Fragile Springs Revisited: Salt Springs offers recreation variety in Ocala National Forest
Salt Springs and its sister spring, Silver Glen, 8 miles to the south, are two of the most popular attractions in the Ocala National Forest.
Access to both springs is easy from State Road 19, north of State Road 40, about 35 miles east of Ocala. Silver Glen Springs is a first-magnitude spring.
The “salt” in Salt Springs stems from a slightly salty taste to the water, derived from magnesium, potassium and sodium. Some people believe the waters have healing powers; others just like to swim in the cool, clear waters, so perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
The four “boils” of the headwaters issue more than 50 million gallons of water a day, which flow down the spring run into the nearby and massive Lake George. The spring is classified as second magnitude.
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The springhead is surrounded on three sides by a concrete wall. The bottom is limestone and sand, with spates of vegetation. The depth ranges from 20 feet or so at the spring vents to a few feet in most areas. The springs were formed thousands of years ago, when most of Florida was underwater.
Salt Springs is populated by a variety of fish, such as mullet, large mouth and sunshine bass, tilapia and others. Their scales glint in the sunlight, reflected underwater in flashes of brilliant color, bringing delight to snorkelers. Turtles swim along peacefully, seemingly unfazed by the humans floating overhead. Even blue crabs can be found in these fair waters.
The recreation area at Salt Springs is run by American Land & Leisure, and the amenities include camping for recreational vehicles and tents.
Location: Salt Springs is located at 13851 FL-19 in northeast Marion County in the Ocala National Forest.
About: Located between Lake Kerr and Lake George, Salt Springs is a second-magnitude spring in the Salt Springs Basin. Several vents open into a large, shallow pool only about 2 feet deep, though the vents are much deeper. Its daily flow rate is around 50 million gallons.
Deriving its name from the salty waters and natural mineral spring, Salt Springs was a popular destination in the early 1900s for visitors who believed the spring had medicinal healing powers.
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Surrounded by rolling sand hills, the Salt Springs group turns into Salt Springs Run and flows southeast 4 miles into the northwest corner of Lake George.
Visitors: Salt Springs is open to swimming and snorkeling, as well as fishing and boating in Salt Springs Run. There also are camping and hiking opportunities. Visitors can rent boats and paddlecraft.
The area is typically open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with hours varying by season. Day-use fee is $6.50 per person and $10 per vehicle to park.
Problems: Salt Springs currently has healthy flow levels and nitrate levels well below the maximum set by the state.
However, the vegetation at Salt Springs has been impacted by human recreation with many swimmers in the pool and boaters in the run nearby.
Future: The Ocala National Forest is planning a working group that will look at recreation impacts on the springs. Salt Springs does not currently have any capacity limits, though some advocate all springs that allow recreation should limit visitors.
Contact reporter Danielle Johnson at djohnson@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Salt Springs offers year-round swimming, boating and other recreation
