Rock Springs Run Trail – Wekiwa Springs

Distance: 9.0 miles Elevation Gain: 20 ft Difficulty: Moderate Type: Out-and-Back Surface: Packed sand, pine needle, roots Activity: Hiking Best Season: Year-round (dry season preferred) Typical Time: 3:30 Fee: $6/vehicle Dogs: Yes, on leash Permit: No

Rock Springs Run Trail follows one of Central Florida's most celebrated spring-fed waterways through the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve, a protected corridor that stretches north from Wekiwa Springs State Park into Rock Springs Run State Reserve. The path hugs the run's sandy western bank beneath a canopy of live oak, cabbage palm, and swamp tupelo, with the crystal-clear, 68°F water visible through the trees for much of the route. Rock Springs Run is a first-magnitude spring system discharging over 64 million gallons daily.

West Indian manatees are frequently observed resting in the spring run from October through April, drawn by the stable warm temperature. American alligators and Florida softshell turtles are ubiquitous. Limpkins call from the shoreline vegetation, probing for apple snails, and swallow-tailed kites hunt above the canopy in summer. The trail surface is sandy and flat, but the nine-mile round-trip length justifies the moderate rating. Wading may be necessary at one or two creek crossings after heavy rain. The turnaround point at the Kings Landing confluence offers a shaded rest spot and views down the combined run.