THE WEKIVA RIVER

Length: 16 miles

Canoeing time: 8 hours

Access:Start: Wekiva Springs Road, Wekiva Marina or Katie's Landing.

Finish:Katie's Landing or Highbanks Road , Debary. Information: Wekiva Springs State Park, Apopka Fl.

The Wekiva River winds for 16 miles through the peaceful cypress and maples of the Wekiva Swamp in Central Florida near Orlando.Forty-eight million gallons of water pour daily into the river from Wekiva Springs and from Rock Springs, 7 miles upstream. The clear aquamarine water at the Wekiva springhead is a popular cooling-off spot on hot summer weekends, and the upper portion of the river may be crowded with canoes. The trail can be linked to the Rock Springs Run canoe trail for a longer trip.

To reach the put-in point, drive 1 mile east of the Wekiva Springs State Park entrance on Wekiva Springs Road.Turn north on Miami Springs Road, drive about 1/4 mile the Wekiva Marina.

The river flows swiftly at the marina, but canoeists can still paddle upstream about a mile to Wekiva Springs, where the constant 72-degree water temperature makes ideal swimming and snorkeling.

Downstream from the marina a 1/2 mile, the river flows around a chain of islands. Just a few years back squatters inhabited most of these islands, the state moved them out in the 80's.

After passing Katie's Landing, the first takeout,the river narrows and the current picks up speed.Near the end of the trail, the river widens before entering the St. Johns River .Tall imposing cypress trees spread out in all directions at these point

Large powerboats use the St. Johns River and create heavy wakes. Cross the river to the opposite shore. Follow the shoreline north about 2 miles and take out at the public boat ramp at High Banks Landing. The landing is at the end of High Banks Road, off 17-92 in Debary.