Outdoors & Nature Insider

Rock Springs Run Credit: Kevin Mims

This past weekend I convinced my uncle to come along on a nice afternoon canoeing down Rock Springs Run in Apopka. After some discussion on how long it had been since either of us had been in a canoe (I'm more of a solo kayaker, myself) and who would be paddling in the bow and stern positions, I ended up in the in the bow providing the forward stroke and watching out for obstacles. 

You see, Rock Springs Run has a pretty swift current, and although it is rated for paddlers with an intermediate skill level, the current combined with the sharp turns makes this waterway challenging.   If your paddling skills are lacking, you'll more than likely spend the eight-mile trip bouncing along, running into the banks like a real-life game of pinball. Or even worse, you could end up dumping your canoe and taking a swim in the cool, clear waters of Rock Springs Run.

Ever heard of a paddler's garage sale? It's that moment when you dump your craft and all your stuff goes floating off down the waterway - coolers, snacks, electronics (oh no!), and there you are, flapping about and trying to collect your belongings. Pretty embarrassing.

We took all of this into consideration for a few minutes and decided it was time to get on the water. 

The main put-in point for Rock Springs Run is at Kings Landing, located next to Kelly Park and Rock Springs, which is the source of the run. We loaded up, paddled out of Kings Landing and took the left towards Wekiva Marina. After a few minutes, we were in the groove and were paddling along like a couple of old pros. Good times.

The waterway is narrow and winding, with a just swift enough current to make things interesting. With frequent shallow spots and a sandy bottom, you'll see why this is a popular paddling destination. Bordered on one side by the Rock Springs Run State Reserve and the Wekiwa Springs State Park on the other, the trip is completely protected from development and is rated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway. You'll pass through several different habitats, with cypress trees towering overhead, and there's plenty of wildlife as well.

Want to paddle Rock Springs Run for yourself? Rent a canoe from Kings Landing and give yourself four hours to complete the trip. Shuttles give you a lift from the take-out point at the Wekiva Marina to Kings Landing. Like always, wear a personal flotation device and bring along a lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent, cell phone and a camera. Pack everything in a dry bag (a waterproof vinyl bag with a roll-top closure) and secure it to your canoe to keep everything safe ... just in case.

See you on the water!