DeLeon Springs State Park - MyParkPhotos.com, The Best Photography Community for Friends of Public Lands

DeLeon Springs State Park

Florida, United States

601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd. DeLeon Springs

(386) 985-4212

http://www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/

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Narrow-Leafed Sunflower © Zack Umbarger

DeLeon Springs State Park, Florida, United States

Category: Flowers
Date Shot: Thu, Apr 15, 2010

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Submitted: Thu, Aug 12, 2010
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Susan Young, Outdoor Writer wrote on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 [ Send Email ]

DeLeon Springs State Park is ideal for kayaking and wildlife photography.

Susan Young, Outdoor Writer wrote on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 [ Send Email ]

DeLeon Springs State Park features incredible birding and wildlife-watching. I enjoy kayaking and hiking there.

Charles Littlewood wrote on Sun, Nov 11, 2007 [ Send Email ]

\"The Prairie\" offers a wide selection of birds and wildlife - especially during the migration and winter. \r\n\r\nWe observed 21 Bald Eagles overhead at one time in January! There is a resident herd of Bison and Wild Horses. The Whooping cranes stopped by last year along with a large quanity of White Pelicans and Sandhill Cranes\r\n\r\nThe park includes excellent camping and access for all. The photography from the bridge is great and has proximity to parking

Susan Young, Outdoor Writer wrote on Wed, Jun 6, 2007 [ Send Email ]

