Derived from Seminole words meaning, “flowing water,” the Wekiva begins its meandering journey at Wekiwa Springs State Park, from where it is joined by the spring-fed waters of Rock Springs Run, the Little Wekiva River, and Seminole Creek. Blackwater Creek, named for its darker tannic color, flows from Lake Norris and merges with the Wekiva near its confluence with the St Johns. The entire basin occupies portions of Seminole, Lake, and Orange counties and is part of a greater ecological corridor extending north to the Ocala National Forest in Marion County.

Reaching from Lake George on the St Johns River to Silver Springs east of the Oklawaha, the forest encompasses half a million acres of woods and wetlands under federal management. Less than ten miles northwest of Orlando, the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway boasts dozens of natural springs, the greatest expanse of sand pine scrub in the world, and the largest Black Bear population in Florida.

WHERE TO GO…

· The pristine waters of the Wekiva River, Rock Springs Run, and Blackwater Creek are all navigable by canoe or kayak. If you don’t have your own vessel, rent one from an outfitter at Wekiwa Springs State Park or King’s Landing. Alexander Creek, Juniper Creek, and Salt Springs all provide excellent canoe runs within the Ocala Forest.

· Some of the many places to swim and enjoy area springs are Wekiva Springs State Park in Seminole County, Kelly Park in Apopka (great for tubing), and Alexander Springs in the Ocala Forest. To learn more about Florida’s springs, check out www.floridasprings.com.

· The Florida National Scenic Trail (www.florida-trail.org)  runs through the center of the Wekiva-Ocala corridor, from Seminole to Marion County. Whether you prefer short walks, long hikes, or horseback riding, the area offers trails for everyone.

· Convenient to the metro-area, Wekiwa Springs State Park provides overnight family camping facilities as well as primitive sites for those who rather “rough-it.” A little farther north the Ocala Forest offers campgrounds, primitive sites, or “on-your-own” tent camping for the true adventurer.

· For more information about how you can enjoy and help protect the Wekiva, visit the Friends of the Wekiva River website at www.friendsofwekiva.org . To learn more about the Ocala National Forest, go to www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida and click on “Ocala”.