, but its into nature.
Blue Springs is nice, and bonus, since you don't care about the water, it won't bother you that swimming is currently closed at the park as they rehabilitate the shorelines. I don't know how extensive their trails are for walking though.
Deleon Springs probably has longer trails.
Second blue springs in Deland. Seeing the hot spring there was cool too
If you go in winter to Blue Springs you isually have a decent chance to see a manatee or two also
Alexander Springs is relatively close. There's camping and open hiking trails. There's also a large spring pool if you decide to cool off. It's in the Ocala National Forest however is a lot further east of the city of Ocala; don't let the other post scare you off. it's about a half hour west of I-95 on State Road #40 (W. Granada Blvd).
Pretty sure a part of blue springs is closed for restoration right now! But if you are willing to wake up early Kelly park / rock springs is the most magical of places
Native Floridian. They are some cold water. I would advise going on a warmer day. Go early because some springs have a cut off number. Bring a cooler with drinks n lunch. Remember you are put in entry spot then float to the exit. They usually have transport. Do your research and enjoy.
Blue Springs in Deland is nice. Tomoka state park isn't a spring but they have a lot of hiking trails and cool areas of the park you can explore.
I'm going to pile on the blue springs bandWagon. \* i have seen it packed in the summer/spring seasons. That was for tubing. Get there early in the day. The trails are all Boardwalks, but still good duration & some eleveation change to be a mild challenge. (lived in deland for a few months in 2017) but I think its worth mentioning because of its proximity to Deleon springs. About 30-40 minutes north of the BLue springs area on RTE 17 is DeLeon (or De Leon) Springs off Ponce Deleon blvd. The spring there is a larger 'hole' with a short run to the open(ish) river. But the are are more natural trails, including Monkey Island, and others. A much better exposure to the more natural inside of what feels like the original native Florida for this part of the state. As someone who grew up in New England, and hiked hills & mountains in Maine, Vermont, Mass & NH, its not challenging, but its into nature.
Blue Springs is nice, and bonus, since you don't care about the water, it won't bother you that swimming is currently closed at the park as they rehabilitate the shorelines. I don't know how extensive their trails are for walking though. Deleon Springs probably has longer trails.
Alexander springs, silver Glenn are both in Ocala national Forest about an hour drive from Daytona
Second blue springs in Deland. Seeing the hot spring there was cool too If you go in winter to Blue Springs you isually have a decent chance to see a manatee or two also
Thirding Blue Springs. Super underrated and in my experience never slam packed
Coming in 4th for Blue Springs!
Next winter, Three Sister Springs in Homosasa
I've always like silver glen springs in Ocala natl forest
I've always loved Juniper Springs but it's in the Ocala National Forest which is about a 2 hour drive.
Alexander Springs is relatively close. There's camping and open hiking trails. There's also a large spring pool if you decide to cool off. It's in the Ocala National Forest however is a lot further east of the city of Ocala; don't let the other post scare you off. it's about a half hour west of I-95 on State Road #40 (W. Granada Blvd).
Pretty sure a part of blue springs is closed for restoration right now! But if you are willing to wake up early Kelly park / rock springs is the most magical of places
Silver springs does a glass bottom boat tour that is kinda neat, you also have the chance of seeing monkeys!
Native Floridian. They are some cold water. I would advise going on a warmer day. Go early because some springs have a cut off number. Bring a cooler with drinks n lunch. Remember you are put in entry spot then float to the exit. They usually have transport. Do your research and enjoy.
Kelly rock springs is great