State Parks
9 Remarkable Ways to Enjoy The Wekiva River Preserve
Central Florida in its purest form along four miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek. 8 am to Sunset $3 per Vehicle 8300 W
October 4, 2018
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Native Americans have valued the richness of wildlife in this area, for thousands of years. It contains a system of blackwater streams and wetlands that are a perfect habitat for river otters, alligators, wood storks, black bears, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can walk along the Sand Hill Nature Trail for an nice tour of the native Florida plants and wildlife at the park. Visitors can canoe through the park on the Wekiva River. Equestrian camping is available in certain areas of the park and can be reserved by calling Wekiwa Springs State Park. Horse stalls and corrals are also available for equestrian campers.
There are three point of entry into the Lower Wekiwa River Preserve State Park: there is one at the hiking trails at the south entrance, at 8300 W. State Road 46, Sanford, Florida 32771, also you can enter the Wekiva River at Katie’s Landing located at 262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford, FL 32771, and also by horseback riding and hiking on the Fechtel Tract is located at 38015 Fechtel Road, Eustis, FL 32726.
If you are a Cyclists you can find all levels of enjoyable, challenging rides in the Preserve. Bicycling is welcomed on the Nature Trail and you can enter at the Southern entrance of the preserve (about 2.5 miles trails). The 18 miles of trails located at the North entrance of the preserve are trails for bicyclists and more. Since the trails are multi-use, don’t be surprised if you meet an occasional hiker, equestrian rider, or park vehicle. Kindly stay on trails, respect the park and wildlife, and ride responsibly. The park closes at dusk and visitors must exit the park at that time.
A few items to keep in mind:
Camping Equestrian
Enjoy primitive camping at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park. Equestrian camping is also available in the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park entrance which is located off of State Road 44.
Bring your recreational vehicles and park the trailers, but be aware that parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. This also applies to the horse stalls and corrals. The park has posts for tethering but temporary fencing of any kind is not allowed. There is non-potable water available for the horses as well as troughs located throughout the park. The equestrian area also has a restroom and shower facility available for the visitors as well.
Visitors can launch Canoes and kayaks at Katie’s Landing. Katies landing is located on Wekiva Park Drive off of SR 46 in Sorrento. This launch area is the only place to launch in the preserve. This launch area places you on the Wekiva River – a national designated Wild & Scenic River. Rent a Kayak, or visit our Canoe Rentals.
We have provided distances between landmarks to help plan your excursion. GPS coordinates of these points can be obtained in the Paddle Wekiva Brochure. If you are looking to approximate your pace in a canoe, travel forums suggest that a canoe with 2 people and 25 lbs. of equipment can average 3 mph on calm water. Traveling due north with the current is typically faster than traveling due south against the current. Kayaks typically travel slightly faster.
Distances Between Points of Interest
Wekiva River is a great way to traverse the Park. Canoe and kayak launching is available as mentioned earlier, and you can rent Canoes and Kayaks on our Water Rentals page.
Geo caching is another great way to explore the park. We have had experienced Geocachers hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, and/or information in multiple places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for current, up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Enjoy a self-guided 50-minute walk (approximately 2.5 miles) on the Sand Hill Nature Trail. It can be accessed thru the Southern Entrance of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve off of State Road 46.
The Florida black bear, American alligator, river otter, indigo snake, and sandhill crane plus a variety of more common native species may be observed while enjoying the park via horse-back riding, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, or canoeing through the Preserve.
Visitors are welcome to bring pets on the trails, however pets are not permitted in any of the primitive camping areas (as an exception horses are allowed in the horse camping area). Pets must be kept on a maximum six-foot handheld leash and accompanied by its owner at all times. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of its pets droppings and place in the trash receptacles throughout the park. All pets must be vaccinated for rabies according to Florida law. Pets that are threatening, noisy, or dangerous will be asked to leave the park. Some animals may be prohibited on park property, check with the office for more information. Contact the Wekiwa Springs State Park for questions at 407-884-2009.
Restrooms areas are provided near the horse stalls at the Fechtel area of the Preserve and also at Katie’s Landing. Both facilities are ADA accessible. ADA-accessible parking is also available next to the buildings. No other facilities exist at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.
The 18 miles of horse trails are accessible through the North entrance of the Preserve off of State Road 44.
If you are looking for Things to do in Florida beside theme parks and tourist attractions, come check out Orlando natural lakes, and preserves for a truly memorable day.
Central Florida in its purest form along four miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek. 8 am to Sunset $3 per Vehicle 8300 W
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