You’ve seen the photos. There’s a few that keep reappearing in social media and drawing us in. The photo from a high vantage point, kayakers figure 8-ing around a few trees in the center of the emerald spring-fed stream, gently passing by. Yes. It really is as magical as it sounds and looks in photos.
Many people tend to get to the spot mentioned (and pictured) above and turn around after they’ve experienced it. That’s only about a third of the way up. Missing the rest of the paddle up would be a grave mistake, in my opinion. There’s so much wildlife, vegetation, beauty to be seen, and fun to be experienced.
Join me here and let me show you my favorite things about this ‘real Florida’ SUP location. It is sure to inspire you to come out and experience it for yourself.
Let’s do this
Load up the paddleboards, kayaks or canoes and head over to Apopka for one of the best few hours you could spend in Central Florida. As soon as you finish reading this, I’m convinced you will be itching to come out.
What makes this run so unique is the tight narrow stream, the shallow, clear water, and the seclusion you feel tightly tucked into the curves of this meandering river run and wooded surroundings. Somehow, in the midst of the busy crowded city, there sits this perfect wooded, natural spring hideaway.
Once you make it up the spring, it is an easy float back down. I paddle board upstream against the current, and although it can be a great workout, it is still very do-able. I would not categorize this as a beginner paddle, however. There’s some technicalities to it, especially atop a stand up paddleboard (SUP). There are places where logs and branches extend under the water and the current can feel faster in some places than others, which can push you around, especially at the curves and corners.
What’s awesome to see
- Gorgeous emerald clear spring water
- Narrow winding spring run
- Deer
- Turtles
- Otters
- Alligators
- Birds and fish aplenty
- Boar and piglets, if your lucky
- Bears, occationally
- Wild turkeys
- Shallow spring river to swim and wade in
What to bring
- Board and paddle (and pump if you have an inflatable)
- Life vest
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Optional, but suggested:
- Hat
- GoPro with float handle
- Phone with waterproof/float case
- Mask/Snorkel
- Food
- SUP leash
What not to bring
- Alcohol
- Plastic/Foam/Disposable Cups and Containers
Best time to go
I will say this about almost every place in Florida; there is no bad time to visit the springs and get outdoors. During the summertime at this location, Kings Landing, will really fill up. If you are brining your own board, that’s not really an issue. Except for the parking, which will be along the road, and the inexperienced paddlers/canoers/kayakers who are renting from Kings Landing or one of the kayak and paddle board companies who reside here. Due to the fact that this is a tight river, these novice paddlers can get in the way, and also their paddles banging around will often scare off any wildlife.
If your goal is to see the wildlife and enjoy quiet solitude, I absolutely recommend arriving early. They open at 8am. For the same reason, if you want to avoid crowds, weekdays are best. Holidays are ultra busy.
Keep in mind that Rock Springs, or Kelly Park, if you will, reaches capacity daily during warm months. The vehicles they reject often look for alternatives, and Kings Landing is one of those, since its right down the same road and part of the same river.
What you can do
What can’t you do?! There is so much this spot has to offer. Personally I enjoy heading up stream, making a few stops along the way. During these stops, I like to swim, or relax on my board and just enjoy the scenery and watch for wildlife, climb a tree, or snorkel. There’s even a rope swing at the beginning of the paddle. You have to do this, even if its just on the way back from the paddle. So much fun.
The run is about 2 miles to the end. I use some of my stops as marks for how far I have gone, and how far there is yet to go. The first mark is where the platform up in the tree is. I would say that’s about 1/3 of the way to the end point. There are some rickety steps to climb to reach the platform, if you plan to jump. I admit I have not done this. I have seen and heard enough to know, I don’t need to break an ankle or leg. Skip the jump, enjoy the scenery. This is the spot I mentioned at the beginning. The trees in the center of the stream. Kayakers and paddlers can figure 8 around them. It is beautiful. Stop. Swim. Enjoy. Take it all in.
The second mark, for me, is the tree I climb. I always stop for “my tree”. Feel free to pass this up and the next stop comes up pretty quickly. Actually, please just pass it by because its MINE. haha. The true second stop/mark is a spot I call Banana Beach. It has a very shallow area to the right. You will know it when you see it. You cannot float over top the shallow on a SUP because the fin will certainly catch. You can keep to the left and pass by just fine if you don’t plan to stop. I call it banana beach because upon coming up to it, there is a banana tree hanging over the water which often has fruit. In any case, this marks about 2/3 of the way to the end. Enjoy a rest or a snack an then keep going!
The last bits of the way are lovely. Out of the trees, in the sunshine, some houses along the way on the right. Its all private property. Stay on the water. There are a few docks that jut out. One floating. A palm tree to duck under. Once you duck under that, you’re really close to the end of the line.
The end of the Rock Springs Tubing Run at Kelly Park, is at the opposite side of the bridge where our Emerald cut run ends. Perfect last break stop. If you brought a lunch, enjoy it here. The water will be the clearest at this point. This is also where having your leash is beneficial. Tie it to the bridge so it won’t float away, and go for a swim. Savor it! The trip back goes quickly.
Now, all that’s left is to float back downstream. This goes much faster. Slow yourself, steer your vessel, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the ride. This is when I am able to get photos and videos, when I am not struggling against the current.
More fun
Before we move on to the “need to knows”, lets have a bit of fun! I know I do. This location is perfect for cutting up and acting a little childish and foolish. I only appear to be an adult. Ha! Check this video out (and all the previous ones too, because there’s a few tricks mixed into those as well)!
How to get there
Kings Landing
5722 Baptist Camp Rd
Apopka, FL 32712
If you know where Rock Springs / Kelly Park is, then you are golden. Kings landing is at the end of that road. Only a couple miles from the park entrance. Pass it by, and go to the end of the street. You cannot miss it!
I come from the east coast, and the drive is just over an hour for me…. and well, I actually really love it. It takes me through some country roads before spitting me out in the heart of Florida. It is extremely accessible for anyone in Central Florida. I am always amazed that this gem is nestled in the heart of busy central Florida.
What to know
Fee. There’s a $10 fee to launch and return to Kings Landing, using your own vessel. It is per vessel fee, not person. They have return services if you do the longer paddle down with the current to Wekiva Island. That’s a different post (and I will link it here!).
Parking. Inside the gate there is a loop. You may stop and unload your boards or kayaks in the loop, but then return to the parking along the side of the street, outside of the gates. NOTE: You will need to know your vehicle make, model and color parked outside of the gates.
Facilities. Good news, there’s restrooms. Bad news, its not an outhouse, but close to it. But HOORAY for running water and real toilets. There’s also an outdoor shower and hose in case you need to rinse off
That was fun
Thank you for joining me in discovering the Emerald Cut. More than that, I hope you will come out and explore the beautiful spring-fed river for yourselves.
XOXO – Stacy
Always remember, help keep our waters clean and trash-free.
I love hearing back from you! Leave me a note if you’ve been here or plan to!
Comments
Best view in the town !