Experiences & Amenities
Experiences
Cyclists of all levels can find a challenging and enjoyable ride in the preserve. Bicycling is permitted on the nature trail at the southern entrance of the preserve (trail is approximately 2.5 miles). The 18 miles of trails at the northern entrance of the preserve are multi-use trails and bicyclists are welcome.
Because the trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, horseback rider or park vehicle. Please stay on designated trails, ride responsibly and respect the park and wildlife.
- The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
- The trails are located in a wilderness area.
- Please take water, a compass and a map.
Primitive camping at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is available only to those camping with horses. Equestrian camping is available inside the park entrance, off State Road 44.
Recreational vehicle and trailer parking and horse stalls and corrals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Posts for tethers are available, but temporary fencing of any kind is not permitted. Non-potable water is available for the horses and there are troughs in several locations. The equestrian area has a restroom and shower facility.
- Proof of negative Coggins must be carried at all times.
- At least one member of the camping party must be at least 18 years of age. Pack in all food, water and firewood, and pack out all trash. A restroom with showers facility is available. Fires are permitted only in the ground grills provided. Tents must be pitched in designated camping areas. The collection of fire wood is prohibited. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Reservations are required and can be made no more than 60 days in advance by calling Wekiwa Springs State Park at 407-553-4383 for fee information and reservations. All reservations made by phone can be held with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, or if paying by check, it must be received no later than 10 days from the date the reservations are made.
Fishing is good on the Wekiva River. Bring your fishing pole and bait, and drop your hook while you canoe or kayak.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website Fishing in Florida.
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
The self-guided Sand Hill Nature Trail offers a leisurely 50-minute walk (approximately 2.5 miles). It can be accessed through the southern entrance of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve off State Road 46.
- The Florida National Scenic Trail runs through Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park and is maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.
- There are 18 miles of multi-use trails for hiking at the northern entrance of the preserve off State Road 44. Because these trails are multi-use and used mainly as an equestrian trail, be prepared to meet the occasional bicyclist, horseback rider or park vehicle.
- Please stay on designated trails, hike responsibly, and respect the park's visitors and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your hike accordingly.
Amenities
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Interpretive exhibits.
- Equestrian camping is primitive. The bathhouse is accessible. There are two accessible parking spaces.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Canoe and kayak launching is available at Katie’s Landing on Wekiva Park Drive off State Road 46 in Sorrento. This is the only launch area in the preserve and accesses the Wekiva River – a national designated Wild & Scenic River.
The approximate distances provided here can help you plan your trip. To approximate travel time, most canoe forums say a canoe with two people and 25 lbs. of equipment can average 3 mph/4.8 kph on still water.
Traveling north with the current will be faster than traveling south against it. A kayak will be slightly faster as well.
Distances Between Points of Interest
- Katie’s Landing north to Blackwater Creek (Wekiva River) – 4 miles/6.4 km
- Katie’s Landing north to Highbanks Boat Ramp (Wekiva River) – 7.6 miles/12.2 km
- Katie’s Landing south to Wilson’s Landing Park (Wekiva River) – 1.5 miles/2.4 km
- Katie’s Landing south to Buffalo Tram (Wekiva River) – 6.5 miles/10.5 km
- Katie’s Landing south to Wekiva Island (Wekiva River) – 9 miles/14.5 km
- Katie’s Landing to Wekiwa Springs (Wekiva River) – 10 miles/16 km
- Katie’s Landing to King’s Landing/Kelly Park (Rock Springs Run) – 17.5 miles/28.2 km
There are 18 miles of horse trails accessible through the northern entrance of the preserve off State Road 44.
- Horse riders are required to stay on the designated horse trails and carry proof of negative Coggins.
- Because the trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, bicyclist or park vehicle. Please ride responsibly, and respect the park's visitors and wildlife.
- The park closes at sundown and unless you are camping you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.
ADA accessible parking is available directly adjacent to the restrooms, which are located in the area near the horse stalls at the Fechtel area of the preserve and at Katie's Landing.
There are no other facilities at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.
Pets are welcome in the preserve and on the trails. Pets are not permitted in any primitive camping area (horses are permitted for camping, but only in the horse camping area).
Pets must be kept on a six-foot handheld leash. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-fur bearing pets, such as reptiles, birds or fish, must be confined or under the physical control of the owner.
- Some animals may be prohibited on park property. For additional information, contact Wekiwa Springs State Park at 407-553-4383.
- See our Pet Policy.
There are restrooms in the area near the horse stalls at the Fechtel area of the preserve and at Katie's Landing. Both of these facilities are ADA accessible. ADA accessible parking is available directly adjacent to the buildings.
There are no other facilities at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.