For the adventurous spring hunters in the Orlando area, there are quite a few other watery options that are off the beaten path. Some of these Florida springs you may visited before, some are a bit of a drive, and some you may have lived by your whole life without knowing they're there. Regardless, here are a few of our favorite Florida springs that you might not know about, but should.
24 awesome hidden Florida springs and how to find them
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Thu, May 26, 2016 at 6:58 pm
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Ginger Ale Spring
Three miles northwest of Altamonte Springs
Estimated travel time: 25 minutes from Orlando
Ginger Ale Spring may be more uncommon than other springs but it is an easy-find. While on State Road 434, take Markham Woods Road north to Commerce Park Drive. Parking is available there, and guests can walk across Markham Woods Road then head north until they reach the trail to the spring, which is located on Seminole County property.
Photo via Florida Trailblazer/Facebook
Three miles northwest of Altamonte Springs
Estimated travel time: 25 minutes from Orlando
Ginger Ale Spring may be more uncommon than other springs but it is an easy-find. While on State Road 434, take Markham Woods Road north to Commerce Park Drive. Parking is available there, and guests can walk across Markham Woods Road then head north until they reach the trail to the spring, which is located on Seminole County property.
Photo via Florida Trailblazer/Facebook
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
49525 County Road 445, Altoona, Fl 32702
Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 7 minutes from Orlando
Florida weather might be all over the place, but the water here doesn’t care. At a constant temperature of 72 degrees, this spring is perfect to swim, snorkel and scuba in no matter the time of year. Afterwards, take a stroll through the mile-long interpretive loop trail for a view of the vegetation used by early Native Americans.
Photo via floridaspringsfanatics/Instagram
49525 County Road 445, Altoona, Fl 32702
Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 7 minutes from Orlando
Florida weather might be all over the place, but the water here doesn’t care. At a constant temperature of 72 degrees, this spring is perfect to swim, snorkel and scuba in no matter the time of year. Afterwards, take a stroll through the mile-long interpretive loop trail for a view of the vegetation used by early Native Americans.
Photo via floridaspringsfanatics/Instagram
Fanning Springs
18020 Northwest U.S. 19-98, Fanning Springs, FL 32693
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 11 minutes from Orlando
In the 1950s, Fanning Springs used to have a roller rink. Now, in an effort to maintain the park’s natural beauty, guests forgo the cheesy disco lights in favor of clear blue springs, a sandy volleyball court and hikes through a hardwood forest. Or, if you want to relax while you take in the natural splendor, a shady gazebo on the Suwannee river offers a comfortable place to watch the sturgeon jumping out of the water in the warmer months.
Photo via angela_gasseling/Instagram
18020 Northwest U.S. 19-98, Fanning Springs, FL 32693
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 11 minutes from Orlando
In the 1950s, Fanning Springs used to have a roller rink. Now, in an effort to maintain the park’s natural beauty, guests forgo the cheesy disco lights in favor of clear blue springs, a sandy volleyball court and hikes through a hardwood forest. Or, if you want to relax while you take in the natural splendor, a shady gazebo on the Suwannee river offers a comfortable place to watch the sturgeon jumping out of the water in the warmer months.
Photo via angela_gasseling/Instagram
Nova Spring
Eight miles west of Sanford
Estimated travel time: 40 minutes from Orlando
Submerged in the Wekiva River, this limited access swimming hole is just south of Nova Drive and can be accessed by boat on the Wekiva River or through someone who owns property on the land surrounding the spring. You must have permission to access this spring, meaning you could be arrested for trespassing.
Photo via Ashley Aus/Pinterest
Eight miles west of Sanford
Estimated travel time: 40 minutes from Orlando
Submerged in the Wekiva River, this limited access swimming hole is just south of Nova Drive and can be accessed by boat on the Wekiva River or through someone who owns property on the land surrounding the spring. You must have permission to access this spring, meaning you could be arrested for trespassing.
Photo via Ashley Aus/Pinterest
Alapaha Rise
4525 Southwest 107 Ave., Jasper, FL 32052
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 40 minutes from Orlando
This Northern Florida spring, connected to the Suwannee River, is truly hidden with land around the water privately owned. To get to the dark water spring, use the boat ramp at Hutch Gibson Park and canoe upriver about a fourth of a mile. This one is for the adventurous spring lover.
