Alexander Springs Canoe Run
The Alexander Springs Creek Canoe run begins at the Alexander Springs Campground in the beautiful Ocala National Forest. It eventually empties into the St. Johns River and has a current of approximately one mile per hour. It starts at the campground and crosses under County Road 445 and continues through wilderness area to a pickup point that is 7 ½ miles from the campground. The trip is 4-5 hours long. This is an ideal run for the beginner as well as the advanced canoeist. It is quite open and rarely will you find obstacles in the run. Canoeist must get out at the pickup point located 7 ½ miles from the campground where they will be transported back to the campground. Those desiring not to make the 7 ½ mile trip may elect to rent the canoe on an hourly basis and just wander around the run and return to the campground via canoe.

The canoe run abounds with wildlife, and if you are quiet you could see black bear, deer, raccoon, turkey, alligators and numerous species of birds. Fishing is allowed, however you must have a Florida Fishing License.

The campground opens at 8:00 A.M. daily and those desiring to take the 7 ½ mile trip must rent the canoe by 12 Noon. The fee is $26.00 with re-haul. The last pickup will be 4:30 P.M. Other rates are: $10.50 for two hours, $17.00 for four hours and $26.00 all day without re-haul. Life vests, paddles and whistles are provided. A concession store is available for soft drinks, sandwiches, snacks, ice, cameras etc.

Directions: From Altoona go north on Hwy 19 to County Road CR445. Turn east on CR 445 and go approximately 5 miles east to the Alexander Springs Recreation Area Entrance. If coming on Hwy 40 turn south on Hwy 19 to CR 445 and then east approximately 5 miles to the Alexander Springs Recreation Area.