Rock Springs

Useful Information

photography — Rock Springs, Florida, U.S.A. Public Domain.

Location:	400 E Kelly Park RD, Apopka, FL 32712. (28.7564458, -81.5017342)
Open:	Summer daily 8-20. Winter daily 8-18. [2024]
Fee:	Car with 8 Adults USD 5, Car with 2 Adults USD 3, Motorcycle USD 1, Bike USD 1, Pedestrian USD 1. [2024]
Classification:	Karst Spring
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	Yavg=1,600 l/s, Twater=20-22 °C.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Kelly Park/Rock Springs, 400 E Kelly Park RD, Apopka, FL 32712, Tel: +1-407-254-1902.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Rock Springs is a karst spring in the town Apopka. The water forms the river Rock Springs Run, which is a tributary of Wekiva River. The spring is located in a small park which is called Kelly Park, and is owned by Orange County. But it is only a small part of the Wekiva River Basin, which also includes Wekiwa Springs Run, the Wekiva River, Blackwater Creek and Seminole Creek. Rock Springs Run State Reserve is located to the east, much bigger, and a State Park, but despite the name the actual spring is located in Kelly Park.

Rock Springs differs from the hundreds of other karst springs in Florida, as it is not a spring in the sandy sediment on the bottom of a small lake, from which the water rises. This is an actual spring or resurgence, a 6 m high limestone cliff with a small cave opening from which the water flows out almost horizontally. It is a 2nd magnitude spring, it has a production of 1,600 l/s. The park is quite popular for swimming and tubing, and the cave is actually mot accessible. It is fenced off a few meters from the cave entrance, yet it is close enough so you can have a good look at the cave.

When you visit the park avoid weekends, the park may be crowded on weekends, probably because it is so close to Orlando. During summer its actually quite difficult to even get into the park. There is a limit of 280 vehicles, and the limit is often reached an hour after opening. Another 50 cars may enter at 13:00.