Rock Springs Run, Florida
One of the top and most popular paddling spots in central Florida is Rock Springs Run in Apopka. Located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Orlando, the best way to access this beautiful location is from King’s Landing.
Rock Springs Run is famous for Emerald Cut, one of the most stunning areas of a Florida spring and one you’ve likely seen in photos. This popular spot attracts visitors with its crystal-clear blue waters and lush, jungle-like surroundings.
Launches:
1. King’s Landing
- Primary paddle launch for Rock Springs Run and the best way to access Emerald Cut.
- Launch your own vessel, rent kayaks, canoes or paddle boards or take a tour (Self-launch $10).
- Located about 2 miles downstream from the head of Rock Springs Run which is part of Kelly Park.
- Visit King’s Landing website for a full list of amenities and prices.
Emerald Cut *note I went after a heavy rainfall causing tannins to leech into the water.
Paddling down Rock Springs Run
2. Wekiwa Springs State Park
- Self launch or rent canoes and kayaks.
- Paddle up Rock Springs Run or along Wekiva River.
- Additional activities include swimming, hiking, biking, and camping.
- Check out Wekiwa Springs State Park website for a full list of amenities and park fees.
3. Wekiva Island
- Self-launch, rent or take a tour with Paddleboard Orlando.
- An entrance fee applies during peak times and the area gets packed quickly in the summer months.
- Regardless if you are paddling, Wekiva Island is a super fun place to swim, relax and enjoy food and drinks.
- Visit Wekiva Island for a full list of activities and events.
Other Access Points on Wekiva River:
King’s Landing Rock Springs Run Routes:
- The Emerald Cut potion of the Rock Springs Run is located just a short and moderate paddle upstream from King’s Landing. This paddle, which takes approximately 1.5 hours round trip, is beginner-friendly, though more effort is required when going upstream to Emerald Cut. Be sure to give yourself extra time if you want to relax and take photos.
- Full Rock Springs Run/Shuttle Run is 8.5 miles and takes about 4.5 hours *not including the 2-mile up-and-back paddle to Emerald Cut. If you’re taking the shuttle from Wekiva Island back to King’s Landing and want to do Emerald Cut you need to launch when King’s Landing first opens.
- The perfect mix: paddle up to Emerald Cut and back and down part of Rock Springs Run before returning to King’s Landing. You have to paddle against the spring but it is typically not strong and easily doable.
Not a paddler? You can still enjoy Rock Springs Run!
- Kelly Park, at the head of Rock Springs Run near King’s Landing, is a popular spot to enjoy the 68-72 degree waters. You can swim, snorkel, tube and relax on the natural lazy river. Note that you can’t launch a paddling vessel here and the area is roped off if you paddle up stream from King’s Landing.
- Wekiva Island and Wekiwa Springs State Park both have swimming areas.
Tips:
- Plan your day and paddle!
- It’s a popular area and can get busy. If possible, book your launch, tour or rental well in advance.
- There is only 1 shuttle per day from Wekiva Island back to Kings Landing.
- The majority of Rock Springs Run and Wekiva River is wild with not a lot of places to get off your paddle vessel.
- Visit Wekiva Island for an apres paddle or take in the natural lazy river at Kelly Park.
- One of the best parts is that motorized vessels are prohibited on Rock Springs Run, making the area even more serene. However, it’s important to note that it can get crowded especially around Emerald Cut and any launch/swimming points, diminishing some of its charm and tranquillity. To avoid the crowds, visit during the winter months. If you’re there on a cooler day, you’ll witness the early morning mist rising off the water.
- If you plan to visit King’s Landing keep in mind its entrance is just past and down the street from Kelly Park which can also get very busy. Be sure not to get caught in the road queue for Kelly Park.
- Bring sunscreen and other forms of sun protection.
- Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
- Bring a waterproof camera. The scenery is lush and beautiful and the water is crystal clear at Emerald Cut! Plus there are lots of wildlife viewing opportunities: tons of birds, turtles, alligators and otters. Give the wildlife lots of space and remember you’re visiting them in their home.
Overall:
- I highly recommend launching from King’s Landing and visiting Emerald Cut; especially in the winter months when they first open in the morning. I would also recommend stopping for lunch or a drink at Wekiva Island for an apres paddle.
Other Resources & Florida Paddle Locations:
- Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System
- Florida Parks Service: Wekiva River/Rock Springs Run Paddling Trail Guide.
- Paddle Wekiva Map Brochure.
2 Comments
Tony Felgueiras
Great resource, especially all the maps!
Marybeth
Thanks so much! It’s a beautiful area to paddle!