Photo by Janette Brogan courtesy of Florida State Parks
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Outdoor Adventures Florida is home to 175 beautiful state parks. One of the most interesting and diverse, though, can be found right here in Ocala. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y
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n 2013 the Florida Park Service acquired management of the former Silver Springs attraction, including the headspring area and the world-famous glass bottom boats. The acquisition added 231 additional acres to the existing Silver River State Park. “At that time, the park’s name was changed to Silver Springs State Park,” says Alex Cronin with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s press office. “As Florida’s oldest attraction, the glass bottom boats showcase the crystal-clear springs and the underwater life that naturally inhabits Silver Springs. The glass bottom boats take many daily trips up and down the Silver River where guests have the unique opportunity to see below the surface of the water and enjoy the river’s wildlife, vegetation and historical and cultural artifacts. Silver Springs State Park offers areas where guests can enjoy hiking, mountain biking trails, horseback riding and paddling.” Silver Springs offers visitors one of Florida’s best views of clear groundwater flowing to the 14
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surface. There are more than 30 springs in just the upper part of the Silver River, including Mammoth Spring, a first magnitude spring in the park. Canoeing and kayaking offers explorers a close-up look at the bubbling spring, and canoes and kayaks (including clear-bottom kayaks) are available for rent. Some of Ocala’s most adventurous and scenic nature trails can also be found in the park. The Spring Trail is a 2.3-mile one-way hike through an open pine forest and oak hammock. During the dry season the Sinkhole Trail leads hikers to the geologic feature it’s named for. If wildlife viewing is what you’re interested in, the Sandhill Trail is frequented by white-tail deer, fox squirrel, gopher tortoises and even wild turkeys. You may also catch a glimpse of the famed Silver Springs monkeys while exploring the park. If you’d like to get your steps in, but the woods aren’t for you, walk along the store fronts and deck area of the park. On a hot day, stop in at Paradise Treats for an ice cream to cool off. Plan to visit on the second or fourth
Saturday of the month to experience a tour of the Cracker Village. This replica of a 19th century pioneer settlement includes a cabin, outbuildings, a schoolhouse and more and can be found within the Baseline Road park entrance. The nearby museum includes exhibits related to Florida geology, paleontology, natural history and archaeology. Another option is to plan an overnight trip to the park. The park offers cabin rentals (complete with all the comforts of home, including central heating and cooling), plus RV and tent sites. Primitive camping is also available, and each spot includes picnic tables and a fire ring. Sites can be booked on the park’s website. When the need to destress and relax comes up, there’s no need to travel far from home. Silver Springs State Park is conveniently close to home but will make you feel like you’re worlds away. Silver Springs State Park // 1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala // floridastateparks.org // (352) 261-5840
