Andrew’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Located in the heart of Salt Springs, on State Road 19 between County Road 314 & 316, Salt Springs Recreation Area is open year-round and is a major attraction for locals & visitors alike. In addition to camping, hiking, swimming & various recreational water activities, the main attraction is the ancient subterranean springs which flow year-round at a constant temperature of 72 degrees, and pump approximately 53 million gallons of crystal clear water per day. The park & areas adjacent to the springs are bordered on three sides by an observation walkway that frames the pool in an open-ended rectangle roughly 90 by 20 feet. The pool contains clear, blue, salty-tasting water that, as a result of water rising to the surface through ancient salt deposits, contains a variety of minerals & rare trace elements which give it a mild salt taste. The depth of the pool ranges from 2 to 5 feet, but is up to 20 feet deep at the spring vents/pits that are scattered in the enclosed end of the pool area. The springs are home to an abundance of fish and marine life including striped bass, mullet, and small fry. In addition, needle fish and blue crabs may be seen, with crabs most commonly observed in the deeper portions of the spring openings. The bottom of the spring has exposed limestone, small rocks and sand, as well as aquatic vegetation and is a favorite location for swimming & snorkeling. The springs at Salt Springs Recreation Area are a must-see while in the area! For additional information, please call 352-685-2048 or visit FS.USDA.gov.
43 habitants recommandent
Salt Springs Recreation Area
13851 FL-19Located in the heart of Salt Springs, on State Road 19 between County Road 314 & 316, Salt Springs Recreation Area is open year-round and is a major attraction for locals & visitors alike. In addition to camping, hiking, swimming & various recreational water activities, the main attraction is the ancient subterranean springs which flow year-round at a constant temperature of 72 degrees, and pump approximately 53 million gallons of crystal clear water per day. The park & areas adjacent to the springs are bordered on three sides by an observation walkway that frames the pool in an open-ended rectangle roughly 90 by 20 feet. The pool contains clear, blue, salty-tasting water that, as a result of water rising to the surface through ancient salt deposits, contains a variety of minerals & rare trace elements which give it a mild salt taste. The depth of the pool ranges from 2 to 5 feet, but is up to 20 feet deep at the spring vents/pits that are scattered in the enclosed end of the pool area. The springs are home to an abundance of fish and marine life including striped bass, mullet, and small fry. In addition, needle fish and blue crabs may be seen, with crabs most commonly observed in the deeper portions of the spring openings. The bottom of the spring has exposed limestone, small rocks and sand, as well as aquatic vegetation and is a favorite location for swimming & snorkeling. The springs at Salt Springs Recreation Area are a must-see while in the area! For additional information, please call 352-685-2048 or visit FS.USDA.gov.
Located off State Road 19, Salt Springs Run Marina & Landing is adjacent to Salt Springs Recreation Area, where crystal clear water rises from the Springs and flows approx. 5 miles along Salt Springs Run into Lake George. Salt Springs Run Marina provides a number of recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, snorkeling, camping, picnicking & sightseeing. In additional to a public boat ramp, store, gift shop & refreshments, they also have live bait and offer rentals of canoes, rowboats, power-skiffs and family-sized pontoon boats. Please Note: Advance reservations are recommended for all rentals.
For more information and/or reservations, please call 352-685-2255.
7 habitants recommandent
Salt Springs Run Marina & Landing Inc
25711 NE 134th PlLocated off State Road 19, Salt Springs Run Marina & Landing is adjacent to Salt Springs Recreation Area, where crystal clear water rises from the Springs and flows approx. 5 miles along Salt Springs Run into Lake George. Salt Springs Run Marina provides a number of recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, snorkeling, camping, picnicking & sightseeing. In additional to a public boat ramp, store, gift shop & refreshments, they also have live bait and offer rentals of canoes, rowboats, power-skiffs and family-sized pontoon boats. Please Note: Advance reservations are recommended for all rentals.
For more information and/or reservations, please call 352-685-2255.
