A Wekiwa Springs day trip from Mount Dora brings you to Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, Florida, where you can swim in the spring, walk trails and use the picnic areas. Day-use reservations are required, so plan entry before setting out.
- Location: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, Florida 32712.
- Park hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, every day of the year.
- Swimming: Permitted in the designated spring swimming area; the water temperature is 72 degrees year-round.
- Entry: Reserve day-use entry online; published vehicle fees start at $4.
What to do at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park combines a spring swimming area with a network of trails and day-use picnic facilities. The spring has drawn visitors since the mid-19th century; discovered in the 1860s, it was first called Clay Springs after the property owner.
Start with the spring if swimming is part of your plan, then choose a trail that fits the time and energy you have. The park’s routes range from 0.8 mile to 13.5 miles.
For a shorter walk, the wet-to-dry trail begins at the spring and follows a boardwalk uphill from the wet hammock to dry upland; you can return from there or continue farther into the park.
The Orange Trail is 5.3 miles, while the White Trail is 13.5 miles. If you’re planning a wider Mount Dora visit around the park, a one-day Mount Dora itinerary can help you fit the town into a separate day.
Swimming, trails and picnic areas
Swimming is allowed in the Wekiwa Springs swimming area, but not in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River. The swimming area covers just over half an acre and has an average depth of four feet (1.2 meters).
There are no lifeguards, and swimmers and snorkelers use the area at their own risk. Children and non-swimmers must be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times.
Diving and jumping are prohibited, as are scuba gear and other tank-assisted breathing systems, including tethered hookah systems. Individual-size flotation devices are allowed. The swimming area closes 30 minutes before the park closes.
A hydraulically powered swim lift at the water’s edge can help visitors enter and exit the spring. It is rated for people weighing up to 400 pounds, alone or with a companion. Pets are allowed in designated areas on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet, but not in the swimming area; pets must not be left unattended.
For a picnic, the park has two pavilions, each with picnic tables, electricity, water and a double charcoal grill, with capacity for up to 100 people. The Live Oak pavilion is ADA accessible and near the playground.
The Sink Hole pavilion is closer to the spring and near a restroom. The day-use area has three restrooms, including one with changing rooms by the swimming area; the park says they are accessible by sidewalk or boardwalk. Grills, pop-up tents and canopies are not permitted on the spring lawn.
Entry, hours and reservations
The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. You need a day-use reservation to enter, including if you hold an annual pass. The entry fee is collected online when you make the reservation, with no additional reservation fee.
Published admission fees are $6 per vehicle for up to eight people, $4 for a vehicle with one occupant, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers. The park can reach capacity on weekdays and summer weekends. Arriving early may reduce waiting, but it does not guarantee entry without a reservation.
Pavilion reservations can be made up to 60 days ahead for $75 per day; park entrance fees are separate. Before you go, check the official site for current reservation, fee and access details.
How do you get from Mount Dora to Wekiwa Springs?
If you’re also arranging flights, airport transportation to Mount Dora is a separate part of planning the trip.
The park’s address is 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, Florida 32712. Keep the park reservation in place before you travel to the entrance.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is about 13.6 miles from a one-star lodge in Mount Dora.
What to bring and check before leaving
For time on the trails, the park recommends bringing water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, a map, a compass and a cellphone. Choose a route that suits your outing, from the 0.8-mile shortest option to longer trails, and allow for the return walk if you take the wet-to-dry route.
If you plan to swim, remember the designated swimming boundaries, the no-lifeguard policy and the earlier swimming-area closing time. For a picnic, use the park’s designated facilities rather than setting up a grill or canopy on the spring lawn.
FAQs
Can you swim at Wekiwa Springs State Park?
Yes. Swimming is permitted in the Wekiwa Springs swimming area, but not in the nearby runs or the Wekiva River.
Do you need a reservation to enter Wekiwa Springs?
Yes. Every day-use guest, including annual passholders, needs a reservation for entry.
How long are the trails at Wekiwa Springs?
The park’s trails range from 0.8 mile to 13.5 miles. The Orange Trail is 5.3 miles and the White Trail is 13.5 miles.
Are pets allowed in the park?
Pets are allowed in designated areas on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet. They are not allowed in the swimming area and cannot be left unattended.