Salt Springs Recreation Area
Posted by: 
footTRAX
N 29° 21.291 W 081° 44.089
17R E 428673 N 3247525
Quick Description: Salt Springs Recreation Area is located in the lush semitropical setting of Ocala National Forest. The area received its name due to the nine vertical fissures rising from deep within the earth. A large manmade pool surrounds the natural springs. The name "Salt Springs" reflects the salinity of the water due to this presence of sodium, potassium, silica, and magnesium salts. In the early 1900s many people came to the springs to get the water, believing it had medicinal healing powers.
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 7/19/2006 1:40:34 PM
Waymark Code: WMHR7
Views: 65
Long Description:The U.S. Forest Service acquired the area in 1979. Renovation of
the campground and day use areas were complete in 1999, making Salt
Springs Recreation Area one of the true jewels of the National
Forest System.
The campground is open year-round with 106 full hookup units and
56 primitive sites. Day use activities are picnicking, swimming,
fishing, snorkeling, bird watching, and hiking. Fishing and boating
opportunities are available at the Salt Springs Marina. Nice
catches of a variety of sport fish are common. Power boat fishing
is most popular, but small boats and canoes can be used. Shoreline
fishing is extremely difficult. Scuba diving is not permitted in
the springs but is allowed in Salt Spring Run outside the swimming
area.
A blue-blazed 4-mile trail connects Salt Springs Recreation Area
with the orange-blazed Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs
the 66-mile north-south length of the Ocala National Forest. A
trailhead access to the blue trail is on Forest Road 22 (the road
to the marina). In addition, the 2-mile Salt Springs Wildlife
Observation Trail is nearby with access and parking 1.5 miles south
of the recreation area on State Highway 19.
Fishing and boating in Salt Springs Run are extremely popular.
Salt Springs Run flows into Lake George, the second largest lake in
Florida, which is actually a wide section of the St. Johns River
accommodating large motorboats. Fishing opportunities are excellent
for freshwater and some saltwater species. Striped bass are one of
the most popular catches. The marina offers boat and canoe rental
as well as bait and tackle sales. Visitors may launch their
personal boats at the marina for a fee.