The Silver River & Silver River State Park
Ecological Treasures in the Center of the State
Within a relatively small area of Central Florida near Ocala, five subterranean rivers come together and emerge as a broad, spring-fed pool of crystal-clear water. The water runs for about seven miles as the Silver River, through a beautiful natural wilderness area with native plants and animals, and finally flows into the Ocklawaha River.
The land area on both sides of the Silver River makes up the 5,000 acre Silver River State Park, one of Florida’s newest, and most beautiful, natural attractions. As the surface manifestation of the largest limestone artesian spring formation in the world, the Silver River begins its flow at a cool 72 degrees.
According to his journals, Hernando De Soto explored the Silver River in 1539, the first European to enjoy the area. But ample evidence supports the presence of Native Americans in and around what would become this park for many thousands of years before European explorations.
Over the decades, the spring, river and adjoining public park lands have all been under private ownerships of one kind or another. Today, the big spring itself and immediately adjoining lands are part of Silver Springs, a nature-based theme park. As has been the case for more than 100 years, glass-bottom boats allow visitors to look through the clear water to schooling fish and interesting bottom features. A small town has grown around the spring, taking its name from the feature. Silver Springs is located immediately on the east side of Ocala, Florida.
The State of Florida recently acquired all of the land through which the Silver River runs, from its outflow at the Silver Springs amusement park property to its confluence with the Ocklawaha River. The state park now provides approximately 5,000 acres of outdoor recreational land for public use. At the present time, state forestry crews are removing a great many trees that were planted by previous owners, trees that are not native to the area and which inhibit the growth of native plants. In time, Silver River State Park will resemble the original collection of plants and animals. The seven-mile length of the Silver River that runs through the state park is designated as a “Natural Landmark” and a “River of Special Concern.” It is also an “Outstanding Florida Waterway” and an aquatic preserve.
Cruising Down the River
The seven-mile run of the Silver River, from the outflow of the big spring to a confluence with the Ocklawaha River, is one of the most beautiful stretches of wilderness river in Florida. At a flow rate of about 3 miles per hour, the Silver River provides a breathtaking scenic experience for those in canoes or kayaks. Motorboats are allowed on the river but are strictly limited to “no wake” speed.
Within the park, a modest canoe and kayak launch site is located at the end of a trail running from the museum. A more highly developed launch site is available almost under the Highway 40 bridge that spans the Ocklawaha River. From here, boaters must run the canal and then turn westward, upstream on the Silver River. It is an easy paddle up to the head of the river, then a lovely drift with the current back to the launch site.
If you have sunglasses with polarizing lenses, you’ll be able to look right through the clear water to observe turtles, garfish, big bass and many other freshwater creatures. And don’t overlook the grasses and other plants that live underwater. As you drift, look for hardwood trees, a wide variety of shrubs and sabal palms on the banks, a number of aquatic plants along the river’s edge, basking alligators on the banks and many other varieties of wildlife.
Leave your fishing gear in the car—fishing isn’t allowed on this river—take along your camera, your binoculars and some drinking water, and treat yourself to a magnificent day on a carefully preserved and protected stretch of one of the most unusual rivers in the world.
Abundant Wildlife to Observe and Photograph
It is only natural that the rich environment of the Silver River would be home to a wide variety of animal species. Whether you are paddling, boating or looking from the shore, you will delight in seeing egrets, kingfishers, ducks, ibises, hawks and more. Local fish range from bass and bluegills to the odd visage of the longnose gar. Land animals making their home within the park include coyotes, foxes, bears and the occasional white tail deer. Rare gopher tortoises and the beautiful—and usually harmless—indigo snakes also number among the local animal population. Turtles and alligators are also commonly seen sunning in the area.
Perhaps the most unusual inhabitants of the Silver River are the now-wild rhesus monkeys, which escaped many years ago from an early jungle-themed attraction.
People Friendly for a Day or a Stay
Silver River State Park offers much to see, do and experience even after one has taken in its remarkable natural beauty. The Silver River Museum and Environmental Center is a good place to begin. Operated by the Marion County School District in cooperation with the park, the museum is a captivating display of the area’s cultural and natural history. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $2.00 charge per person, with children under six enjoying complimentary admission. Call the museum at 352-236-5401 for further information.
ReserveAmerica, a national camping reservation organization, recently honored Silver River State Park, ranking it among the top 20 locations in the country with educational programs. Thanks to a staff of enthusiastic park rangers, there are many interesting and educational programs throughout the year. Once a month, a local birding expert leads a walk along the park’s trails. Other guided explorations include tours of the Cracker Village and Star Gazing parties. Additional programs are presented in response to public requests and the availability of guides with specific expertise.
Silver River State Park also boasts a complete campground and 10 luxury cabins for overnight guests. ReserveAmerica placed the park in its elite list of the top 20 outdoor locations in America with unique cabins, calling them “10 of the state parks’ finest vacation cabins” and that they “compliment the native foliage rather than intruding in this natural setting.”
Getting Here Couldn’t be Easier
Even though Silver River State Park is a large natural area with a clear, clean river, great hiking trails and a wealth of wildlife, it is only a few miles outside of Ocala and easily reached from Interstate Highways. Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of State Road 40 on State Road. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto State Road 40 east, about 9 miles to State Road 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to State Road 35.
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