Another treasure from the Ocala National Forest, at Silver Glen Springs, where you can discover private islands, step into sinking sand, swim with fish, and in the winter, manatees.
With this spring being far into the forest, it doesn't fill up as fast as others. I still recommend arriving earlier rather than later. It is a little more pricey than some of the other springs I have gone to but totally worth it! During the week it costs about 9$ a person and 12$ a person on the weekends. Which is much less than a day at a water park or theme park.
Near the parking lot are several port-a-potties if you need to use the restroom. If you are want to spend the day picnicking, they check coolers for alcohol, which is not permitted in the park.
The first thing I wanted to do was take my paddleboard out on Silver Glen Run. This river connects the spring head and Lake George. Following the path down, once you get to the more open area where you see the spring, veer to the left for the watercraft launch. From there, you can paddle from the spring and join the river.
I had gone on a Saturday, and that river was poppin! So many boats and set up anchor, there were a few houseboats too. There is even a boat for drinks and food! Just paddle on up!
I made my way down the river towards the lake. Since it gets busy Saturdays, it is important to be mindful of the river traffic.
As you near the lake, you will see three small shrub islands.
The first two are mainly vegetation. But the last one, you can bring your watercraft ashore and explore!
I began to paddle back to the spring head to explore a tributary that was off to the right when I was leaving the spring head.
First entering the tributary, there are so many turtles sunbathing on the logs.
A guy, that owns one of the houseboats, let us visitors know that there are sinkholes you can explore as you follow the tributary back. Another thing to explore!
The tributary gets pretty shallow. There is a fence post where I tied up my paddleboard. We climbed over a tree and continued following the water.
You can not miss the sinkholes. The sand is sinking, but the water is bubbling up. You can gently step into them and experience the coolest sensation.
There are more sinkholes further down. Some have a wider diameter, and some have a greater force, causing you to sink faster.
If you don't come by water, you can also get to this area via the Springs Boil Trail which is on the far right side of the swim area. This quick little 10 minute stroll takes you the bubbling collection of boils by way of a wooden boardwalk.
For those wanting to continue their exploration of Silver Glen by foot, there is the Lake George Trail which is 2 miles round trip.
This rugged trail will guide you through palmetto bushes and tunnels of oaks covered in Spanish moss. You will hear water lapping up against the small shoreline, signaling you have arrived at vast Lake George.
Don't worry there are signs along the trail so even an ingenue in a fairytale couldn't get lost..
After exploring the winding river and trails it was now time to swim the spring head! There are schools of striped bass and largemouth bass, and you might see some bluegill. They are very used to people, and you can swim right among them.
At the end of a very full day, a little treat for the drive home is just what I needed. I mentioned this little pit stop in my post about Juniper Springs. At the intersection of Hwy 19 and Hwy 42 is a smoothie stand making delicious and fresh concoctions for only 5$. A perfect treat to enjoy after a day of adventuring!
A spring's magic is not only experienced during the warm summer days but also on the brisk winter ones. Silver Glen is another spring where you can see and swim with the Florida manatee. They travel from the ocean down the St. John River into Silver Glen.
Now this spring doesn't have a boardwalk to easily view the manatees, and you won't see hundreds like you would at Blue Springs and Three Sister's Springs in Crystal River. But you will have the unique experience of swimming with them or seeing them from your watercraft in the most pristine clear waters!
Curious manatee friend checking out my GoPro
*Note* Always practice being a passive observer, never purposely touching or harassing the manatees.
Silver Glen is truly a gem, offering sparkling views at anytime of the year.
Comments