Paddling Trails: From Peace and Quiet to Discovery and Adventure Susan Young, Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Nature photographer Lynn Bowen and I crept along the shoreline at DeLeon Springs, looking for rare birds to photograph. But we weren’t on foot, we were paddling kayaks. Just ahead, a pileated woodpecker was whacking away at some insects, right at the water’s edge. He ignored us as we began taking pictures. Nearby, an ibis and a black-crowned night heron watched impassively. In kayaks, you can get a little closer than on foot. Rent them through the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and paddle all the way to Lake George and back. A new breed of wider, more open, “user-friendly” kayaks are being offered for rentals and guided tours. Now even first-timers can paddle on calm water, looking for dolphins, manatees, birds, turtles, and fish. Our area’s kayak trails, with clear springs and saltwater estuaries, are some of the state’s most beautiful. Look for historic names like Bulow, Pellicer, and Wekiva. In the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs offers canoe rentals. Or you can bring your own kayak. Paddle in sunlit clear water, watching for big turtles and bass. Turn around at the bridge and paddle back upstream, or park a second truck there ahead of time to shuttle back. The Tomoka River Canoe Trail twists around cypress knees before flowing into coastal marsh habitat. Narrow at the trail’s beginning, it widens downstream. The trail leads two miles upstream and returns to the trailhead before continuing downstream to Tomoka State Park. Rent boats from the Tomoka Outpost. Washington Oaks State Park offers guided naturalist and history tours on their marshes through the Coastal Outdoor Center. Two and three-hour tours such as “Wings over Florida” and “Indians of the Estuary” cost about $40 to $60 and are led by a professional kayak guide/naturalist. Double kayaks are used and no experience is necessary. If you’d like to try the St. Johns, the St. Johns River Tours has guided kayak tours based in Blue Spring State Park. Pick a fine morning and go exploring For more info: floridagreenwaysandtrails.org, dep.state.fl.us, discoveryrivercruises.com, coastaloutdoorcenter.com, marinediscoverycenter.org, stjohnsrivercruises.com, mosquitolagoonpaddlers.org, myFWC.com/recreation, and oldfloridapioneer.com (Cracker Creek) Books: Paddler’s Guide to the Sunshine State, by Sandy Huff "Diving for Volusia's treasures" (DeLeon Springs, para. 7) By Susan Young Southeastern Outdoor Press Association The big 'cuda hangs motionless, impassively meeting your gaze. He has come to see who is visiting "his" shipwreck. Scores of brightly colored reef fish turn as a school, disappearing behind the ship's bow. After a long moment, the 'cuda flicks his tail and returns to his post. Eighty feet down off the Daytona Beach coast there's a fascinating world most of us have seen only on TV. However, with modern scuba equipment, and lessons from certified instructors, you can quickly learn to dive and visit Volusia County's undersea treasures. Our county has more than a dozen artificial reefs from 5 to 12 miles offshore. The project was started in 1980 with the sinking of the World War II Liberty ship the USS Mindanao, which created the first artificial reef. Most of the funding for these reefs comes from saltwater-fishing licenses and the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program. Concrete reef balls, hollow, with openings throughout, are molded specially to provide homes for fish. The reef balls, sunken ships and culverts harbor a wide variety of invertebrates and increase reef-fish habitat. According to the volunteer Volusia County Reef Research Dive Team members who monitor the reefs, corals have already established themselves. More "treasures" on these sites include the opportunity to watch sea turtles, eagle rays and sharks, collect shells, and learn underwater photography. Spearfishing, and collecting those tasty lobsters (nicknamed "bugs") are also popular reasons to visit the reefs. Lobster season is Aug. 6 through March 31, and lobster-harvesting requires a license. Volusia County's clear SPRINGS also invite scuba divers. "Open water" divers at the springs watch bass, gars, mullet and turtles glide by. (Divers must stay 50 feet away from any manatees.) At DELEON SPRINGS STATE PARK, diving is allowed only with an instructor. So, you and your family of "Jacques Cousteaus" want to learn to dive together? You'd like to enjoy a diving vacation? "We train from age 12, and have taught many in their 60s, and a few older still," said Rick Coleman of Sea Dog Divers in New Smyrna Beach. Lessons are offered during days and evenings, including on the weekends. Starting with four classroom sessions, students progress to two pool sessions, then one day each of springs and ocean diving. Group and private lessons are available. The cost ranges from $125 to about $180. Students provide their own masks, snorkels, fins and transportation. Sea Dog Divers and Discover Diving also offer group diving trips offshore. Nondivers, called "bubble watchers," may ride along for a small fee if there's room aboard. Fun 2 Dive Scuba, Snorkeling and Kayaking in Sanford offers snorkeling and scuba trips to Crystal River, where divers can interact with the resident manatees, owner Capt. Joseph Detrick said. According to the Professional Association of Diving Professionals, there were 535,286 entry-level scuba certifications issued worldwide in 2005. So, jump right in. Volusia's treasures are waiting. ****For more information about diving lessons and trips, visit www.coastalcharterservices.com, www.seadogdiver.com, www.fun2Dive.com, www.divefl.com, or www.PADI.com.