I was so excited to finally check this spring off my bucket list and my Florida Spring Passport (be sure to get yours!). Salt Springs was the final spring I had yet to visit in the Ocala National Forest. The spring is very unique compared to the others. For one, the salinity of the water, which most springs are known for being freshwater. Second is the rocky shoal bottom, which takes up most of the swim area, holds cavernous shafts to explore. And a paddle down the river allows you to truly see the real old Florida at its finest.
I always like to start my adventures with a paddle, then end with a relaxing swim. Salt Springs Recreation Area doesn't have a drop-in area available to day pass visitors. There is only a dirt sand one available for those camping over by the campground. So, if you want to paddle the river, you will need to go over to Salt Springs Marina. It is just a turn-in down from the park entrance. I went on a Saturday morning, and understandably it was quite busy. A nice man came over and directed me where to park. They have parking specified for those with trailers and those without trailers. It is not a paved lot, and if they run out of room, you can park back along the dirt road entrance in some of the pocket areas.
Once I got all parked, I headed into the office building by the water to get my parking permit, it is $20.00 for the day. Restrooms are located back toward where you enter the rugged terrain parking lot. There is a large boat ramp, a dock for watercrafts, and a sandy beach area. The marina has boats, kayaks, and paddleboards available to rent. Call and book ahead of time because the watercrafts are always going...going...gone.
I dropped in and got going around 10:30 a.m. The current and winds weren't very strong, but it was clear that the water was naturally moving out towards the river. I took stock of this as it meant my journey back would require a bit more effort. It is about 4.2 miles one way down toward Lake George. This river, like when I paddled Homosassa, is large enough that there are quite a few boats and jet skis going out to the lake and toward the St. John River. All of us paddlers were mindful of staying towards the sides of the banks. Some boats were kind and slowed down when near us, other ones, I am guessing, were not aware of the rules and etiquette of the waterways. But after the boats breezed past, the silence and view were beautiful. Paddling down the river made me believe I was in the painting by the legendary "Florida Highwaymen," artists that painted the landscape and scenes of the real Florida from the 50s through the 80s.
About 3.5 miles down the river, a sliver of secluded beach caught my eye. I decided to take a break and enjoy the warm spring afternoon.
As I guessed, the paddle back was more difficult but not impossible. The current wasn't bad, but strong winds pushing me sideways into the reeds wasn't my favorite. But I conquered non the less!
After I got my board deflated and loaded back up, I hopped over to the next turn-in for the recreation area.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, the Florida State Park pass doesn't work at the ones in Ocala National Forest since it is under a different organization. This spring is operated by American Land & Leisure. The entrance fee is $12.00 for day use.
When you pull past the entrance, you will see a sign for the parking lots. There is a north lot and a south lot. Both are about the same distance from the swim area. The north lot is closer to the shop, where you can buy snacks, sunscreen, and floaties. The south lot is closer to the restrooms.
Walking the winding sidewalks down to the swim area, you will be shaded by large oaks decorated with Spanish moss. Scattered underneath are tons of picnic tables and grills.
*Note: I did see turkey vultures walking around near some tables closer to the outlying brush, away from the sidewalk. While they are harmless, I wouldn't leave a lot of food out unsupervised.*
It is quite a sight when you get down to the swim area.
Another spring checked-off on my Florida Spring Passport. You can also get a stamp for visiting the spring. Just ask one of the park employees where you check in and pay admission.
Why is it called Salt Springs? The water is salty, but not ocean-level salty. As I have talked about before, the water for the springs comes from the aquifers underneath. The water rushes through the limestone layers gathering minerals such as sodium, potassium, silica, and magnesium, giving the water its minerally taste. It is because of this unique water quality the blue crabs made a home at this spring. They are usually hiding under the rocks in the crevices.
Some striped bass friends just passing by.
There are 4 main spring heads among the rocky shoal area, this is where the spring water gushes out. Two are larger in diameter, while the other two are more like a narrow crack but still wide enough to explore. The water coming out has quite a lot of force behind it, so I found myself needing to hold on to the rocks to help get down, then the water would push me right back up. Like all the springs, the water remains a consistent 72 degrees year-round. It can feel cool at first when you jump in, but you will get used to it. The rocks can be slippery at times, so I suggest wearing water shoes or dive booties.
*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.*
On the side of the swimming area, closer to the river, the bottom is sandy. This area is a great place to swim around or relax on the floaty. If you need to air up your floaty, you can do so for free at the shop. They also have floaties you can purchase or rent. And the shopkeeper told me when they are super busy in the summer, they have multiple people circling around to help inflate floaties.
In the roped-off area between the swim area and the river toward the side were wire cages. I asked one of the park ranger people what they were for, thinking it was maybe for the crabs. It is not for the crabs but for bringing back the seagrass. The seagrass has receded because of all the foot traffic of people. Seagrass is an important food source for the manatees who migrate to this spring and others along the St. John River.
I noticed some people from the riverside walking and crossing under the ropes to the swim area. Though I didn't see any rangers scolding them, I wouldn't suggest it.
A couple of years ago, I did a hike in this area of the forest. We were hungry and decided to check out this little roadside place called Odd Todd's, which is right across the street from Salt Springs. My friend raved about their food, especially the Mexican-inspired dishes. I am from Texas, so I am quite judgmental, when it comes to Mexican food. To me, it was okay but didn't have as much spice as I would have liked. I did enjoy their Mexican street corn on the cob, similar to Elote. On this visit, I decided to go a different route and try one of their barbeque dishes, the pulled pork sandwich with pineapple. It was piping hot and fresh but drenched in BBQ sauce. The sandwich was okay. There was lots of meat on the sandwich, and the meat was tender and not burnt, but lacked any noticeable spice rub. Those are my personal opinions about the food but go and make your own assessment if you want. I enjoy supporting local businesses, and the staff is always so nice! They have some farmfresh produce for sale, like eggs, tomatoes, and canned jams and jellies. I got a bowl of their tomatoes. You just can't beat the flavor of fresh garden tomatoes!
I feel so accomplished having visited all the springs of Ocala National Forest! Each one has its own unique story and beauty, like the many facets of the gemstone making up this fairytale forest right here in central Florida.
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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