Ponce de Leon Springs State Park (Blog Hike #829)

Trails: Spring Run and Sandy Creek Trails

Hike Location: Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Geographic Location: east of Defuniak Springs, FL (30.72155, -85.92989)
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date Hiked: December 2020
Overview: A pair of short, flat nature trails near fantastic Ponce de Leon Springs.
Park Information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ponce-de-leon-springs-state-park
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=940583
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: In the Florida panhandle, take I-10 to SR 81 (exit 96). Exit and go north on SR 81.  Drive SR 81 north 0.8 miles to US 90 and turn right on US 90.  Drive US 90 east 0.2 miles to Ponce de Leon Springs Road and turn right on Ponce de Leon Springs Rd.  The park entrance is 0.8 miles ahead on the right.  Pay the entrance fee and park in the only parking lot.

The hike: Have you ever wanted to take a dip in the fountain of youth?  While the cool refreshing waters of Ponce de Leon Springs in the Florida panhandle probably do not have magical powers, they may make you feel a little younger.  The springs are named for the famous Spanish explorer who in 1513 led the first official European exploration of Florida.  Consisting of two limestone vents located only feet apart, Ponce de Leon Springs release 14 million gallons of fresh 68 degree water every day, and they provide a major source of aquatic recreation.

            Acquired only in 1970, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park protects 406 acres near its namesake springs.  The park consists of two units, but only the northern unit around the springs offers any amenities for visitors.  On point, the springs area features a shower house, some picnic tables, access to the springs, and two short nature trails.  Hiking both of the nature trails forms the route described here.

Exiting the shower house

            Begin by walking through the shower house's breezeway and walking down the boardwalk and concrete path to the springs.  The blue tinted water dotted with cypress trees gives the large springs a unique look, and the well-constructed water access includes steps, a diving platform, and several sitting areas.  Some picnic tables sit beside the springs, so take some time to admire the aquatic scenery.

Ponce de Leon Springs

Bridge over Spring Run

            After viewing the springs, walk across the wooden bridge over Spring Run, Ponce de Leon Springs' outlet, to find the signed start of the Spring Run Trail.  The Spring Run Trail forms a short loop around the narrow peninsula that separates Spring Run and Sandy Creek, and I chose to turn left to hike the loop clockwise.  The white sandy dirt trail heads downstream with the clear waters of Spring Run on your left.  I had a fun time watching bluegills and other small fish swim around in the stream.

Hiking along Spring Run

            At 0.25 miles, you reach the confluence of Spring Run and Sandy Creek.  Notice the contrast between Spring Run's clear spring water and the tannin-stained waters of Sandy Creek.  The trail curves sharply right here and begins heading upstream along Sandy Creek.  At 0.4 miles, you return to the springs area to complete the Spring Run Trail.

Start of Sandy Creek Trail

            Cross the footbridge back over Spring Run and then turn right to find the signed start of the Sandy Creek Trail.  The Sandy Creek Trail heads down the east bank of Spring Run, and careful looking across the creek may give you glimpses of the Spring Run Trail you just hiked.  Upon reaching the confluence of Spring Run and Sandy Creek for a second time, the trail curves left to head downstream along Sandy Creek for a short distance.

Sandy Creek

            At 0.6 miles into the hike, the trail curves left again to leave the bank of Sandy Creek and head into the woods.  Oak and magnolia trees dominate this forest, and a decent amount of palmetto appears in the understory.  Just shy of 1 mile, the Sandy Creek Trail returns you to the picnic area beside the springs.  A short walk past Ponce de Leon Springs and through the shower house breezeway returns you to the parking lot to complete the hike.