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Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Trails and natural waterways create an adventure through untouched Florida

State Road 46 Entrance Closure

For the safety of our visitors during the construction of the Wekiva Parkway, the State Road 46 entrance to the Lower Wekiva River Preserve is closed until the project is completed. To access the hiking trails, please use the trailhead at Katie’s Landing. Other trails for biking and hiking can be found at the Wekiwa Springs State Park – Markham Woods Trailhead. 

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year

Fees

$3 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

262 Wekiva Park Drive
Sanford FL 32771

Get directions

Contact Info

407-553-4383

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History

Welcome to Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Central Florida nature exists in its purest form along 4 miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

For thousands of years, Native Americans valued the abundance of wildlife in this area. This system of blackwater streams and wetlands provides habitat for black bears, river otters, alligators, wood storks and sandhill cranes.

Visitors can stroll along the Sand Hill Nature Trail for a self-guided tour of the native Florida plants and wildlife found at the park. Canoeists can paddle through the park on the Wekiva River.

Equestrian camping is available in designated areas and can be reserved by calling Wekiwa Springs State Park. Horse stalls and corrals are available for equestrian campers.

There are three access points to Lower Wekiwa River Preserve State Park: 

  1. Hiking trails at the south entrance are located at 8300 W. State Road 46, Sanford, FL 32771
  2. Wekiva River can be accessed at Katie's Landing located at 262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford, FL 32771
  3. Horseback riding and hiking on the Fechtel Tract is located at 38015 Fechtel Road, Eustis, FL 32726

Plan Your Visit

Manager's Message Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
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Manager's Message

There are wonderful opportunities for wildlife observation and enjoying ...the Real Florida here at Lower Wekiva River.
Sign of Katies Landing entrance
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Launch at Katie's Landing

Katie’s Landing offers a launch site for non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the Wekiva River.
Fechtel Track Lower Wekiva
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Horseback Riding at Fechtel

The Fechtel Tract at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is a popular equestrian destination. Although the park does not rent or provide horses, visitors are welcome to bring their own for the day or for camping.
Black Bear on the Pine Island Trail
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Be Bear Aware!

The native black bear is fun to see in the wild. Be aware of their presence and ways to stay safe.
Prescribed Fire Banner
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Prescribed Fire at Florida State Parks

As one of the most important agents for natural change, fire plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park Photo Gallery

paddling
Lower Wekiva River Preserve Bald Eagle
Lower Wekiva River Preserve Event
Lower Wekiva River Preserve Controlled Burn
Lower Wekiva River Preserve Canoe Launch
Lower Wekiva River Preserve Launch Entrance
Lower Wekiva River Preserve River View
Lower Wekiva River Preserve Swallow Tail Kite
Rivers and Lakes
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Rivers & Lakes at Florida State Parks

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.
Florida Panther
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Wild Places of Florida State Parks

Florida’s wild places are time machines to a Florida before development. Scattered throughout the state, they represent the original Florida, places of discovery and where you can reconnect with yourself.

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger Jane Cummings in the forest smiling at the camera

Staff Spotlight

Park Ranger Jane Cummings would love to tell you about the Wekiva River Basin and the thrill of being a park ranger here.  
Lower Wekiva volunteers Judy & Carol smiling at the camera

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteering at Fechtel is the perfect place for Judy and Carol to give back to the community.
Friends of Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiva Wilderness Trust

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

National Wild and Scenic River System

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

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