Address:
49525 County Rd 445
Altoona, FL 32707
Denise led this tour to Alexander Springs to do some critter watching.
Alexander Spring, in the Ocala National Forest, is a first-magnitude
spring that feeds into Alexander Creek, a long river run. The first 5
miles is a broad, slow-moving stream. The central section is a more
narrow, winding stream and then the stream becomes broad and slow moving
again.
Diverse wildlife can be seen along the run including hawks, moor hens,
cormorants, ducks, ospreys, deer, otters, raccoons, turtles, bears and
alligators.
Florida has around 2,000 black bears. Most of these are concentrated in
five major areas, one of which is the Ocala National Forest. Black bears
do not attack humans unless they are provoked. It is very important to
keep human food away from bears, as they will approach looking for food.
Click here for more info on staying Bear Aware.
Alexander Springs Recreational Area is a popular destination with
camping, picnicking, snorkeling, a boardwalk, and hiking - this is the
only area in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted.
Two segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail run through the area.
The entrance fee to Alexander Springs is $5.50, and its is very easy to
launch canoes & kayaks here. There is lots to explore in the head
spring & along the river run.
Lots of fish & turtles have made Alexander Springs their home....
Sunfish
Bass
Many people kayak or canoe the length of this run to the north shore at
52 Landing. There is no shuttle service back to the springs, so you must
self-shuttle or paddle back to the springs.
Click here for a Map of Alexander Run
Camping is available at Alexander Springs for $21 per night. The 67-unit
campground can accommodate tents and recreation vehicles up to 35 feet.
Campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis or by calling
1-877-444-6777 or at
www.recreation.gov.
There are no electrical, water or sewer hookups, but hot showers and a
dump station are provided. A concessionaire sells snacks, groceries,
ice, charcoal, firewood, beach items and personal items. Campers at
Alexander Springs have 24 hour access to the gates with an access code.
Alexander Springs is located along CR 445 in the northeast corner of
Lake County between Astor and Altoona. The GPS co-ordinates are Latitude
: 29.078245 ; Longitude:
-81.577837. The address is 49525 County Rd 445, Altoona, FL 32707. Opening hours are 8am-8pm.
Denise Byrne Johnson
Marine Biologist/OW, Tech and Cave Instructor
denise@dayo.com
Orlando, Florida
