Silver Glen Springs

The crystal blue waters of Silver Glen Spring Harley Measn/FDEP

The day-use area that encompasses this spring and the adjacent uplands is both a highly popular recreation area and an important archeological site. The 65 million gallons of waters that flow from the two spring vents daily run nearly 1 mile to Lake George. Boats can travel up the spring run, but are prohibited from entering the spring bowl. As a result, the protected spring bowl is popular with swimmers and snorkelers. Manatees visit the spring in the winter as a thermal refuge from the cooler waters of the St. Johns River; a wide variety of fish can be seen throughout the year.

Boat traffic in the spring run can be heavy in the summertime and on holiday weekends, and that concentration of people can impact this ecologically and historically sensitive area. Canoe rentals are available any time of year.

Zoom+ A skin diver explores Silver Glen Spring amidst the striped bass that frequent the spring. © Russell Sparkman

The natural setting of the recreation area is predominantly upland forests of oak, cedar, and pines, which provide opportunities for photography, birding, and nature studies. The Spring Boils Trail leads to Jody’s Spring, named for the spring described by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in her book “The Yearling”. The Lake George Trail travels through the uplands to the cypress shoreline of Lake George.

At a Glance:

Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking/ canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, picnic areas

Entrance Fee: Yes

Scuba Diving: No

Onsite Camping: No

Dogs Allowed: No

Type of Park: US Forest Service/Ocala National Forest

Address and Contact Information:

5301 North Highway 19
Ft. McCoy, Fl 32134
Phone: 352-236-0288

Location: Marion County latitude: 29.244465 Longitude : -81.647768

Get More Information:

Ocala National Forest - Silver Glen Springs website