When I first visited Silver Springs, I checked out the state park side and road on one of their famous glass-bottom boats. While walking Ross Allen Bridge, I saw people kayaking the clear, beautiful waters. I knew I had to come back and see this spring from their point of view.
The parking and drop-in site for the Fort King Paddling Trail is on the opposite end of the parking lot from the state park entrance. If you don't own a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, I suggest making a reservation to rent one of theirs. You can do that easily on the park's website. They do have single and double options for kayaks. I have been wanting to get a paddleboard, so I decided to rent one. It was $30 for two hours. Rentals start at $25 dollars for a single kayak for one hour. If you do have your own, you will just need to pay a $4 drop in fee and $2 park entrance fee. If you have a Florida State Park Pass, that will cover the $2 park entrance fee.
Whether you are checking in for your reservation or just paying the entrance fee, you will have to wait in line at the check-in point. We went on a Saturday morning, and the line was quite long. If you did make a reservation for a specific time, don't worry, they won't start the time until you are in the water. With how busy this spring gets on the weekend and as it gets warmer, I highly suggest making a reservation if you want to be guaranteed a watercraft.
If you can, I suggest using the restroom before getting to the park. There are port-a-potties nearby, but I would not recommend them.
There is a grass area between the parking lot and the check-in cabin to set up your kayaks or paddleboards.
They have their staff assisting people getting in and out of the water.
This paddleboard was very different from any other paddleboard I have used in the past. It was the same material that a kayak is usually made of. It was very sturdy and stable. It even has grooves, so you know where to place your feet. But it was not comfortable if you wanted to sit on your knees to paddle.
Starting down the river, you will end up making a giant loop on this water trail. You see the Ross Allen bridge before you take the first right. Then after you turn right, you will see the Fort King Lookout on your left.
Along the journey, you will see turtles, fish, and gators.
One gator got so close! The closest I have ever seen a gator get. Don't worry, he wasn't acting vicious. He was just swimming down the river, weaving through our traffic, not even bothered.
Apparently, monkeys that live among the trees. We never saw them, but we definitely heard them.
There are some old log cabin buildings set upon the banks of the river.
Eventually, you will follow the small tributary, Fort King Paddling Trail, to Silver Springs River. Turning left will take you to the spring head.
It is the same river that the glass bottom boat tour, so be mindful of them. Since I had done the glass bottom boat tour prior, I knew where to kind of hover over. Being on your own watercraft, you can get a bit closer to the sites.
When you get to the spring head, you will see a sign guiding kayaks and paddleboards back to the starting point.
As you arrive at the drop-in point, be aware and mindful of people coming in and out of the water. Also, wait for the staff to give you the go-ahead to pull your watercraft to the dock.
Go ahead and check out the state park while you are there! You get more info about that side from my post on Silver Springs.
Silver Springs is on the far west side of Ocala National Forest and about 20 minutes from downtown Ocala. Downtown Ocala has a quaint square with great restaurants. There is parking in a garage just a few streets over from the square.
Bank Street is an awesome outdoor lounge bar/restaurant. They usually have live music. Most of the seating is outdoors, ranging from comfy couches, to swings, to patio tables. There is a section in the middle of indoor seating. This place does have food, but it is more a cocktail place.
Needing some sustenance after our adventurous morning, we wandered the downtown streets to Ivy House. The decor of this place was incredible! Very southern 1920's chic.
Their menu reflected that as well. I had shrimp and grits with a jitterbug tea. Our waiter was very cool, and showed us the speakeasy attached to the restaurant. It's called Thirsty Cobbler. It is only open on specific nights, and you need a password to get in, which they give on their Instagram. No pictures of this underground gem. You have to check it out yourself.
I have mentioned before how I like to make the most of my adventures. Instead of stopping at a fast-food place on the way home, check out a small town nearby with the local spots.