With more than 160 state parks in Florida, it would take a little over three years to visit them all, if you only visited one each weekend. Those parks are some of the best places to experience the “old” Florida and chances are, no matter where you live in the state, you are within a short driving distance of one of them.
If you live in or near Volusia County, you have a gem in your own backyard – De Leon Springs State Park. The park covers 625 acres and includes a spring that pumps 19 million gallons of water a day and offers something for everyone: water activities, hiking, learning history, picnicking and even pancakes!
Water Activities
With a spring boasting year round temperatures of 72 degrees, it is a popular location for swimming and snorkeling. Besides swimming, you can rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboats and explore the paddling trail that provides access to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. There’s also a free boat ramp if you choose to launch your own boat. And of course, what would water activities be if fishing weren’t included? Fish in the St. John’s River or the spring run. Just be sure you have a freshwater fishing license if you plan on casting a line.
Great place for a swim! De Leon Springs State Park | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine
Rent a canoe to explore the waterways.
Hiking and Birding
De Leon Springs offers up three trails, perfect for both the casual walker and the more serious hiker. One of the trails – The Nature Trail – is a half-mile paved trail and boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp and leads you to Old Methuselah – a cypress tree that’s more than 500 years old. There are also two other trails – Monkey Island Trail and the Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail. Wild Persimmon is four miles long and is not for the casual walker. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so take along your binoculars and keep an eye to the sky (or the trees).
The Nature Trail to Old Methuselah
History
If you are a history buff, there is plenty of history to learn about at De Leon Springs. Nearly 30 years ago a dugout canoe – said to be 6,000 years old – was found in the spring. Other historical notes include the arrival of the first Spanish friars in the 1590s, the only water-powered sugar mill in Florida, a tourist resort, hotel and casino, a roadside attraction with a jungle cruise, and its current use as the De Leon Springs State Park. There are plenty of artifacts left over from the time as a sugar mill and most of them are located near the Sugar Mill Restaurant.
One of many historic structures in the park.
Pancakes
Yes! Pancakes! The Sugar Mill Restaurant at the park is a favorite among guests. Located inside the replica of the old sugar mill, what makes this restaurant unique is that each table has its own griddle. Visitors are provided homemade batter and actually pour and flip their own pancakes. Additional items, like chocolate chips, bananas and blueberries can be ordered to customize your pancakes. Plan on a wait time, as this is one of the hot spots at the park.
Picnicking
No matter what your reason for visiting the park, make sure you pack a picnic lunch and enjoy eating at one of the picnic tables. Two pavilions are available for free on a first come, first serve basis, or you can rent one of four other pavilions. Kids will love the playground!
If you’re looking for a little day trip, pack up the car. The park is located off Highway 17 in De Leon Springs, about an hour north of Orlando.
