Alexander Springs is a great example of a healthy Florida spring, with clear water, thriving eel grass, and plenty of native vegetation. It’s tucked inside the Ocala National Forest, giving it a remote, wild feel, even though it’s a well-loved spot that draws crowds during the summer.
The paddle is short and scenic, perfect for a slow adventure with chances to spot wildlife and cool off with a swim. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to expect, from launch tips and route options to gear info and a few things that are helpful to know before you go.
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Table of Contents
- Where Is Alexander Springs?
- Why I Recommend Paddling Alexander Springs
- Can You Rent Paddleboards at Alexander Springs?
- Launching at Alexander Springs
- Paddle Routes at Alexander Springs
- Helpful Apps for Paddling Alexander
- Gear for Paddling Alexander Springs
- Looking for other Paddle Routes?
Where Is Alexander Springs?
Alexander Springs is in Central Florida’s Ocala National Forest, right off County Road 445. It’s in the northeastern corner of Lake County, between the small towns of Astor and Altoona.
GPS Coordinates:
29.07889, -81.58
29°4’44″N, 81°34’48″W
Address: 49525 CR 445, Altoona, FL 32702
It’s about an hour from both Orlando and Daytona Beach. As you get closer, the roads get narrower and the surroundings feel more remote. You won’t find many restaurants or gas stations nearby, so grab a meal and pack some snacks before heading out. There’s a small concession stand at the park, but not much else in the area.
(Think winding backroads, scattered little towns, and lots of trees—yep, you’re headed deep into the forest.)
Why I Recommend Paddling Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs is great for a laid-back paddle. The water is crystal clear, the routes are short and scenic, and it’s easy to explore without spending all day on the water.
Hot out? You can anchor your board and hop in for a swim right from the spring run.
Only non-motorized boats are allowed here, so the water stays calm and quiet—a peaceful spot to paddle without the noise of engines.
What to Know Before You Go
- Crowds: It gets busy on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekend reservations are required and cost $20, plus the per-person entry fee.
- No Dogs: Pups have to stay home.
- Wildlife: This is Florida—alligators live here. Stay alert and paddle smart.
Can You Rent Paddleboards at Alexander Springs?
Yup! If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent it right at the park.
- Paddleboards: 9 available – $25 for 2 hours or $45 for 6 hours
- Kayaks: 8 singles and 13 tandems
- Canoes: 2 available
Rentals are first come, first served, so it’s a good idea to call ahead for current availability: 352-660-3522.
Launching at Alexander Springs
Inside the Park
You can launch your paddleboard or kayak from inside the park after paying the entry fee ($13 per person). Head to the left side of the roped-off swim area—that’s where paddlers put in. You’ll need to carry your gear from the parking lot down a long, paved ramp, but once you’re in, you’ll be right near the springhead.
When you’re done paddling, you’ll need to return your board to your vehicle or pull it back into the launch area and secure it before heading into the swimming area. Most people choose to return their gear to the car before swimming since it’s easier and keeps the launch area clear.
Why launch inside the park?
- Lots of parking
- Restrooms available
- On-site concessions
Outside the Park
CR 445-A Bridge
About half a mile before the main entrance, there’s a free launch at the CR 445-A bridge (GPS: 29.08070, -81.56785). There’s a small parking area, and you can pull right up to the water’s edge to unload your gear—no long haul required.
If you’re paddling from here and want to swim, you can hop off your board at the rope that separates the spring run from the swimming area. But if you want to go into the official swimming area and snorkel over the springhead, you’ll need to secure your board back at the launch, pay the park admission fee, and walk to the designated swim area.
Why launch here?
- It’s free!
- You can paddle upstream first, then enjoy an easy float back
- Quick, easy access to the water—great for heavier boards or solo paddlers
FR 552
There’s another launch option at FR 552, with details available on PaddleFlorida.net. I haven’t used this one myself, but it could be a good choice if you’re looking for a longer paddle or more remote access.
Paddle Routes at Alexander Springs
How far do you want to paddle? You’ve got a couple of solid options depending on your time and energy.
Short Paddle
This is a simple 2 to 2.5 mile out-and-back route from the spring to the CR 445-A bridge—or the other way around if you launch from the bridge. The path is straightforward, with no confusing turns or offshoots. Even when the spring run appears to split, it connects again shortly, so there’s no chance of getting lost.
The current is gentle, making it easy to enjoy the view without much effort. You’ll glide over beds of eel grass and other aquatic plants in the crystal-clear water. It’s a peaceful paddle with great chances to spot birds, turtles, and yes, alligators.
