Alexander Creek in Florida

Trip Overview

Alexander Creek originates at Alexander Springs in Florida's Ocala National Forest. The spring gushes out approximately 70 million gallons of 72 degree Fahrenheit crystal clear water daily and flows in a circuitous easterly route for 10 miles through unspoiled wilderness eventually emptying into the St. Johns River. The run is surrounded by subtropical vegetation of palms, hardwood swamp, and sand pine and the creek is heavily populated with aquatic vegetation.

Alexander Creek differs significantly from many other Florida spring fed runs in the sense that it starts out slow-moving and wide (first photo taken from bridge), but downstream becomes quite narrow, swift, and intimate (second photo), just the opposite of most others.

You can start the run from Alexander Springs Park. There is an admission fee around $3 per person. Canoes can be rented for about $26. Camping is available for a fee. There is not a boat ramp, but canoes and kayaks can be unloaded and carried to the spring. The park includes swimming at the spring head, nature trails, picnic areas and food concessions. There is a bridge you pass over before you arrive at the park. We put in at this bridge (no fees). It is about a mile paddle to the spring from the bridge. If you paddle to the spring you will have to pay the park fee to gain access to the spring head or disembark to use the park facilities.

Directions:

Use a current Florida map. SR 40 runs east to west from I95 (Daytona) on the east to I70 (Ocala) on the west. From either direction take SR40 to SR445 (half way) and turn south. SR445 splits almost immediately into 445A and 445 keep left on 445. Follow 445 to the bridge or park to put in (almost six miles).