Photo via craftygagal/Instagram
4525 Southwest 107 Ave., Jasper, FL 32052
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 40 minutes from Orlando
This Northern Florida spring, connected to the Suwannee River, is truly hidden with land around the water privately owned. To get to the dark water spring, use the boat ramp at Hutch Gibson Park and canoe upriver about a fourth of a mile. This one is for the adventurous spring lover.
Photo via craftygagal/Instagram
Sanlando Spring
Three miles west of Longwood
Estimated travel time: 24 minutes from Orlando
Surrounded partly by a white sand beach, Sanlando Springs is a private swimming area named for its location between Orlando and Sanford. The freshwater spring is accessible through a gated residential community. Once you get permission to enter the gate at The Springs subdivision, head right on Springs Boulevard and turn right on Woodbridge Road then continue on that road.
Photo via kristapatrick143/Instagram
Three miles west of Longwood
Estimated travel time: 24 minutes from Orlando
Surrounded partly by a white sand beach, Sanlando Springs is a private swimming area named for its location between Orlando and Sanford. The freshwater spring is accessible through a gated residential community. Once you get permission to enter the gate at The Springs subdivision, head right on Springs Boulevard and turn right on Woodbridge Road then continue on that road.
Photo via kristapatrick143/Instagram
Devil's Den
5390 Northeast 180th Ave., Williston, Fl 32696
Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 31 minutes from Orlando
Pull a Dracula and hide from the sunlight at this underground spring tucked inside a dry cave. Try your hand at some open water and cave diving, and brag to your friends about the stalactites — that’s the pointy things on the ceilings — and 33-million-year-old fossil beds you got to swim around. Don’t make the drive if you’re not scuba- or snorkeling-certified, however, or you won’t be allowed into the spring.
Photo via goprokr/Instagram
5390 Northeast 180th Ave., Williston, Fl 32696
Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 31 minutes from Orlando
Pull a Dracula and hide from the sunlight at this underground spring tucked inside a dry cave. Try your hand at some open water and cave diving, and brag to your friends about the stalactites — that’s the pointy things on the ceilings — and 33-million-year-old fossil beds you got to swim around. Don’t make the drive if you’re not scuba- or snorkeling-certified, however, or you won’t be allowed into the spring.
Photo via goprokr/Instagram
Rock Springs Run
30601 County Road 433, Sorrento, FL 32776
Estimated travel time: 39 minutes from Orlando
Even though this spring isn’t completely swimmer-friendly (visitors can’t dip into the Wekiwa side of things), you shouldn’t write this one off. Enjoy the unique experience of only being able to reach the primitive campgrounds by canoe. This one's for serious spring hunters.
Photo via chris_explores/Instagram
30601 County Road 433, Sorrento, FL 32776
Estimated travel time: 39 minutes from Orlando
Even though this spring isn’t completely swimmer-friendly (visitors can’t dip into the Wekiwa side of things), you shouldn’t write this one off. Enjoy the unique experience of only being able to reach the primitive campgrounds by canoe. This one's for serious spring hunters.
Photo via chris_explores/Instagram
Three Sisters Springs
915 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429
Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 38 minutes from Orlando
This one is just for the manatees, folks. Swim with the cute lil sea cows or simply look at them from the spring’s boardwalk. Either way, you’ll get a clear view of them. The amount of manatees on site fluctuates depending on the time of year, but the cooler days after mid-November will get you more mammal for your buck. This spring made headlines after hundreds of the manatees huddled together to keep warm.
Photo via kimgentle/Instagram
915 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429
Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 38 minutes from Orlando
This one is just for the manatees, folks. Swim with the cute lil sea cows or simply look at them from the spring’s boardwalk. Either way, you’ll get a clear view of them. The amount of manatees on site fluctuates depending on the time of year, but the cooler days after mid-November will get you more mammal for your buck. This spring made headlines after hundreds of the manatees huddled together to keep warm.
Photo via kimgentle/Instagram
Hart Springs
4240 Southwest 86th Ave., Bell, FL 32619
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 17 minutes from Orlando
With one of the largest swimming facilities in the area and water that stays 72 degrees year-round, Hart Springs in the perfect place to take a dip on a scorching Florida day. Bring a tube or raft and work on your tan as you soak in the sun or grab a snorkel and explore the spring bottom for unique shells. Swimmers have even found arrowheads hidden between the rocks.
