Main Page - Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Manager's Message

Lower Wekiva has some wonderful hiking trails; opportunities include wildlife observation and enjoying some of the Real Florida. This portion of property has no facilities so please be prepared when you visit, it’s recommended to bring water, snack, trail map, compass, and a cell phone with you.

Katie’s Landing, part of Lower Wekiva, is under construction. We hope to have this open in March of 2009. The improvements include parking, restroom facility and picnic tables. Launching of canoes and kayaks will be available and visitors can enjoy a five-hour trip on the Wekiva River, departing Wekiwa Springs State Park and finishing at Katie’s Landing. Watch for this activity beginning in April, 2009.

The Fechtel Tract of Lower Wekiva offers visitors an opportunity to bring their horses with them and ride some very scenic trails through several habitat communities. The trails can also be utilized by hikers and off road bicycles. Be sure to bring with you the things needed to make an enjoyable visit such as water, snacks, insect repellent, trail map, compass, and cell phone.

We look forward to serving you and your family.
- Warren Poplin, Park Manager

Welcome to Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Central Florida nature exists in its purest form along four miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek. For thousands of years, Native Americans valued the abundance of wildlife in this area. This system of blackwater streams and wetlands provides habitat for black bears, river otters, alligators, wood storks, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can stroll along the Sand Hill Nature Trail for a self guided tour of the native Florida plants and wildlife found at the park. Canoeists can paddle through the park on the Wekiva River. Equestrian camping is available in designated areas and can be reserved by calling Wekiwa Springs State Park. Horse stalls and corrals are available for equestrian campers. Located nine miles west of Sanford on State Road 46.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, please call (407) 884 2008.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. The park office hours are 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Driving Directions

The Northern Entrance into the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is located off of S.R. 44 in Pine Lakes. From S.R. 44, turn south onto Oak Avenue. and west onto Swift Road. Follow Swift Road to the end of the paved road and turn south into the Preserve (address: 38015 Fechtel Rd, Eustis, FL, 32726). The Southern Entrance into the Preserve is located nine miles west of Sanford on S.R. 46. From Interstate 4, take Exit 101C and travel west on State Road 46 for approximately nine miles to the park entrance which will be on the right (address: 8300 W SR 46, Sanford, FL, 32711).

Please call the park at (407) 884 2008 if further directions are needed.