***** To learn more about the regulations governing lobster-harvesting, visit www.myFWC.com/marine/lobster.htm Information about artificial reefs is available at www.Mote.org, www.myFWC.com, and www.VolusiaReefs.org. For more about manatees, visit www.myFWC.com/manatee/. *****For information on Florida's springs, go to www.floridastateparks.org.****** If you'd like to get involved in helping clean up area beaches or rivers, or aiding sea turtles, visit www.volusia.org/environmental. Places to stay near dive sites can be found at www.nsbfla.com, www.stjohnsrivercountry.com. See this article on the Web at www.delandbeacon.com. Conservation and Recreation Areas: Jewels of Volusia by Susan Young, Southeastern Outdoor Press Association IT’S ALL ABOUT THE WATER. Watch the sun set, reflected in the dark mirror of the St. Johns. Listen to the sandhill cranes call as they fly across the water. Feel the weight of a bass as you release it back into its river home. Volusia’s conservation and recreation areas are all linked to the St. Johns. From sprawling Lake George to citywise Gemini Springs, their boating, birding, and trails are all based around the lakes, river, and springs. Even “high and dry” Lyonia is an important recharge area for the watershed. These “jewels” are valuable to us for recreation and contemplation, but they are also priceless for protecting our water supply and our wildlife habitats. I hope you’ll join me in visiting one of these special sites soon. Lyonia Preserve: There are precious few places left in the world where wild birds will come land on you, looking to start a conversation. Just like an oxpecker, scrub jays will light on your head or binoculars, looking for ticks and flies. They’ll perch on a water bottle and swipe water from it, too Florida scrub jays are fascinating, highly intelligent social creatures. They look more like big blue mockingbirds (no crest), and they “talk” with gronking and clicking noises (no “jay-ing”.) Unfortunately, due to dwindling habitat, they’re also rare. Birders and researchers from around the world study them here. However, the most “urban” place to visit with them (and get a nice hike in, too) is Lyonia Preserve. Would you believe it’s located right behind the Deltona Library, within the city of Deltona? (You can also see a few scrub jays, and wild turkeys too, at nearby Blue Spring, Lake Monroe Conservation Area, and Gemini Springs.) This scrub preserve hosts many plant and animal species which are endemic (unique to) scrub habitat. Nearly two dozen plants and ten animal species are protected by the state of Florida. Future site plans include an Environmental Learning Center. Special events: Earth Day. Nearby food: Village Square Diner (Orange City), Subway and Wendy’s in Deltona. Destination: St. Johns River for Relaxation and Fun Susan Young, Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Spring is in the air, it’s time to cure the cabin fever and get out on the St. Johns. In our case, “spring”also means DeLeon Springs and Blue Spring It’s a great time to enjoy the springs and river by boat. Brian Polk, Park Manager at DeLeon, says, “Take an eco/history boat trip with the Fountain of Youth Tours: a 45-minute trip to Spring Garden Lake, and an hour and a half trip to Lake Woodruff. Look for alligators, bald eagles, and many species of wading birds. Birding is excellent now. Bring your binoculars and bird book.”(And bring your relatives and friends.) “After your tour, enjoy a dip in the 72 degree spring and have pancakes or lunch at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant.” Kayaks, canoes, and peddleboats can be rented there. Lt. Bill Hightower pilots an airboat on the St. Johns for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He says, “I love spending time on the water here. DeLeon Spring is a great destination. Silver Glen is nice during the week, and the wide-open spaces south of Lake Monroe are also appealing.” Joy Hill, spokesman for the FWCC, reminds us, “The first full weekend in April is always Free Fishing Weekend. Florida residents can enjoy fishing in (public) fresh water areas without a fishing license.” Locally, you can rent fishing boats, pontoon boats and even house boats. Guided bass trips with captains are also available. Check with Hontoon Marina and Highlands Fish Camp. Astor Marine says, “Want to buy your own boat? Our used boats are a great way to get started.” Blue Spring State Park is also a good place to get on the water. It’s the home of St. Johns River Tours. Owner Ron Woxberg says, “We feel a special kinship with this meandering waterway, its cypress-covered shoreline, great stands of oak hammocks and myriad birds and wildlife.” They also offer kayak tours. So hop aboard and enjoy the St. Johns this spring, there’s something new around every bend. For more info see these websites: floridastateparks/org, myfwc.com/fishing, sjrivercruises.com, astormarine.com, hpfishcamp.com, and hontoonmarina.com. For more park sites, see myparkphotos.com. Lake George Conservation Area: This site is home to one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states Lake George is the second-largest lake in Florida. Its palm and cypress-lined shores are home to bass and gators. This conservation area is near Pierson, and boasts 8500 acres, mostly in pine. Nearly five miles of horseback trails, a one-mile interpretive trail, a fishing pier, and picnic shelter are current amenities. There’s a small boat put-in too. The site allows hunting during normal seasons. Nearby food: The