Located in Orange City, Florida, the Blue Spring State Park bike trail is a must-visit destination for state park touring enthusiasts. This paved multi-use trail is part of the larger Spring-to-Spring Trail, offering a scenic and accessible way to explore the park’s natural beauty.
The Blue Spring State Park Bike Trail
The Blue Spring State Park bike trail is a 1.0 mi (1.6 km) long paved trail that is suitable for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating. It is a segment of the Spring-to-Spring Trail, which, when completed, will span 26 miles from Gemini Springs Park to DeLeon Springs State Park.
Trail Length and Elevation
The Blue Spring State Park bike trail has an elevation gain of 29 ft (8.8 m). For those looking for a longer trail within the park, the Pine Island Trail is estimated to be 4.9 mi (7.9 km) long.
Accessibility
Blue Spring State Park is committed to providing accessible features for visitors with disabilities. The park’s website offers detailed information on the available accessible amenities.
Park Hours and Fees
The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle. During peak visitation periods, visitors may experience long lines and temporary park closures due to capacity limitations. It is recommended to plan your visit accordingly and consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Manatee Protection and Conservation
Blue Spring State Park is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. During manatee season, mid-November through March, swimming or diving with manatees is strictly prohibited to protect these gentle creatures. Visitors can still enjoy various activities such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, hiking, and boating during this period.
Additional Activities
In addition to the bike trail, Blue Spring State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including:
- Launching a canoe or kayak
- Taking a guided river boat cruise
- Hiking along the spring run or the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail
- Camping at the full-facility campground or primitive campsites
References
- Florida Family Nature. (2015). Spring-to-Spring Trail from Lake Beresford Park to Blue Spring State Park. Retrieved from https://www.floridafamilynature.com/2015/01/spring-to-spring-trail-from-lake-beresford-park-to-blue-spring-state-park.html
- AllTrails. (n.d.). Blue Spring State Park. Retrieved from https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/florida/blue-spring-state-park
- Florida State Parks. (n.d.). Blue Spring State Park. Retrieved from https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park
- Trailforks. (n.d.). Blue Spring State Park, Orange City Mountain Biking Trails. Retrieved from https://www.trailforks.com/region/blue-spring-state-park-19123/
- Volusia County. (n.d.). Spring-to-Spring Trail. Retrieved from https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/trails/spring-to-spring.stml