Class I Wekiva River, FL

The Wekiva River flows approximately 15 miles to the St. Johns River. A mixture of swift and placid water offers a frequent change of pace. Traveling through sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, hammocks and swamps, paddlers can see a variety of wildlife, including river otters and sometimes black bears. Numerous islands, tributaries and lagoons provide opportunities for side trips and camping

The Wekiva River Basin is a complex ecological system of rivers, springs, seepage areas, lakes, streams, sinkholes, wetland prairies, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub communities.

The basin is almost entirely within Florida State lands and supports many species of plant and animal life, some of which are endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

The Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and Black Water Creek serve as a major nature-based recreational resource for central Florida, particularly for the large Orlando metropolitan area. Recreation activities in the Wekiva Basin include canoeing/kayaking, bank fishing, boat fishing from motor and nonmotorized boats, personal watercraft use, picnicking, camping (primitive, developed, and horse), tubing, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife watching, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting. Source: rivers.gov)

Paddling Information:

The Wekiva River/Rock Springs Run Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s statewide system of greenways and trails.

This 27-mile paddling trail is generally suitable for beginners. Primitive camping by permit is available at limited sites along the trail, making a pleasant overnight adventure (see map). Rock Springs originates at Kelly County Park upstream from the Kings Landing put-in and is popular with tubers and swimmers. This park does not allow canoe or kayak launching but does have camping available. The paddling trail put-in is just downstream at King’s Landing, a private outfitter with a fee to launch and limited parking. The Rock Springs Run to Wekiva Island and side trip to Wekiva Springs is the most popular part of this designated trail. Use can be heavy on holidays and weekends. The portion downstream of Wekiva Island may have small fishing boats present but it is a remote, beautiful area with abundant wildlife. The last mile-and-a-half from the confluence of the St. John’s River to the High Banks Landing can have heavy motorboat traffic with high wakes possible. (Source: Florida Department of Evnironmental Protection)

 

For More Information Visit:

Wekiva Wild and Scenic River - rivers.gov

Wekiva Guide (PDF) - Florida DEP