Ponce De Leon Springs State Park is a medium sized park area centered around the Ponce De Leon springs, which gush about 14 million gallons of water daily into a stone-walled swimming area.
Named after the supposed discoverer of the fountain of youth, Ponce De Leon Springs are set in a state park containing picnic areas, two short hiking trails, and a large bathhouse. But the prime attraction here are the springs that emerge at 68 degrees into a sculpted swimming area, essentially creating a large emerald sand-bottom pool beneath the cypress trees.
Several stairs and ladders offer entry to the spring and the spring run area. The park's Spring Run Trail traces a path along the slow-flowing spring run and the tea-colored Sandy Creek. Swimming and snorkling are permitted in the spring area, however SCUBA diving is not.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Entry is $4 per vehicle.
Visitors during the summer months may find large crowds at the spring; however, this crowd thins to nearly non-existent in the off-months. The nearest groceries are located at the service stations off of I-10 exit 96 about 2 miles away.
Additional information can be found at the park's website or by calling 850.836.4281. It should be noted that a strong windstorm in mid-2018 damaged many of the park's trees, and trails may be closed around ongoing clean-up efforts.
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