Hike Rock Springs Run State Reserve with the Friends of the Wekiva River (FOWR) on November 7, 2021, at 9 AM
Please download, print, and bring the waiver with you to help save time. FOWR Waiver
Help the Friends of the Wekiva River advise the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on a proposed trail network on Rock Springs Run State Reserve. This outdoor event is a part of the 40-year celebration of the Friends of the Wekiva River.
The Friends of the Wekiva River have developed a network of trail loops on the 14,000 Rock Springs Run State Reserve in Lake County. We used an ecologically-based approach to create loops that wind their way through restored sandhill habitats, Florida’s unique scrub community, mature longleaf pine flatwoods, and a system of large marshes with expansive vistas over open water and wetlands. (There is no access to the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run from this part of the Wekiva park system.)
The trails range from 2 to 4 miles, and we are asking beginning, intermediate and experienced hikers to walk the loops with us and provide input on ways to improve the trails, what information should be provided to hikers, and destinations for picnic tables and benches.
Click here for a PDF file that can be used with the Avenza App –>. Rock Springs Run State Reserve DRAFT Trail Network for Avenza App This will allow you to download a trail map that will guide you on the trail that you select for your hiking experience. We’ll ask you to take notes on your experience and ways to improve the hike before the trail network is finalized.
A guided tour of one of the loop trails is available for those who are just interested in a 3-to-4-mile hike. This hike will be led by Friends of the Wekiva River board member and wildlife biologist Dr. Jay Exum.
Meet at the hunter check station near Parking Area 2 on Rock Springs Run State Reserve at 9:00 on November 7, 2021. There is a $3 entrance fee per vehicle.
We will use the information obtained during the day to provide additional input to FDEP on the specifics of the trail network, desired maintenance, and amenities around select destinations. We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you to everyone who attended! It was a beautiful day!
Didn’t have a chance to take the surveys? Find the trail preference survey here and the post-hike survey here!
