As the sun shines, rainbows play across the bottom of the crystal-clear spring basin at Silver Glen Springs. This beautiful spot along the edge of the Big Scrub offers a spring run that pours out into Lake George, the largest of the St. Johns River Chain of Lakes. Both a popular day use recreation area and an important archaeological site, Silver Glen Springs showcases the delicate balance between enjoyment of the outdoors and preservation of irreplaceable resources.
Title:
Silver Glen sign
Caption:
Sign at Silver Glen Springs
Date:
Location:
Sandra Friend
Credit:
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, FL
Description:
Source:
Title:
Silver Glen Springs sign
Caption:
Sign across from recreation area entrance
Date:
Location:
Silver Glen Springs, FL
Credit:
Karen Lovett
Description:
Source:
National Forests in Florida
Title:
Silver Glen entrance
Caption:
Entrance to Silver Glen Springs
Date:
Location:
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, FL
Credit:
Sandra Friend
Description:
Source:
Title:
Silver Glen office
Caption:
Concession stand and office at Silver Glen Springs
Date:
Location:
Silver Glen Springs, FL
Credit:
Karen Lovett
Description:
Source:
National Forests in Florida
Title:
Silver Glen picnic area
Caption:
Picnic area at Silver Glen Springs
Date:
Location:
Silver Glen Springs, FL
Credit:
Karen Lovett
Description:
Source:
National Forests in Florida
At a Glance
Operational Hours:
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(hours vary by season)
Rentals & Guides:
Canoe rentals are available on site.
Area Amenities:
Interpretive Site,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees
Day Use
$5.50 per person. Snorkeling permitted, no SCUBA
Canoeing
$16 canoe rental/2 hours
$24 canoe rental/4 hours
$38 canoe rental/day
(+$20 deposit for canoe use)
If you bring your own canoe/kayak,launching is free.
Fees are subject to change without notification.
Usage:
Heavy
Restrictions:
No diving or SCUBA diving permitted. Boats must stay out of swimming area.
Closest Towns:
Nearest grocery / gas stations:
Astor, 14 miles southeast via SR 19 and SR 40.
Salt Springs, 10 miles north via SR 19.
Water:
Drinking water available
Restroom:
Portable toilets only
Passes:
Ocala National Forest Recreation Area Pass - $60 per person; good from date of purchase through end of the year. Provides entrance to our concession-managed recreation areas: Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Clearwater Lake, and Wildcat Lake. Purchase at a recreation area entrance station.
Operated By:
American Land & Leisure
General Information
Directions:
Silver Glen Springs is located 6 miles north of SR 40 along SR 19 along the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest. The recreation area entrance is directly across from the Yearling Trail trailhead and lies north of the Juniper Wayside area.
From Interstate 75 in Ocala or Interstate 95 in Ormond Beach, follow SR 40 into the Ocala National Forest to its intersection with SR 19 at traffic light east of Juniper Springs and west of Astor Park. Drive north on SR 19 for 6 miles to the recreation area entrance on the right.
General Notes:
This recreation area is especially busy on summer weekends. There are changing facilities near the parking area but no flush toilets, due to the sensitive nature of the cultural heritage and geology of this area.
Enjoy a walk in the woods with a cool breeze off Lake George on the Lake George Trail (3 mile round-trip), or a visit to Jody's Spring beneath a canopy of palms along the Spring Boils Trail (3/4 mile round-trip).
Areas for Day Hiking at Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
Silver Glen Springs was once a village site, and is now home to enormous middens - ancient trash heaps full of fossilized snail shells and the ephemera of everyday lives - beneath a canopy of live oaks. Interpretive information brings the past to life.
Water Activities
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Boating - Non-Motorized
Rent a kayak or canoe or launch your own for a trip down cypress-lined Silver Glen Run. Stick close to shore to watch for eagles above and manatees below.
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
With constant 73*F crystal-clear water and a basin that slopes gently to the spring, Silver Glen Springs is a popular swimming hole. Bring your snorkel and meet the fish face to face!
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