Category: Adventures

Springs occur when water pressure causes a natural flow of groundwater to the earth’s surface. When rainwater enters or “recharges” the aquifer, the pressure is placed on the water already present. This pressure moves the water through the cracks and tunnels of the aquifer and this water flows naturally to the surface in places called springs.

When rivers flood, the pressure created by increasing flood waters causes many sources within the Suwannee River Basin to reverse the flow and bring the water from the river to the aquifer. This reverse flow is an important part of groundwater recharge and the health of caves associated with springs.

Wekiwa Springs

Located at the base of a grassy slope used by visitors to the park for picnics and recreation. The spring pool is kidney-shaped and walled and measures 105 feet in diameter. The main opening, a 35-foot long crack in the limestone exposed to a depth of 14 feet, produces an impressive boil. A secondary opening is about 2 meters high and 15 meters wide. The combined average flow of these two holes is approximately 45 million gallons per day.

The main vent has had little exploration due to its high speed; however, the second vent has less flow and about 600 feet of passage were surveyed in 1999. The spring bottom is sandy and flat, with an average depth of 5 meters, making it popular for family outings. From the spring pool, clean water flows in a 60-meter wide spring through a picturesque floodplain swamp and is ideal for canoeing and kayaking.

Rock Springs

The popularity of Rock Springs at this time of year often means that the park reaches maximum capacity at the beginning of the day, especially on weekends. When the park reaches capacity, it closes and those waiting to enter are refused. 280 cars are allowed inside Kelly Park every day before the park closes. More than 50 cars receive passes to return at 1pm.

If you are looking for more than just a dive? The Wekiva-Rock Springs Run Canoe Trail connects Kelly Park/Rock Springs with the Wekiva River just below Wekiva Springs by a 10 mile trail. There are also hiking trails, a volleyball court, a playground and several campsites – don’t forget to leave the dog at home, dogs are not allowed in the park.

Blue Spring

Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. Johns River and discharges a historic average of 165 million gallons per day. The spring pool is circular, with a noticeable boil in the center and steep sandy banks that rise approximately 15 to 20 feet above water level. The spring run flows about 1,050 feet into the St. Johns River through dense woodland and palm trees, with picturesque living oak trees leaning over the run.

The cave is a vertical well that leans into a room at a depth of 80 to 90 feet, but 120 to 125 feet, the cave contracts and creates a strong flow, preventing safe diver access. The spring race is a crucial winter retreat for the St. Johns River’s fish-bonefish population, and swimming, diving, and canoeing are restricted from November 15 to March 15.

The growing population of manatees reached 371 during the tough 2010 freeze, giving park visitors a spectacular viewing experience of the boardwalks and viewpoints throughout the spring race. The park has much more to offer, including a historic house built on a prehistoric shell, boat trips on the St. Johns River, picnic areas, huts, a camping area, and trails. Take US Highway 17-92 to Orange City and head west for 2 miles on French Avenue to the park entrance.