Leatherleaf Restaurant in Pierson. Note: Lake George State Forest, including the Bluffton Recreation Area (near Astor) is managed by the Florida Department of Forestry. Hickory Bluff Preserve: Perched on a bluff over the St. Johns River, this 150 acre site also hosts an eagle’s nest. Otters, gators, manatees, ospreys, barred owls and pileated woodpeckers all live long the river. Two trails loop through a variety of habitats including oak hammocks and cypress domes. Along these trails, you might find bobcat tracks or green-fly orchids. Fishing from the bank might yield bass, brim, shad, catfish, or even a pickerel. This relatively new site near Osteen has a picnic shelter and parking corral. Its future plans may include a kayak put-in. Nearby food: The Osteen Diner. These three conservation areas are managed by Volusia County Land Management. County Naturalist Bonnie Cary creates marvelous tours and educational opportunities on these sites. Please check their website or call the county at 386-740-5261 for schedules. Gemini Springs: One of Volusia’s best water-side birding sites, this county park is tucked between Enterprise and DeBary. Gemini features bicycling, walking trails, canoe rentals and a fishing dock. It also features a shady, fenced Dog Park. Recently, a multi-use paved trail (Spring to Spring) was added from Gemini’s edge to the St. Johns.(Park in the Dirksen Dr. lot or at the Monroe end to access it.) Future plans include adding miles to the Spring to Spring Trail. Special events: Riverfest. Nearby food: Stavros in DeBary. For more park info, see the county’s Leisure Services section or call 386-668-3810. DeLeon Springs State Park: Brian Polk, Park Manager at DeLeon, says, “Take an eco/history boat trip with the Fountain of Youth Tours: a 45-minute trip to Spring Garden Lake, and an hour and a half trip to Lake Woodruff. Look for alligators, bald eagles, otters, and many species of wading birds. Birding is excellent. Bring your binoculars and bird book.”(And bring your relatives and friends.) “After your tour, take a dip in the 72 degree spring and enjoy pancakes, lunch and ice cream at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant.”(They serve until four, and sell Florida books and gifts.) Kayaks, canoes, tubes, and peddleboats can be rented there, too. Rare carnivorous plants grow along the hiking trail. Special events: Civil War re-enactments. Nearby food: Kelli’s Spring Garden Restaurant, Trader Jack’s and Friendly’s. Blue Spring State Park: Famous for its wintertime manatees, Blue Spring is also a good place to get on the water. It’s the home of St. Johns River Tours. Owner and Captain Ron Woxberg says, “We feel a special kinship with this meandering waterway, its cypress-covered shoreline, great stands of oak hammocks and myriad birds and wildlife.” They also offer kayak tours. So hop aboard and enjoy the St. Johns, there’s something new around every bend. The park also features canoe rentals, concession and gift shop, a hiking trail and rental cabins. Future plans: connecting to the Spring to Spring Trail. Special events: The Manatee Festival. Nearby food: Stavros and Gram’s Kitchen in Orange City. Hontoon State Park: Take the free ferryboat to this unique island park, and watch for ospreys, anhingas (“turkey birds”), limpkins and other wading birds. The shady hiking trail features a “bear tree” where they’ve sharpened their claws. “Hontoon is rarely as crowded as Blue Spring and is a great place to enjoy a quiet afternoon fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying nature,” says Park Manager Robert Rundle. For more info on these marvelous State Parks, see their website at www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/ . Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge: Famous for their “snowbirds”, a pair of extremely rare whooping cranes, the Refuge also hosts hundreds of summertime swallow-tailed kites. The miles of impoundments are managed to benefit waterfowl such as fulvous whistling ducks, wood ducks, teals and mergansers. Visitors can hike, bike, and visit the Lookout Tower to watch for rare species. Boaters can access from DeLeon Springs State Park or Highland Park Fish Camp. (However, camping is not allowed in the Refuge.) Special events: Audubon or “Friends of the Refuge” guided tours. Nearby food: The Sugar Mill Restaurant, Trader Jack’s and Friendly’s. Stop by headquarters for a map and their gift shop. Visit the Refuge online at fws.gov, or call 386-985-0926. For more info please see these websites: floridastateparks/org, myfwc.com, sjrivercruises.com, floridawildlifeviewing.com, sjrwmd.com, volusia.org, fws.gov, floridabirdingtrail.com, floridatrail.org, fl-dof.com, rogerfulton.com, billbelleville.com, astormarine.com, hpfishcamp.com, river-of-lakes.com, and hontoonmarina.com. For more beautiful park sites, see myparkphotos.com. For Susan Young’s latest Outdoors Outlook article, see delandbeacon.com. Florida native Susan Young is an award-winning freelance outdoors writer, photographer and illustrator. Her work has been published in Birds & Blooms, SportsCar magazine, Outdoor Florida, and many others. In 2006, she won Photo of the Day (July 6) on The Weather Channel Susan's professional organizations include the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA), the Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA), and the League of American Pen Women. She was also an Olympic Torchbearer and DAR Conservation Medal recipient. Her specialties include fishing, kayaking, hiking, birding, eco-tourism, environmental education, and native plants.

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