Located off State Road 19, Salt Springs Observation Trail is just south of the intersection of County Road 314. Showcasing a variety of habitats on a slope down from the Big Scrub to the sinuous Salt Springs Run, the Salt Springs Observation Trail is a 1.9-mile loop trail offering excellent birding from an observation deck along the famed waterway. When Salt Springs Run is high, the trail tends to flood ankle-deep or more along a stretch in the pine woods close to the boardwalk and the boardwalk is slippery when wet. This trailhead parking area also provides access for the blue-blazed Salt Springs connector of the Florida Trail, found on the opposite side of US 19 about a quarter mile north of the trailhead. For more information & trail maps, visit FS.USDA.gov.
Salt Springs Observation Trail
Northeast 132 StreetLocated off State Road 19, Salt Springs Observation Trail is just south of the intersection of County Road 314. Showcasing a variety of habitats on a slope down from the Big Scrub to the sinuous Salt Springs Run, the Salt Springs Observation Trail is a 1.9-mile loop trail offering excellent birding from an observation deck along the famed waterway. When Salt Springs Run is high, the trail tends to flood ankle-deep or more along a stretch in the pine woods close to the boardwalk and the boardwalk is slippery when wet. This trailhead parking area also provides access for the blue-blazed Salt Springs connector of the Florida Trail, found on the opposite side of US 19 about a quarter mile north of the trailhead. For more information & trail maps, visit FS.USDA.gov.
Located on County Road 316, the Park offers various recreational opportunities that include basketball, tennis, pickle ball, soccer, football, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, a 1/4 mile walking trail and fenced playground. Maintained by the Salt Springs Civic Association and 'Friends of the Park' via donations & volunteer efforts, the Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk for general use by the public. Picnic tables are located in the bandstand area, and the Community Center, concession facilities, and private use of the Park grounds are available for rental, for organized functions and/or events.
For additional information, please contact 352-685-2232.
Salt Springs Civic Park
14691 Northeast 250th AvenueLocated on County Road 316, the Park offers various recreational opportunities that include basketball, tennis, pickle ball, soccer, football, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, a 1/4 mile walking trail and fenced playground. Maintained by the Salt Springs Civic Association and 'Friends of the Park' via donations & volunteer efforts, the Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk for general use by the public. Picnic tables are located in the bandstand area, and the Community Center, concession facilities, and private use of the Park grounds are available for rental, for organized functions and/or events.
For additional information, please contact 352-685-2232.
Salt Springs Community Yard Sale / Flea Market
Open year-round on Saturdays from 7am to 2pm, we have two venues offering a bounty of wares from numerous vendors & local merchants. Get there early for the best selection of goods!
--Salt Springs Community Yard Sale/Champions Market & Breakfast Buffet is located off County Road 314 at Bass Champions Restaurant -- for additional info and/or to reserve vendor space, call Bass Champions at 352-685-0000.
--Salt Springs Flea Market is located at the intersection of Hwy 19 & 316 at Salt Springs Square -- For additional info and/or to reserve a vendor space, call Salty's Country Store at 352-685-0085.
Community Center
Northeast 147 PlaceSalt Springs Community Yard Sale / Flea Market
Open year-round on Saturdays from 7am to 2pm, we have two venues offering a bounty of wares from numerous vendors & local merchants. Get there early for the best selection of goods!
--Salt Springs Community Yard Sale/Champions Market & Breakfast Buffet is located off County Road 314 at Bass Champions Restaurant -- for additional info and/or to reserve vendor space, call Bass Champions at 352-685-0000.
--Salt Springs Flea Market is located at the intersection of Hwy 19 & 316 at Salt Springs Square -- For additional info and/or to reserve a vendor space, call Salty's Country Store at 352-685-0085.
With millions of visitors each year, the Ocala National Forest (ONF) encompasses approx. 383,000 acres, or 650+ square miles, and is the second largest National Forest in the State of Florida. Established in 1908, ONF is the oldest National Forest east of the Mississippi River and the southern-most National Forest in the continental United States. The Forest lies between the Ocklawaha & St Johns Rivers and contains over 600 natural lakes, ponds & rivers, as well as central highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps & springs. The central portion of the Forest is dry & sandy in contrast to the abundant water resources throughout. The Forest is one of Central Florida's last remaining traces of forested land and contains a high proportion of Florida's scrub habitat; it is noted for its Sand Pine scrub ecosystem and is home to the largest concentration of Sand Pines in the world, as well as some of the best remaining strands of Longleaf Pine in Central Florida. Additionally, the Forests' porous sand and largely undeveloped character provide an important recharge for the Floridian aquifer. Please Note: All hunting & fishing activites are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and require a permit.
