Long before theme parks defined Florida tourism, the state's crystal-clear freshwater springs were the main attraction — and they still hold up beautifully. A recent two-day, 300-mile road trip originating in Central Florida proved that six springs in one ambitious loop is entirely doable, even if it only scratches the surface of Florida's more than 1,000 documented springs.
The journey begins at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka, where visitors can rent tubes from the Rock Springs Bar & Grill for $19 and float a 30-minute natural lazy river through oak and pine forest, occasionally spotting deer or wading birds along the way. Entry to the 355-acre Orange County park runs just $3–$5 per vehicle. From there, the route heads to Silver Springs State Park, where glass-bottom boat tours — a tradition dating to the late 1870s — offer a 30-minute glimpse of the Silver River headwaters, including the massive Mammoth Spring. Tours run $17 per person (plus a $2 park admission fee), and online booking in advance is strongly recommended.
The third stop, Juniper Springs, sits inside the 387,000-acre Ocala National Forest and pairs a refreshing swim with a look at a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps mill house. Adventurous visitors can also take on a 7-mile paddle run through Juniper Prairie Wilderness, with rentals and shuttle service available through the park concessionaire. Camping on-site runs $46 per night. Day two brings visitors to Devil's Den Spring in Williston — a privately operated, 120-foot-wide underground cave spring where snorkeling and scuba diving are the main draws. Early settlers mistook the steam rising from its opening for smoke from the underworld, giving the site its name.
The full itinerary, complete with addresses, fees, and tips on timing each visit to avoid crowds, was documented by the Orlando Sentinel's Patrick Connolly, who made the trip with his partner. His key advice: one or two springs per day is wise for most travelers, but the rewards of pushing further are well worth it for those up for the adventure.
Full trip details, including the remaining two springs on the route, are available via the Orlando Sentinel.
