Rock Springs, Apopka, Florida 32712

## Overview Rock Springs is a stunning natural spring located within Kelly Park in Apopka, Florida, part of Orange County. Known for its crystal-clear water and lush subtropical surroundings, Rock Springs is one of Central Florida's most beloved natural attractions. The spring produces a continuous flow of cool, refreshing water that feeds Rock Springs Run — a scenic waterway popular for tubing, kayaking, and swimming. The spring has historically been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, drawn by the beauty of the spring head and the surrounding old-growth hammock forest. Rock Springs is classified as a second-magnitude spring, pumping out an estimated 26,000 gallons of water per minute. The water temperature remains a consistent 68°F (20°C) year-round, making it a refreshing escape during Florida's hot summers. The water has historically been regarded as clean and clear, fed by the Floridan Aquifer through the area's porous limestone geology. Visitors have long reported that the water tastes fresh and clean, though as with any natural water source, conditions can vary. The spring is situated within Kelly Park, a 248-acre Orange County park that offers picnic pavilions, nature trails, a campground, and restroom facilities in addition to the spring and its run. ## Directions 1. From downtown Apopka, head north on **Rock Springs Road (CR 435)**. 2. Continue on Rock Springs Road for approximately 6 miles. 3. Turn left into **Kelly Park**, located at **400 E. Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712**. (Note: The GPS coordinates and nearest address of 117 Spring Hollow Blvd may guide you to a residential area nearby — use Kelly Park Road for the park entrance.) 4. Follow the park road to the parking area nearest the spring head. 5. The spring is a short walk from the parking lot along a well-maintained path. **Park Hours:** 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally; the park often reaches capacity early on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is strongly recommended). **Admission:** There is a $1.00 per person entry fee (cash). Vehicles with Orange County plates may have different rates — check with the park for current pricing. ## What to Expect Upon arrival at Kelly Park, you'll find a well-maintained public park with paved paths, restrooms, and picnic areas. The spring head itself is a beautiful, bowl-shaped pool of remarkably clear turquoise water surrounded by towering live oaks, palms, and native vegetation. The continuous flow from the spring creates Rock Springs Run, a gentle, winding stream that stretches about a mile through the park — perfect for a lazy tube float. The spring area is fully accessible to the public during park hours. Expect the park to be busy on weekends and holidays, especially during summer months. The park enforces a capacity limit, and once full, no additional vehicles are admitted until others leave. Arriving before 9:00 AM on weekends is highly recommended. Tubing is one of the most popular activities — you can bring your own tube or rent one from vendors near the park. Swimming is allowed at the spring head. The surrounding trails offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the chance to spot turtles, fish, wading birds, and occasionally manatees in the downstream areas. The park also has a campground with tent and RV sites for those who want to extend their visit overnight.