Ocala National Forest has so many springs! But they all offer something different. Alexander Springs is very large and is set up very similar to a giant swimming pool.
You will see a building from the parking lot. It has restrooms, showers, and a concession shop. To begin your visit at the springhead, take the ramp to the right of the building. While strolling the sidewalk, you will see green lawns with grills and pavilions for grilling and picnicking. As you get closer to the spring, the walkway will drop off and begin to get a bit sandier. We were able to find a bench to set our stuff down on.
I was super excited to use my giant elephant floaty!
It was very useful this spring. Starting shallow at the concrete edge but then becoming deeper. At the bottom is a giant crevice from which the spring water comes out of the aquifers. It's so deep that we saw some scuba divers going down to take a look.
Using the floaty as our homing raft, I took the go-pro and started diving down to get a closer look. When I needed a break from swimming, I just popped up on to the floaty and enjoyed the sunshine.
The coolest thing about any of the springs is the clarity of the water!
On the opposite end of the spring, where it turns into a river, it is shallow enough to walk from the pool edge to where the trees are. As we got closer, horse flies started biting us. We quickly got in the water and swam away.
Why go to a basic neighborhood pool when you can go to one with crystal blue freshwater! And see more than concrete tiles.
The next time I visited Alexander Springs, my objective was to paddle Spring Creek. Back at the parking lot, there is a circle drive for those needing to drop off their watercraft, just to the left of the restroom/concession shop building. Note this is only for loading and unloading. There are parking spots labeled for those with canoes for closer parking. My paddleboard is inflatable, so I found a parking spot and set everything up there.
If you don't own a watercraft, you can stop by the concession shop and rent a canoe or kayak. They have single and double kayaks as well as two and three-person canoes. For 2 hours it's $20.00, 4 hours is $28.00, and $45.00 for the whole day.
Even from the unloading point, it is a hefty jaunt from there to the drop-in point. I would say it is the furthest one I have experienced. It's a sidewalk path leading all the way down to the water. The drop-in point is wide and can accommodate a bit of traffic.
I dropped in around 9:30 a.m. I saw tons of turtles nestled in the sea grass, just waking up to greet the day. You will also see a lot of freshwater fish. I saw two sand boils bubbling up with sand and that fresh Florida spring water.
The water near the spring head is clear, as spring water should be.
But unlike some other rivers, such as the Rainbow River, the clear water will turn into murky river water.
The full run of Spring Creek is 6 miles, taking it all the way out to the St. John River. When leaving the spring head, you paddle with the current, making it easy, but be mindful that the paddle back will not be as luxurious. There isn't much shade coverage, so bring sunscreen, layers, and hydration.
The pool area of the spring can be busy and loud, so being on the river paddling was so calm and peaceful. You will have the chance to enjoy Florida in her wild and purest form. Forests of wetland vegetation decorate the side of the river as you paddle through prairies of lily pads.
You will see tons of bird wildlife like herons and egrets.
With it being Florida, you will see gators. I only saw three. Each one was close to the bank minding its own business.
About half a mile down is a bridge over the river called the CR445 Bridge. Just passed the bridge is a clearing for a boat ramp. If you want to paddle the river without paying or starting from the state park, this is an option. Parking is limited. If you are on a boat, you cannot go upstream under the bridge toward the spring.
On the day I paddled, the weather was acting quite precarious that morning, so I only made it about a little over a mile down the river. The current you have to paddle against on the way back is quite strong so keep that in mind.
If you want to catch a glimpse of the river, you can see it by walking the Timucuan Trail. It is a quick little boardwalk trail encircling the spring head. It will take you to two lookout points over the river.
*Note: I bought a Booe waterproof belt bag last year for my adventures. The amazing thing about this specific bag is it is completely waterproof. It has a specific zipper that seals everything inside, allowing the bag and contents to be submerged in the water and stay dry and on your person. Definitely worth getting, I don't go on an adventure without it.*
Whether you want to relax on a floaty and grill hot dogs or paddle to explore the jungle river, Alexander Springs has an adventure for you!
Check the springs off your adventure bucket list using the Florida Springs Passport!
Your fun interactive booklet, where you can see what spring adventures you've completed and which ones to look forward to!
Visit floridaspringspassport.com to get yours!
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