Posted in Florida Nature, State Parks February 12, 2022 by

The Unique, Out-Of-The-Way Silver Springs State Park In Florida That’s Always Worth A Visit

With an abundance of sunny days to be found in Florida, getting out to enjoy nature and take advantage of nice weather is certainly a favorite pastime. Are you looking for some new places to explore? Silver Springs State Park, where you can rent a kayak and see the wildlife up close on Sliver River, is always worth a visit.

Silver Springs, for which this 4,000-acre state park in central Florida is named, is one of the largest artesian springs in the United States.
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An artesian spring results from pressure underground, bringing the water upwards. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year.
Just outside of Ocala, Silver Springs State Park offers a starting point for a relaxing five-mile paddle down the pristine Silver River, where the water is so clear you can see right to the bottom.
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One of the main attractions of a trip down the spring-fed Silver River is the rhesus macaque monkeys living along the shore. Watch them swinging from branch to branch in the trees.
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Local legend has it that the monkeys were brought to the area in 1939 as part of the filming of the Tarzan movie.
During the heat of the day, you may get a chance to see both alligators and turtles sunning themselves along the shores of the river, perhaps on a fallen tree.
Silver Springs State Park/Facebook
From your kayak, you can snap a quick photo and continue to paddle on by.
If you are lucky, you might even see a manatee swim past you, visible in the slow-moving, shallow waters. Look for them to surface every few minutes to take a breath.
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In the winter months, manatees gather near the warm spring that feeds into the river, where your kayak trip begins.
Many interesting birds can also be spotted along your journey, including herons, egrets, ibises, and cormorants.
Silver Springs State Park
Also, look for birds on the dock while you wait for the shuttle bus to take you back to your car, after your outing. Your scenic paddle ends at the tranquil Ray Wayside Park, after a couple of enjoyable hours on the river.

A few companies offer single and tandem kayaks, or canoes, for rent on Silver River within Silver Springs State Park. One such outfit is Discovery Kayak & SUP. For more rental options and activities at this unique, out-of-the-way park, visit the Silver Springs State Park website and Facebook page.

Have you paddled down Silver River at Silver Springs State Park? Share your thoughts with us!

 

Address: Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, USA