PADDLING THE RIVER- SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK,FLORIDA

There is something magical about kayaking the blue waters of the beautiful Silver River. For this seasoned paddler, there is nothing more calming than the rhythm of a paddle stroke in pristine waters rich in history. Paddling the river in Silver Springs State Park, Florida, between the canopies of trees, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, has always been an unforgettable experience for us.

Founded in 1852, located in the Ocala National Forest and known for its crystal blue waters and glass bottom boat tours, Silver Springs became an attraction to adventurous travelers and outdoor enthusiast alike. Noted as Florida’s first tourist attraction and the largest artesian springs in the world, Silver Springs soon had Hollywood knocking at her doors. Several motion pictures were filmed and as you paddle your way down, you can still see remnants of the old movie relics. You can learn about the rich history here.

NAVIGATING TO THE LAUNCH AREA

We love to camp at the Silver Spring State Park which is a short drive to the main park entrance. (Want to camp too? )With your camp pass, the state park entrance fee is waived or $2. Drive past the park’s main entrance into the parking lot. As you pull in, you will notice a parking area to your right blocked off for anyone who has brought their private vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. It is the only place to get close enough to unload so make sure to grab all your extra gear and life jackets before you park.

**PRO TIP** If you are transporting two kayaks down the long path to the water, have both paddlers grab the tow rope on front & back of each kayak. By positioning in the front and back, you are able to tote both kayaks at the same time saving energy!

Make your way down to the kayak rental concession area. This is where you can rent, pay the launch fee, reserve a tour, and arrange a shuttle service back from Ray Wayside Park. They will also have a storm update if you are paddling during the summer. The kayak launch is right past this. If you have brought your own kayak, you will launch and disembark on the left-hand side. On most occasions, the rental staff will not assist in loading or unloading you out of or into the water.

EPIC PADDLING TOURS

Searching the internet for paddling tours at Silver Springs did not disappoint and with warmer weather right around the corner, there were a few that looked fun. Have you paddled any of the options listed? Let us know down in the comments!

• Manatee Clear Kayak Tour
• The Manatee Experience Full River & Picnic Tour
• Manatees & Monkeys Clear Kayak Tour

PADDLING THE RIVER

Who’s ready to paddle?! The beautiful thing is whether this is your first time or you have levels of experience, there are several routes from the launch point you can take.

FORT KING WATERWAY

The Fort King Waterway trail is my favorite. Once used only for the jungle cruise, it was opened up to paddlers in 2013. From the launch, paddle a short distance and turn right,(before the park bridge.) The crystal-clear water is a favorite and during the warmer months can stay pretty congested for a bit. This 1.1-mile loop can be done in an hour but I recommend enjoying the wildlife and taking pictures. This trail is where we see the most manatees. Keep an eye out because they will bump your kayak playing. I had one bump in the front and nearly sent me swimming. 

THE SPRING BASIN

The Spring Basin is also a fun spot to paddle. It is also a short distance from the launch area and can be accessed from paddling upstream from the Silver River as well. While exploring here, be aware of the glass bottom boats that currently use this on their tour.

THE SILVER RIVER TRAIL

The Fort King Waterway opens up to the Silver River. You will also see mile markers along the way. From here, your journey is slightly under 6 miles. Keep this in mind if you are kayaking upstream back. The current is mild at 3 miles per hour. Philip and I paddled almost to the end before heading back and the current and wind were brutal in September from an offshore storm. We were pretty wiped out!

This area is also very busy with paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks. It is a lot of fun to be out there with all the other nature enthusiasts! This is one of the most scenic spring runs in Florida. Lush with vegetation, playful otters, and sunning alligators. 

MANATEES, MONKEYS, AND GATORS OH MY!

When paddling the river at Silver Springs State Park, Florida, The Silver River Trail is where you will see the most wildlife. There is a vast array of Florida native birds to all the sunning turtles on logs. The biggest gator I ever saw was swimming on the other side of the river! Thankfully! We just kick back and let the current take us downstream photographing everything!

You can not kayak Silver Springs without talking about the monkeys. Roaming around since the 1930’s, the rhesus macaques. It is estimated to be home to about 300 currently. Unfortunately, we have not been lucky enough to see them. A word of caution- the monkeys can be very aggressive so it is advised that you keep your distance. They are also rumored to like Little Debbie’s and sandwiches…don’t feed the monkeys ya’ll! Fingers crossed we will see the cuties on the next trip.

A FEW ADDITIONAL THINGS TO NOTE:

• Only service dogs are allowed on rented property. Honestly, leave Fido at home. Gators love them.
• Do Not feed the monkeys or the gators.
• Do Not approach or harass the wildlife. Give them plenty of room.

If you decide to paddle all the way down to Ray Wayside Park, you can arrange for a shuttle to pick you up and bring you back to the park. The trip from the launch area is a 6-mile round trip at about 3-4 hours depending on how often you stop. You can also leave a car there if you are traveling with friends. 

BEST TIME TO PADDLE

When is the best time to head to paddle the river at Silver Springs State Park? It’s Florida! So honestly any time is the right time. If we are being technical, parts of the run are in full sun and it can get pretty brutal during the summer months. Keep in mind hurricane season and the river current. The river is also very congested with boats (no-wake zone,) and people in general. However, if you would like your adventure a bit on the quieter side, head out first thing in the mornings during the week and/or skip the weekends. In our experience, September through May work out the best for us on busy rivers. 

WHERE IS THIS AMAZING RIVER TO PADDLE?!

• Silver Springs State Park 5656 E. Silver Springs, Blvd., Silver Springs, Florida, 34488.
• The Park is open from 8am to Sundown .
• Rentals begin at 8am, with the last rental at 4pm and all rentals need to be in by 5pm.
• If you opted for the shuttle service from Ray Wayside Park, your last time to rent is 12:30pm-Make sure you have made your return reservation at time of rental.
• Always check your weather before heading out. Florida is fickle & can change pretty quick. The rental concession stand will have the latest weather updates for you.
• Don’t over do it! The ONLY location to exit between the headspring launch and Ray Wayside boat launch is at the 2-mile mark. Keep an eye out for the mile markers in case you fatigued early.
• Watch out for the boats & jet skis. Even though it is a “no-wake area”, the waves from especially the jet skis can be tough. I have been tossed around a few times so “heads up!”

PADDLING THE RIVER ADVENTURE GEAR

• Rental Fees: Private Vessel’s are $4 & include kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. The park entrance fee is $2. It’s free if you camped at Silver Springs State Park & you will need to present your camping tag.
• Rentals range from $30-$90. Grab all the rental stats here.
• Silver River Kayak Rentals & HERE.
• Grab the sunscreen.
• Bug Spray is a must.
• We love a good dry bag & dry pouch for phones
• Towel
• Waterproof Chafing cream-you’ll thank me later!
• Camera/Phone
• Water & Snacks
• Shoes to get wet
• Hat-the wider the brim the better!
• Snacks for the monkeys. Just kidding!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FLORIDA PADDLE TRAILS?

Steeped in so much beauty, paddling the river at Silver Springs State Park, Florida, always leaves us feeling blessed. Steeped in rich history, the diverse wildlife, canopies of trees and all the native plantings, we leave the clear blue river with tons of new memories, a camera full of pictures, and a promise of a quick return. A few other trails we can’t wait to try are Weeki Wachee Springs, Kings Landing in Apopka, Florida, and of course, kayaking the mangrove tunnels in St. Pete, Florida. So, until the next adventure….happy wandering or in this case, paddling Friends!