Photo via taylorrockette/Instagram
4240 Southwest 86th Ave., Bell, FL 32619
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 17 minutes from Orlando
With one of the largest swimming facilities in the area and water that stays 72 degrees year-round, Hart Springs in the perfect place to take a dip on a scorching Florida day. Bring a tube or raft and work on your tan as you soak in the sun or grab a snorkel and explore the spring bottom for unique shells. Swimmers have even found arrowheads hidden between the rocks.
Photo via taylorrockette/Instagram
Jackson Blue Springs
5461 Blue Springs Road, Marianna, Florida 32446
Estimated travel time: 4 hours, 34 minutes from Orlando
Recently renovated, this spring is a historic landmark on the Spanish Heritage Trail which draws fishers and scuba divers. Divers have to lug their gear to the entry point, about 400 to 1400 feet, so just the entry is challenging because of the spring’s strong flow. Remember to leave your animal at home because pets aren’t allowed.
Photo via leandromagno1/Instagram
5461 Blue Springs Road, Marianna, Florida 32446
Estimated travel time: 4 hours, 34 minutes from Orlando
Recently renovated, this spring is a historic landmark on the Spanish Heritage Trail which draws fishers and scuba divers. Divers have to lug their gear to the entry point, about 400 to 1400 feet, so just the entry is challenging because of the spring’s strong flow. Remember to leave your animal at home because pets aren’t allowed.
Photo via leandromagno1/Instagram
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
18081 185th Road, Live Oak, FL 32060
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 54 minutes from Orlando
Home to one of the nation’s largest underwater cave systems, Peacock Springs also has an award winning natural trail. Guests can go swimming and snorkeling in the two springs and six sinkholes too.
Photo via calibreann_/Instagram
18081 185th Road, Live Oak, FL 32060
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 54 minutes from Orlando
Home to one of the nation’s largest underwater cave systems, Peacock Springs also has an award winning natural trail. Guests can go swimming and snorkeling in the two springs and six sinkholes too.
Photo via calibreann_/Instagram
Rock Bluff Springs
29° 47' 56.7024" north, 82° 55' 7.104" west
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 21 minutes from Orlando
Finding the way to water is a challenge for Rock Bluff which is only boat-accessible. To get to the spring from Gainesville, go west on route 26. Before Fanning Springs, turn north on route 129 and continue through Bell until heading west on route 340. Once route 340 crosses the Suwannee River, put in canoe and paddle .5 miles upstream until arriving at the spring on the east side of the river.
Photo via planchy/Instagram
29° 47' 56.7024" north, 82° 55' 7.104" west
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 21 minutes from Orlando
Finding the way to water is a challenge for Rock Bluff which is only boat-accessible. To get to the spring from Gainesville, go west on route 26. Before Fanning Springs, turn north on route 129 and continue through Bell until heading west on route 340. Once route 340 crosses the Suwannee River, put in canoe and paddle .5 miles upstream until arriving at the spring on the east side of the river.
Photo via planchy/Instagram
Ginnie Springs
5000 Northeast 60th Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 5 minutes from Orlando
Located on the Santa Fe River, Ginnie Springs is one of the clearest bodies of water in Florida. Snorkel, swim, canoe and kayak in seven different springs across the park or explore the hidden grottos beneath the water’s surface. Certified divers can travel through 30,000 feet of passageways in the Devil’s Springs systems, where they might catch a glimpse of a prehistoric fossil from the pleistocene era.
Photo via chamberusa/Instagram
5000 Northeast 60th Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 5 minutes from Orlando
Located on the Santa Fe River, Ginnie Springs is one of the clearest bodies of water in Florida. Snorkel, swim, canoe and kayak in seven different springs across the park or explore the hidden grottos beneath the water’s surface. Certified divers can travel through 30,000 feet of passageways in the Devil’s Springs systems, where they might catch a glimpse of a prehistoric fossil from the pleistocene era.