For additional information, trail maps & OHV permits, please call 352-625-2520
95 habitants recommandent
Ocala National Forest
Florida 40With millions of visitors each year, the Ocala National Forest (ONF) encompasses approx. 383,000 acres, or 650+ square miles, and is the second largest National Forest in the State of Florida. Established in 1908, ONF is the oldest National Forest east of the Mississippi River and the southern-most National Forest in the continental United States. The Forest lies between the Ocklawaha & St Johns Rivers and contains over 600 natural lakes, ponds & rivers, as well as central highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps & springs. The central portion of the Forest is dry & sandy in contrast to the abundant water resources throughout. The Forest is one of Central Florida's last remaining traces of forested land and contains a high proportion of Florida's scrub habitat; it is noted for its Sand Pine scrub ecosystem and is home to the largest concentration of Sand Pines in the world, as well as some of the best remaining strands of Longleaf Pine in Central Florida. Additionally, the Forests' porous sand and largely undeveloped character provide an important recharge for the Floridian aquifer. Please Note: All hunting & fishing activites are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and require a permit.
For additional information, trail maps & OHV permits, please call 352-625-2520
20740 NE 140 St. Salt Springs, FL 32134
Moorhead Park offers a free boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic tables and restrooms. Marion County Parks and Recreation maintains this two-acre facility on Lake Kerr (also known as Kerr Lake), one of Florida’s sinkhole lakes. The lake was was formed over time by the erosion of limestone, and spans a breathtaking 2,830 acres in the midst of the Ocala National Forest. The lake forms a wide arc that curves from one end of the lake, around a protruding landmass, and into Little Lake Kerr and Salt Springs. An island on the upper part of the arc causes the lake to resemble the letter “e.” The bass-inhabited water plunges more than 20 feet deep in places, unusual when considering Florida’s shallow lake basins. On average, Lake Kerr measures anywhere between 6 to 14 feet from its sandy bottoms to its calm surface. Lake Kerr is excellent for bass fishing, but also offers bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), warmouth and crappie fishing opportunities. Visitors may also enjoy sailing, water skiing, kayaking and nature-watching.
Lake Kerr Boat Ramp
20740 NE 140 St. Salt Springs, FL 32134
Moorhead Park offers a free boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic tables and restrooms. Marion County Parks and Recreation maintains this two-acre facility on Lake Kerr (also known as Kerr Lake), one of Florida’s sinkhole lakes. The lake was was formed over time by the erosion of limestone, and spans a breathtaking 2,830 acres in the midst of the Ocala National Forest. The lake forms a wide arc that curves from one end of the lake, around a protruding landmass, and into Little Lake Kerr and Salt Springs. An island on the upper part of the arc causes the lake to resemble the letter “e.” The bass-inhabited water plunges more than 20 feet deep in places, unusual when considering Florida’s shallow lake basins. On average, Lake Kerr measures anywhere between 6 to 14 feet from its sandy bottoms to its calm surface. Lake Kerr is excellent for bass fishing, but also offers bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), warmouth and crappie fishing opportunities. Visitors may also enjoy sailing, water skiing, kayaking and nature-watching.
Food scene
You cannot come to Salt Springs and not eat at Bass Champions. This place is great! I can’t think of a time that I’ve ever had a “bad” meal. I, as well as friends and family, have driven many miles to come enjoy a good home cooked meal from this restaurant and have never left disappointed. Staff is friendly and always courteous. The highlight of our camping weekends is having dinner here and we look forward to the many years to come.
8 habitants recommandent
Bass Champions Restaurant & Lodge
25011 Co Rd 314You cannot come to Salt Springs and not eat at Bass Champions. This place is great! I can’t think of a time that I’ve ever had a “bad” meal. I, as well as friends and family, have driven many miles to come enjoy a good home cooked meal from this restaurant and have never left disappointed. Staff is friendly and always courteous. The highlight of our camping weekends is having dinner here and we look forward to the many years to come.
