De Leon Springs State Recreation Area

Description:

• The 603 acres of De Leon Springs State Recreation Area offer a variety of activities. There is excellent swimming in the spring, which remains at 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. There is a ramped entrance to the spring pool. Swimming is not allowed in the spring run but anglers will find an abundance of bass and pan fish. At the park boat launch you can rent a boat or launch your own. Picnic facilities, a nature trail and a hiking trail are located in the park. Picnic pavilions may be reserved October through March. Pavilions are on a first-come, first-served basis April through September. Volleyball, horseshoes and a playground area are also available. De Leon Springs State Recreation Area provides access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, where canoeists can explore 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes. Park visitors may also enjoy the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where they can make their own pancake breakfast at the table.

  De Leon Springs provides and excellent recreational centerpiece for swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, fishing, canoeing and nature study. Scuba diving is not permitted except as an instructional class with permission of park management. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older. The park's visitor center is open from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. weekends and holidays. Contact the park office prior to planning a special trip.

  Just outside the park lies the popular Lakes-N-Hills Bike Route which extends along the eastern edge of Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge. The route is 100 miles in length and starts in Deland's City Hall parking lot or Florida's Department of Transportation - District Office lot.

  De Leon Springs State Recreation Area is located in central Florida at the corner of Ponce De Leon and Burt Parks Roads, west of S.R. 17 and north of Orlando. Directions to Se Deon State Park: Take US Hwy 17 North from Deland for approximately six miles, following the State Park signs. Turn left onto Ponce DeLeon Blvd and you will travel approximately one mile to the entrance to DeLeon Springs State Park.