Photo via chamberusa/Instagram
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 Southwest U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 10 minutes from Orlando
Back in the early 1900s, this spring was used to mine phosphate. You can still find the mines clustered around the edge of the water, but now, Ichetucknee is a popular tourist attraction, where guests can float lazily through the spring in tubes alongside otters, beavers, wild turkeys and wood ducks. Guests can also canoe, hike, snorkel and scuba dive in Blue Hole Spring as long as they present proper certification.
Photo viakatya_atstarfish/Instagram
12087 Southwest U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 10 minutes from Orlando
Back in the early 1900s, this spring was used to mine phosphate. You can still find the mines clustered around the edge of the water, but now, Ichetucknee is a popular tourist attraction, where guests can float lazily through the spring in tubes alongside otters, beavers, wild turkeys and wood ducks. Guests can also canoe, hike, snorkel and scuba dive in Blue Hole Spring as long as they present proper certification.
Photo viakatya_atstarfish/Instagram
Vortex Spring
1517 Vortex Spring Lane, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455
Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 11 minutes from Orlando
The spring supports divers with instructors to hold classes and exams and provides gear and tanks to rent on site. For the non-diving folks, there’s ziplines, horseback riding trails, paintball, swimming and water slides. Be sure to leave your furry friends at home because Vortex doesn’t allow pets.
Photo via funny_bones_jones/Instagram
1517 Vortex Spring Lane, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455
Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 11 minutes from Orlando
The spring supports divers with instructors to hold classes and exams and provides gear and tanks to rent on site. For the non-diving folks, there’s ziplines, horseback riding trails, paintball, swimming and water slides. Be sure to leave your furry friends at home because Vortex doesn’t allow pets.
Photo via funny_bones_jones/Instagram
Morrison Springs
Morrison Springs Road, Caryville, FL 32427
Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 10 minutes from Orlando
As one of the most popular diving spots in northwest Florida, the park’s amenities don’t stop there. There’s a boat ramp downstream to avoid conflicts between divers and swimmers in the spring.
Photo via _rhii_harrison/Instagram
Morrison Springs Road, Caryville, FL 32427
Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 10 minutes from Orlando
As one of the most popular diving spots in northwest Florida, the park’s amenities don’t stop there. There’s a boat ramp downstream to avoid conflicts between divers and swimmers in the spring.
Photo via _rhii_harrison/Instagram
Gemini Springs Park
202 North Florida Ave., DeLand, FL 32720
Estimated travel time: 55 minutes from Orlando
Gemini Springs may not offer a swimming hole, but there’s bike trails and 4.5 acres fenced in for dogs to play. The dog park even has two sections, separating small and large dogs. Currently, the land is being considered for some major development operations, visit this place while you can.
Photo via depalography/Instagram
202 North Florida Ave., DeLand, FL 32720
Estimated travel time: 55 minutes from Orlando
Gemini Springs may not offer a swimming hole, but there’s bike trails and 4.5 acres fenced in for dogs to play. The dog park even has two sections, separating small and large dogs. Currently, the land is being considered for some major development operations, visit this place while you can.
Photo via depalography/Instagram
Lithia Springs
3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia, FL 33547-1723
Estimated travel time: 1 hours, 36 minutes from Orlando
This non-state park is tucked away outside of Tampa. With water at 72 degrees year round and a large camp site area, this quiet spring is a must-try.
Photo via moongoddessllc/Instagram
3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia, FL 33547-1723
Estimated travel time: 1 hours, 36 minutes from Orlando
This non-state park is tucked away outside of Tampa. With water at 72 degrees year round and a large camp site area, this quiet spring is a must-try.
Photo via moongoddessllc/Instagram
Troy Spring
674 Northeast Troy Springs Road, Branford, FL 32008
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 33 minutes from Orlando
This swimming hole is filled with history as a spring with the remnants of a 19th-century ship. The Civil-War era ship was a general store and post office before becoming a Confederate patrol boat until its owner scuttled it into the spring to prevent it from being captured.
Photo via islandtime941/Instagram
674 Northeast Troy Springs Road, Branford, FL 32008
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 33 minutes from Orlando
This swimming hole is filled with history as a spring with the remnants of a 19th-century ship. The Civil-War era ship was a general store and post office before becoming a Confederate patrol boat until its owner scuttled it into the spring to prevent it from being captured.
Photo via islandtime941/Instagram
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