Trail Running at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka
Trail Running at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka
Introductory Overview
Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka offers some of the best trail running opportunities in Central Florida. With over 25 miles of trails, the park provides a mix of sandy paths, shaded forest routes, and scenic river views. The varied terrain challenges runners of all skill levels, making it a top destination for those looking to train or enjoy a run in nature. The combination of elevation changes, wildlife sightings, and lush landscapes make every run both invigorating and rewarding.
### Adventure Guide To Trail Running at Wekiwa Springs State Park
White Trail (Main Trail Loop)
- Distance: 13.5 miles
- Terrain: Primarily soft sand and hard-packed dirt with moderate hills
- Highlights: Ideal for long-distance runners looking for endurance training. Runners pass through pine flatwoods, swampy hammocks, and scenic overlooks. The Rock Springs Run views provide a serene backdrop in the latter miles.
- Local Tip: Bring plenty of water as certain sections lack shade during midday.
Orange Trail
- Distance: 5.3 miles
- Terrain: Rolling hills with sections of thick tree cover
- Highlights: This trail is perfect for mid-range training runs. It features diverse wildlife, such as deer and gopher tortoises. The slight inclines add some challenge, making it ideal for runners practicing speed adjustments.
- Local Tip: Best enjoyed early in the morning before humidity sets in.
Blue Trail (Short Loop)
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Terrain: Well-maintained, with compact soil and occasional sandy patches
- Highlights: A good beginner-friendly route, this loop sticks close to Wekiwa Springs, offering scenic river views and shaded sections. There's an elevated ridge midway that provides a great resting point.
- Local Tip: Great for a quick training session or cooldown run after a longer route.
Local Insights
Wekiwa Springs State Park is known for its abundant wildlife, including wild turkeys, fox squirrels, and even the occasional black bear sighting. The Timucuan tribe once inhabited this land, relying on the Wekiva River for sustenance. Today, the park remains a protected natural area, maintaining its rugged beauty for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitor Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Fall through spring for cooler temperatures; early mornings in summer.
- What to Bring: Trail running shoes, hydration pack, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Directions: Located at 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL, about 30 minutes from Orlando via FL-429 N.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Scott Malinowski3 months ago
This park is a solid choice for a two or three day getaway in the campgrounds! It has excellent hiking and biking trails. The Wekiwa springs is the young place to be. The Wekiva River is a great place for kayaks and canoes that can all be rented on site! There is also a great snack bar with hot food! In the summer get there early it’s hard to find a parking space then. Enjoy this amazing place!
Nancy Pin the last week
February 2025: Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a great experience of swimming in a natural spring. The crystal clear water temperature initially feels shockingly cool, but quickly becomes refreshing.
The depth of the swimming area varies. Unless you are a fit swimmer, some sort of floatation device could be quite useful.
The area surrounding the swimming area is very worn from heavy use. The ramp, sidewalks, and steps made access easier. The sidewalk around the swimming deck had a lot of soil and sand on it. Nature is nice, but in general, it just looked neglected.
The hiking trails were closed for maintenance.
Elise Liva month ago
The best park I've been to. The views are so beautiful and there is plenty to do there. Canoeing, swimming, hiking longer trails, etc etc. And their rangers are so friendly. One of them explained all the wildlife sightings he's seen and some interesting things that have happened in the park before. The water was sooo clear too, you could see fish
Mufasa KCa month ago
Wekiwa Springs State Park is an absolute gem! The crystal-clear springs are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water. The natural beauty is breathtaking, with lush greenery and well-maintained trails that offer a peaceful escape into nature. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot birds, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. The park is clean, family-friendly, and has great picnic areas. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a quiet day surrounded by nature, this park is a must-visit. Highly recommend!
Brandon Davis (Sivad1985)3 months ago
After an easy kayak trip upstream, we arrived at the springs. Plenty of wildlife, including turtles, birds, and alligators. Nice little retreat at the end. The spring area is fairly large and has a small concrete enclosure, creating a nice natural pool with seating around maybe 75% of it. The water is stunning! Fresh water flows from the underground cave, and it is crystal clear with a constant chilly temp. A perfect cool-off on a warm Florida day. The bottom is natural formed rock with sand, so it is inconsistent in depths and textures. The edge i was in was about 4 to 6 get deep, but there are shallow ends on the other side with stairs. The far end of the springs is a nice open hillside. People were enjoying the sunshine and a few blankets stretched out. Up the path is a food/drink stand (closed when i arrived) and restrooms. This park was GREAT! HIGHLY recommend!
Disclaimer: Be smart, be safe. Don't dive in the springs. Be careful around wildlife. Gators are cool, but respect their space because they are still dangerous.
