Welaka State Forest Mud Spring Trail — Attraction in Florida

Remember most importantly to stay STRAIGHT the whole way in. I want to tell you most importantly , that this trail is absolutely doable. I have a hard time with arthritis and I was concerned about the hike, but boy was I relieved when the whole trail was very level and neatly accessible throughout. I had asked a lady if there was any fishing because I had remembered , but didn’t see it on the sight map once I got there , and she said yes but it’s a long hike back there. Well it wasn’t really at all. Maybe 10-15 min tops. Kids could do it easily. A stroller could be taken easily as well. When you get to the spring itself , it’s mesmerizing beautiful. Not much to look at snorkeling wise, but absolutely refreshing after the hike. Now my favorite part- the fishing. Because the water flows into the creek from the spring you see a lot of baby bass, a couple two pounders, and lots of bait fish. There are plenty of turtles and an occasional baby alligator. I feel like this may be a locals spot as well, and everyone seemed friendly, the only thing that was a bummer was a guy with a dog didn’t clean up its poop and I thought it nasty as it was in the walking trail. The dock is fortified and easily to walk, and the scenery is so beautiful. The forest is that beautiful north Florida lush and green, and the trip was pretty cool as we passed the Striper fishery and many many little places to eat that looked inviting. It’s defiantly worth the trip and photo memories. Do not forget your bug spray, a snack and a bottled water. You’ll want to stay awhile...

We saw a water moccasin in the water here. (Video attached) it was on the deck/bridge you can walk out over the water so be very alert. The spring is very shallow (waste deep on a 9 year old) except where it bubbles up under water. You can see the sand moving constantly. There are steps to enter on one side but that is one of the deepest parts with a huge boulder under water so we went in on the other side where it’s muddy. Most of the trail was dry and very flat with shady parts and sunny parts. There are LOTS of options for different directions you can’t take but mostly it’s a big loop. I recommend either having an app open (all trails seemed wrong at one point) and following the green trail markings. Parking is free but it says fee area when you go through the fence...

Had this on my radar for awhile now. Knot the best stop but should be worth a visit. Ya half 2 walk a mile to get to the mug springs. It was memorial weekend mind ya, to my surprise it wasn’t crowded @ all ??? A little murky water when I got there. Minutes later ya kan c the bottom. U can safely stand and in the spring provide if you’re over 4’ ft plus. Muddy bottom which feels good for sum folk. Ya can change clothes after a hike which it ain’t a bad idea to go swimmin. Trails r...