Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Ponce de Leon Springs' water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The main spring is a convergence of two underground water flows, and produces 14 million gallons of water daily.

Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and learn about the local ecology and wildlife. Rangers also conduct seasonal guided walks.

Picnicking is a popular activity at the park; grills and pavilions are available. Anglers can enjoy fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish.

Experiences

Birding
Ponce de Leon Springs is a great place to view wildlife in migration, this park's real strength is wintering birds, especially those at the southernmost limit of their range. Birds like Brown Creeper and Golden-crowned Kinglet are possible at this site; your chances improve with your ability to identify birds by sound. Hike both short trails – Spring Run and Sandy Creek – stopping to listen carefully in the shady hardwood forest. This park can be busy with swimmers in warm weather, so weekday and early morning birding may prove the most rewarding.

Fishing
Fishing is permitted in areas not designated for swimming. Otherwise throw your pole in and watch your cork to see if your efforts are to be rewarded with catches of catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish. If watching closely you can actually see the fish come to the bait.

All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.  A fishing license may be required.  More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park.  Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.

Operation Recreation GeoTour
Hiking
Take a stroll down the two trails of the park, Sandy Creek and Spring Run. Each trail will take you through a lush hardwood forest, which provides optimum vantage points for observing wildlife along the 350-foot spring run and Sandy Creek. As well as, a relaxing stroll among a variety of native plant and animal habitat, where you can listen to the relaxing sounds of the flowing stream or conversation of the birds. Rangers also conduct seasonal guided walks, but self-guided tours are also available.

Picnicking
After you have worked up an appetite splashing around in the cool spring water and walking the nature trails, it is time for lunch. Approximately 20 acres have been enhanced with amenities for visitors. Four picnic shelters with grills are available for reservation, and numerous picnic tables are available on the grounds for anyone who wishes to stop in for a short picnic lunch, or spend the day swimming and relaxing in the park. Your grill is also welcome for that special cookout. Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited.

Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a fun and relaxing way to view the colorful and fascinating world just beneath the surface. Just floating and being immersed within the underwater scenery is enough to escape the hurdles we encounter in every day life.

Snorkeling is available in designated areas.

Swimming
On those sweltering days of summer, regain your youth by taking a dip in the cool crystal clear waters of Ponce De Leon Springs where the water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees year round. The main spring is a convergence of two underground water flows, and produces 14 million gallons of water daily. You may not get any younger but the water is sure to invigorate. The park has a large bathroom facility complete with changing rooms for your convenience.

Wildlife Viewing
Ponce de Leon Springs is a great place to view wildlife in migration, this park's real strength is wintering birds, especially those at the southernmost limit of their range. Birds like Brown Creeper and Golden-crowned Kinglet are possible at this site; your chances improve with your ability to identify birds by sound. Hike both short trails – Spring Run and Sandy Creek – stopping to listen carefully in the shady hardwood forest. This park can be busy with swimmers in warm weather, so weekday and early morning birding may prove the most rewarding. This park is part of the Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Amenities

Pets
Pets are allowed in designated areas of the park, but please review and adhere to the Florida State Parks pet policy.

Restroom Facilities
The park has a large bathroom facility complete with changing rooms for your convenience.