Longer Paddle
If you’re looking for more of a workout or want to spend more time on the water, you can paddle up to 6.5 miles out and back along Alexander Creek.
From inside the park, launch near the spring run and paddle downstream for about 3.25 miles before turning around. You’ll experience a mix of shaded areas, open sky, and changing vegetation along the way.
If you’re launching from the 445-A bridge, bring a mileage tracker app to keep track of your distance. Paddle upstream until you reach the rope barrier near the spring (you’ll know it when you see it). Take a break there—seriously, hop off your board and soak in the cool water if it’s warm out. After that, paddle downstream past your launch spot to keep going, but make sure to monitor your distance so you don’t overdo it.
Just a heads-up: once you paddle south of the 445-A bridge, you may encounter motorized boats. Keep an eye and ear out for them.
For detailed route ideas, maps, and even launch info, I recommend checking out PaddleFlorida.net. It’s a super helpful resource.
Helpful Apps for Paddling Alexander
Planning your paddle trip ahead of time can make the difference between a relaxing adventure and a stressful scramble. These apps can help you check weather conditions, track your paddle, and find the best launch spots. I’ve used a few of these myself, and others come recommended by fellow paddlers.
1. Check the Weather First
Knowing what the sky and wind are doing can save your whole day.
- MyRadar: My go-to for real-time radar. Great for spotting pop-up storms before they sneak in.
- WeatherBug: Some paddlers love this one for its detailed info—live radar, lightning tracker, wind speed, humidity, and daily highs/lows.
- iPhone Weather App: It’s basic, but sometimes that’s all you need.
2. Keep an Eye on the Wind
Wind can make or break a paddle, especially in open or exposed areas.
- Windy: One of the best apps out there for checking wind speed and direction. Super helpful if you’re planning to paddle in areas without much tree cover or along big stretches of river.
3. Track Your Paddle
Whether you’re keeping tabs on your distance or just curious where you went, tracking apps are handy.
- Strava: Known for biking and running, but works great for paddleboarding too. Tracks your time, distance, and route—and you can even see routes your friends take.
- PaddleLogger: Made specifically for paddlers. Clean, simple, and focused on logging your journey without a bunch of extras.
Gear for Paddling Alexander Springs
Fun Stuff
The Florida Springs Passport: Alexander Springs is one of 20 spots in Volume 1 of the Florida Springs Passport. It’s part guide, part journal, and includes $30 in eco-tour discounts. With over 1,000 springs in Florida, it’s a fun way to start exploring and keep track of your adventures.
Mask and Snorkel: Even if snorkeling isn’t usually your thing, I’d still recommend bringing a mask and snorkel when visiting Alexander Springs. Peeking under the surface gives you a whole new view—fish, turtles, and all kinds of underwater wildlife are waiting to be seen.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen: There’s plenty of sun at the springs, so bring reef-friendly, water-resistant sunscreen. Even though it’s freshwater, Alexander Springs flows into the St. Johns River, which eventually reaches the Atlantic. What we wear in the water matters, so eco-friendly products are the way to go.
Wide-brimmed hat: A wide-brimmed hat helps protect your face and shoulders, especially when you forget to reapply sunscreen (we’ve all been there). I like the Florida Springs Straw Hat—it’s UPF 50+, has a secure strap, and supports spring-saving charities with every purchase.
Polarized sunglasses: Polarized lenses cut the glare and make it easier to see into the clear spring water. I use the Knockaround Seventy Nine sunglasses—they’re affordable, work great, and fit both men and women.
Hydration
Bringing a reusable water bottle is essential. Fill it with cold water before you head out, and consider adding electrolytes to help you stay hydrated and keep muscle cramps at bay. It’s also a simple way to cut down on single-use plastic and keep the springs free of extra trash.
Footwear
I recommend water shoes to wear during launch and anytime you get off your board. Not only will they protect your feet, but they will also protect your regular shoes. Water shoes can handle getting wet and drying out repeatedly.
Safety Gear
When you’re paddling in Florida, a few safety essentials aren’t just smart—they’re required by law.
- PFD (Personal Flotation Device): You need to have one with you, and kids under 6 are required to wear theirs at all times. Honestly, I recommend wearing one no matter your age.
- Whistle: Florida law calls for a “sound-producing device,” and a whistle is the simplest way to meet that rule. Clip it to your PFD or wear it around your neck so it’s easy to reach.
- Leash: Not legally required, but highly recommended. It keeps you connected to your board if you fall off. That said, using a leash isn’t always black and white—it depends on the type of water and conditions. I’m not an expert, so here’s a helpful article from Paddling Magazine that breaks it down: SUP Leashes Explained.
You can find the full list of paddleboarding rules on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.