Large portions, Good "ol' fashoined diner".Service is great. Wheel chair friendly, family friendly. Great prices too!
11 habitants recommandent
Square Meal
14100 FL-19Large portions, Good "ol' fashoined diner".Service is great. Wheel chair friendly, family friendly. Great prices too!
At Kerr Island, the 88 Store is a well-known hiker-friendly watering hole along the Florida Trail. It has a big porch out front and carries minor resupply, cold drinks, and ice cream. Ask before leaving a car or using the restroom. There is a hiker register behind the bar and a small restaurant, 88 Alibi, on site.
Random camping is permitted except during general gun (deer hunting) season. Wear bright orange if hiking during any hunting season. Check the link at the bottom of this page for hunt dates.
88 Store And Pub
14280 NE 203rd Avenue RdAt Kerr Island, the 88 Store is a well-known hiker-friendly watering hole along the Florida Trail. It has a big porch out front and carries minor resupply, cold drinks, and ice cream. Ask before leaving a car or using the restroom. There is a hiker register behind the bar and a small restaurant, 88 Alibi, on site.
Random camping is permitted except during general gun (deer hunting) season. Wear bright orange if hiking during any hunting season. Check the link at the bottom of this page for hunt dates.
Neighborhoods
A wonderful preserved ghost town, Kerr City was the second town in Marion county platted in 1884. The town grew to 100 residents, a hotel, sawmill, general store, pharmacy, school/church, and a post office. It served as the stage stop for travelers commuting from the St. John's River to Ocala. Originally a cotton plantation during the Civil War, it flourished as an orange growning community. The community deserted the town after the freezes of 1894-95. The way station is still there down Beulah Avenue. In 1884 there were 205 acres and a platted 26-block town with streets such as Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Junis Terry, a doctor from Chicago and his wife arrived and built in 1885 the Lake Kerr House. This hotel was three stories high and was made of virgin pine. Despite the precautions of taking down all the surrounding trees, the hotel burned down in 1907 reportedly by arson. The Post Office operated until 1941. The town had a newspaper called the Kerr City Advertiser in 1885. The founder, George Smiley continued to live in Kerr City when all the neighbors moved out after the freeze. He gradually bought most of the abandoned properties around him. By 1955 his son Alfred owned the entire town. The old school/church is gone now due to vandalism. The elder owner just tore it down since it was damaged so much. The oldest Texaco "station" in Florida (1925)can still be found in pristine condition here but, now pumps unleaded gas. Arthur Brennan Alfred's grandson has preserved the town and can be contacted for retals of the old homesites. Make sure you stop at the stop sign or prepare for a good "tongue lashing" from Arthur. He has had too much trouble with thieves lately. He will gladly put you in his golf cart and show you around the town giving you a great history lesson.
Kerr City
A wonderful preserved ghost town, Kerr City was the second town in Marion county platted in 1884. The town grew to 100 residents, a hotel, sawmill, general store, pharmacy, school/church, and a post office. It served as the stage stop for travelers commuting from the St. John's River to Ocala. Originally a cotton plantation during the Civil War, it flourished as an orange growning community. The community deserted the town after the freezes of 1894-95. The way station is still there down Beulah Avenue. In 1884 there were 205 acres and a platted 26-block town with streets such as Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Junis Terry, a doctor from Chicago and his wife arrived and built in 1885 the Lake Kerr House. This hotel was three stories high and was made of virgin pine. Despite the precautions of taking down all the surrounding trees, the hotel burned down in 1907 reportedly by arson. The Post Office operated until 1941. The town had a newspaper called the Kerr City Advertiser in 1885. The founder, George Smiley continued to live in Kerr City when all the neighbors moved out after the freeze. He gradually bought most of the abandoned properties around him. By 1955 his son Alfred owned the entire town. The old school/church is gone now due to vandalism. The elder owner just tore it down since it was damaged so much. The oldest Texaco "station" in Florida (1925)can still be found in pristine condition here but, now pumps unleaded gas. Arthur Brennan Alfred's grandson has preserved the town and can be contacted for retals of the old homesites. Make sure you stop at the stop sign or prepare for a good "tongue lashing" from Arthur. He has had too much trouble with thieves lately. He will gladly put you in his golf cart and show you around the town giving you a great history lesson.