Bicycling

Cyclists of all levels can find a challenging and enjoyable ride in the Preserve. Bicycling is permitted on the Nature Trail located at the Southern entrance of the preserve (trail is approximately 2.5 miles). The 18 miles of trails located at the Northern entrance of the preserve are multi-use trails and bicyclists are welcome. Because the trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, horseback rider, or park vehicle. Please stay on designated trails, ride responsibly, and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.

Persons under the age of 16 are required by State Law to wear a helmet while bicycling.

The trails are located in a wilderness area.
Please take water, a compass and a map when utilizing them.

Boat Ramp

Canoe and kayak launching only is available at the area formerly known as "Katie's Landing" off of SR 46 in Sorrento. This is the only launch area in the preserve.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Lower Wekiva River Preserve does not have launch facilities for your canoes. You can travel through the Preserve via the Wekiva River, however you must launch from outside locations.

Facilities

There is one restroom in the area near the horse stalls. This facility is ADA accessible and there is ADA parking directly in front of the building.

Hiking/Nature Trails

The self-guided Sand Hill Nature Trail offers a leisurely 50-minute walk (approximately 2.5 miles). Visitors can access this trail through the southern entrance of the preserve off of S.R. 46.

There are 18 miles of multi-use trails for hiking accessible at the Northern entrance of the Preserve off S.R. 44. Because these trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional bicyclist, horseback rider, or park vehicle.

Please stay on designated trails, hike responsibly, and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your hike accordingly.

The trails are located in a wilderness area.
Please take water, a compass and a map when utilizing them.

Horse Camping

Primitive Horse camping is available inside the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park entrance off of SR 44.
Horses are welcome in the northern portion of Lower Wekiva located off of SR 44 in Lake County. Horses are not allowed on the southern portion of Lower Wekiva. This is the portion of the property is located off of SR 46, just east of the Wekiva River in Seminole County.

Fees are dependent upon the ratio of campers to horses, so please call the Ranger Station at Wekiwa Springs State Park at 407-884-2008 for exact fee information. Reservations are required and can be made no more than 60 days in advance. Call 407/884-2008 to make reservations. An accurate count of campers and horses is required for all reservations. All reservations made by phone can be held with a Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American Express, or if paying by check, it must be received no later than 10 days from the date the reservations are made.

At least one member of the camping party must be 18 years of age. Pack in all food, water and firewood and pack out all trash. A bathhouse/restroom facility is available for campers. Ground grills are provided and fires are only permitted in these grills. Tents are permitted and must be pitched in designated camping areas only. The collection of fire wood is prohibited.

RV and trailer parking are on a first-come first-serve basis. Horse stalls and corrals are also on a first come-first serve basis. Posts for tethers are available, but temporary fencing of any kind is not permitted. Non-potable water is available for the horses and there are troughs in several locations.

Proof of negative Coggins must be carried at all times.

Horse Trails

Their are 18 miles of horse trails accessible through the Northern entrance of the Preserve.

Horses and riders are required to stay on the designated horse trails.

Because the trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, bicyclist, or park vehicle. Please ride responsibly, and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.

Proof of Negative Coggins is required.

The trails are located in a wilderness area.
Please take water, a compass and a map when utilizing them.

Pets

Pets are welcome in the preserve and on the trails. Pets are not permitted in any primitive camping area (horses are permitted for camping but only in the horse camping area). Pets must be kept on a six-foot handheld leash. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property.

Primitive Camping

Primitive camping at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is only available to those camping with horses. Please see additional information under "Horse Camping" .

Showers

There is a shower facility in the area near the horse stalls. This facility is ADA accessible and there is ADA parking directly in front of the building.

Wildlife Viewing

The Florida black bear, river otter, American alligator, sandhill crane, indigo snake and a variety of more common native species may be observed while horse-back riding, hiking, bicycling or canoeing through the Preserve.