What piece of natural Florida is within shouting distance of Disneyworld, yet worlds away from the ordinary? Where you can travel back in time to the Florida that once was?

Welcome to Wekiwa Springs State Park, near Orlando, Florida.

Springs of Delight

Wekiwa Springs State Park is well-known by the Orlando residents, but it's a secret to most visitors. Hidden away in Apopka, the Springs are a wilderness wonderland.

The most obvious thing about the park is its main spring and swimming area. The water is crystal clear and makes for some great snorkeling! But it's a bit on the chilly side, at a cool 70 degrees Fahrenheit year around.

Back in Time

If you want to see what Florida used to look like, before houses and stores and theme parks took over, take a walk on the trails at Wekiwa Springs State Park. There are about 17 miles of trails in the park, so there is plenty of room to roam. You'll share many of the trails with people on bicycles and horses, but you may find yourself alone much of the time because...

...of the canoes!

Winding Rivers

Canoeing is the biggest draw at Wekiwa Springs State Park. There are miles of river to paddle or to simply float down. The water is clear, the trees make a cool canopy and the sky is blue. You can start at the head of the springs, paddle down the river and then take a shuttle back up to "Canoe Beach" - your starting point.

Campground Tales

There is also camping at Wekiwa Springs State Park, and it's one of the few Florida State Parks that actually allows pet camping! Not to worry, there is a campground for people without pets, too.

Want to know More?

If you're planning a Central Florida vacation, consider a side trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Get to know the park the locals talk about!

Gail Nettles is a Florida native who enjoys showing the Sunshine State to visitors. She also publishes http://www.great-florida-vacations.com