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Silver Glen Springs Day Trip |
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A Great Day of Boating
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Published: July 18, 2007
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Written By: kim
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My family and I have been boating for the last several years. We look forward to going out at least once a month. When it’s my turn to pick our destination, everyone knows that it will be a trip to Silver Glen Springs. It has always been my favorite.
Silver Glen Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest. We usually put in at Blair’s Jungle Den Hotel. It’s about an hour drive from Winter Park / Orlando. They charge $5.00 for a day parking pass. I don’t mind paying because it’s usually less crowded than the public boat ramps.
The ride up the Saint John’s River and across Lake George is enjoyable. It is so peaceful and full of natural beauty. We often see turtles, gators, and many different kinds of birds. Once we even saw a manatee making his way across Lake George. It’s about a forty minute ride to the springs.
Once you arrive, you notice the crystal clear water. You can see straight through to the bottom. There are a variety of fish swimming right beside the boat. I always look forward to seeing how many boats are parked in the glen. During the week there may be a few dozen. However on the weekends, especially on 3 day holidays, there can be hundreds. Sometimes there are so many that they spill out into Lake George. It’s amazing to see so many different types of boats, from small john-boats to luxurious cabin cruisers to big party houseboats.
There is always plenty to do in the glen, from mingling with other boaters to tossing a football or frisbee to just hanging out and relaxing with friends. There is usually music coming from someone’s boat and you can always smell something cooking on a grill nearby, my favorite is BBQ chicken.
Silver Glen Springs Park is located at the end of the boating area. It has a large grassy area with many picnic tables and a walking trail. There is also a natural spring area that produces 64 million gallons of water a day. The water is always 72 degrees so you can swim or snorkel year round. You can also rent canoes at the park. There is no charge to enter the swim/snorkel area. However if you go inside the park you may be charged a $4.00 entrance fee.
If you have never been to Silver Glen Springs I hope after reading this article you will you go for a day (or more). If you have been, I hope you will add comments to share some of your favorite things about the glen.
Click here to view a photo album of Silver Glen Springs.
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