Description

This beautiful spring is named for Juan Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513-as legend has it-in search of the “fountain of youth.” Visitors might well regain their youth by taking a dip in the cool, clear waters of Ponce de Leon Springs where the water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The main spring is a convergence of two underground water flows, and produces 14 million gallons of water daily. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and learn about the local ecology and wildlife. Rangers also conduct seasonal guided walks. Picnicking is a popular activity at the park; grills and pavilions are available. Anglers will enjoy fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish.

Main Page: http://www.floridastateparks.org/poncedeleonsprings/default.cfm

History Page: http://www.floridastateparks.org/history/parkhistory.cfm?parkid=42

Annual State Park Pass Info: http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstoknow/annualpass.cfm

“Please only use BPA Free Plastic Bottles when collecting Wild Water from Ponce de Leon Springs, and any Public Spring, instead of Glass bottles. We don’t want to cause harm to other Spring goers by them stepping on broken glass from a mishandled Glass bottle. This would also increase our chances of the Spring guardians from keeping us from collecting our Pristine Elixir of Life.” – Brian Root

Videos of the spring: http://www.youtube.com/user/OneMoreTag#g/c/AE87A1CC1729566F

Nearest Address

2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Road Ponce de Leon, Florida 32455 (Comes up on Yahoo Maps or Mapquest) 100 Ponce de Leon Springs Road Ponce de Leon, Florida 32455 (Comes up closest on Google Maps)

Directions from Nearest Address

Ponce de Leon Spring Directions: Exit 96 off I-10, go North on 81S (Samson Hwy.) to Hwy. 90 (Co. Rd. 10) .9 miles. Go Right/East on Hwy. 90 to Ponce de Leon Springs Rd. (Co Rd 181A) .2 miles. Go Right/South on Ponce de Leon Springs Rd. to Park Entrance on Right .5 miles. Go to Ranger House .1 mile. Go to Parking Lot .1 mile. Walk down hill to Spring .1 mile.

Vital Information

Hours Spring is Open:

Hours of Operation: The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

GPS:

30 Degrees 43′ 15.50″ N 85 Degrees 55′ 5059″ W

Map Link: Ponce de Leon Springs Map

Submitted by: Janet Patterson, Brian Root