SPLASHIN’ AROUND

The summer sun is hot. How will you cool o this season?

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

Whether visiting one of our area’s beautiful springs or enjoying a day at Lake Weir, there’s nothing more Floridian than cooling o in one of our state’s natural bodies of water. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite swimming holes, so take a dip—the water’s ne.

ALEXANDER SPRINGS

Alexander Springs is one of only 27 rstmagnitude springs that exist in Florida and the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted. The natural spring pool is a constant 72 degrees with a gently sloped beach leading to the gently sloped spring basin. Water activities include the aforementioned scuba diving, allowing you to explore the broad mouth of the spring, swimming and paddling on the

Alexander Run. Lifeguards are on-site seven days a week May 15 through September 15 from 10am to 6pm. Alexander Springs is located between Astor and Altoona to the east of SR 19 and the west of the St. Johns River and CR 445-A.

Alexander Springs

SILVER GLEN SPRING

A popular day-use area as well as an important archaeological site, this recreation area is used for swimming, snorkeling, shing and boating. With a spring run that pours into Lake George, you will nd Silver Glen Springs six miles north of SR 40 along SE 19 at the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest. Canoe rentals are available on-site, and there are changing facilities near the parking area.

SALT SPRINGS

Salt Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring that gives the area its name. Outdoor activities include swimming in the springs, shing, snorkeling and boating. Canoe rentals are available at the Salt Springs Marina, and all canoe rentals are rst come, rst served. A valid Florida Freshwater Fishing

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Silver Glen Springs

License is required to sh in the Ocala National Forest. In the spring area, swim within marked boundaries, as no lifeguards are present. Salt Springs Recreation Area is at the north end of the small town of Salt Springs, near the intersection of SR 19 and CR 314.

JUNIPER SPRINGS

Juniper Springs is one of the oldest recreation areas on the East Coast. Located between Ocala and Ormond Beach along SR 40, this complex was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Juniper Springs is notable as a crystalline pool of spring out ow, shallow at one end and deep enough to jump into at the spring) or Blue Hole Spring (for experienced swimmers only).

other. Juniper Run, located at Juniper Springs Recreation Area, is a narrow, winding seven-mile waterway set under a dense canopy of oldgrowth forest and few places solid enough to get out of your canoe. Rentals are not currently available, but you can bring your own.

GILCHRIST BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK

Located in High Springs, northwest of Gainesville, Gilchrist Blue Springs contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second-magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the park. A concession stand provides food and beverage service plus paddling equipment rentals. The park o ers swimming at the main spring only, and snorkeling is available in designated spots.

ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK

Tubing the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee River is the perfect summer outing. Tubes are available for rent within the park. Tubing is available year-round from Midpoint or Dampier’s Landing located in the south main entrance o Highway 27. Details on accessing these spots can be found on the Florida State Parks website. Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can also be rented, and transportation arrangements can be made at the general store located in the south entrance. Scuba diving is allowed at Blue Hole Spring, and swimming and snorkeling are allowed at either Ichetucknee Spring (head RAINBOW SPRINGS STATE PARK

Tubing the Rainbow River is a mustdo if you live in Marion County. Tubing is not allowed within the headspring area, though, and tubers should enter the park at the tubing entrance located on SW 180th Avenue Road in Dunnellon. The park entrance fee is $2 per person. Once you park at the tubing entrance, visit the concessionaire to rent your tubes and receive shuttle service. Tube rentals are available for $20, seven days a week. The shuttle will take you two miles upstream, where you will enter the Rainbow River and oat back to your vehicle. The trip takes about two hours to complete. Rainbow Springs also o ers paddling opportunities, with canoe and kayak rentals available within the park. Snorkeling and swimming in the headspring is another favorite activity, with depths of 10-18 feet.

KP HOLE PARK

This Marion County park o ers tubing on the Rainbow River, with rentals and return shuttle service from Blue Run Park in Dunnellon available. The average oat takes approximately four hours. The springhead can be found about a mile and a half upriver from KP Hole, and paddling adventures are also available on the river, with canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals available.

CARNEY ISLAND RECREATION & CONSERVATION AREA*

Another Marion County park, Carney Island is located in Ocklawaha on beautiful Lake Weir and o ers beach areas with swimming, boat ramps, a concession area as well as a playground and restrooms. The park is open from 7am-8pm until October, and the entrance fee is $7 per vehicle.

*At press time, a blue-green algal bloom was present in Lake Weir, and health o cials cautioned against participating in recreational activities. Please check for up-to date information before visiting.

Florida Watering Holes // Learn more at fs.usda.gov/activity/ocala/recreation/ wateractivities, oridastateparks.org, kphole.org and marion .org.