A Hidden Swimming Hole, Equestrian and Hiking Trails, and More Outdoor Fun in Welaka State Forest

Putnam County has no shortage of places to cool off and enjoy a swim, but tucked within the forest is a sparkling swimming hole that feels like a secret. That’s just one of the things that makes Welaka State Forest a special place, though. This 2,287-acre forest is also a great spot for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and camping. If you’re camping with your horse, you can do that, too. For a minimal day-use or camping fee you can enjoy this natural playground and support the health and maintenance of this state forest just outside of the town of Welaka.

Wildlife enthusiasts also love exploring Welaka State Forest because of its abundance of critters. You may see fox squirrels, deer, turkeys, black bears, coyotes, gopher tortoises, soft-shell turtles, otters, and a wide variety of birds. This forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and you’ll likely encounter an abundance of avian species during your time there – even along the perimeter of the forest. It’s not uncommon to see sandhill cranes hanging out on the side of the road or at the Welaka State Forest office. Be on the lookout for the resident bald eagles there, too.

The Natural Spring Hidden in Welaka State Forest:

One of the coolest natural features hidden in Welaka State Forest is Mud Spring. The locals love this tucked away swimming hole, but even if you’ve never been, it’s not too hard to find. Just know that you’ll need to take a short hike to get to it, though it’s an easy trek and most of it is shaded. That’s part of what makes it so awesome, though. 

To get to Mud Spring, you can park at the Mud Spring Trailhead on County Road 309 and start your hike from there. This is a popular local hangout spot, though, so if you’re headed there, you may want to try to get there before 11 a.m. for the best chances of claiming one of the coveted parking spots – especially in the summer. 

In a little less than a mile’s walk into the forest, an open area will unfurl before you and you’ll be greeted by a crystal-clear swimming hole. Each hour, 13,750 gallons of water flow from the Florida aquifer and the water stays a constant 72 degrees year-round. The spring has steps and a handrail, making it easy to enter the water. Just note that the clean, clear water does make it a little misleading and it is deeper than it looks from the shore. 

This oasis is hidden in the woods, but you won’t be without a few luxuries such as bathrooms, a grill, and a pavilion where you can sit and eat your lunch. You’ll also find a nice fishing dock where you can fish in Mud Run, just off the waters of Little Lake George that connects to the St. Johns River. Some people even come to this secluded spot via kayak or boat. 

As you meander through the woods a little further, you may also come across another spring – Sulphur Spring. There is signage to designate that you’ve arrived at that one, but you’ll also be able to smell the strong aroma of sulphur. It’s worth a visit, but isn’t ideal for swimming.

The Trails at Welaka State Forest: 

The scenic trails that weave through the woods are part of the fun as well. They are very well-marked, but it’s still a good idea to print the trail map for Welaka State Forest before you go – or at least save a copy on your phone. You can also download the Avenza Maps app and scan the QR code at the trailhead kiosk if you want to follow along on the trails with your mobile device. If you stay on the path and follow the trail markers, you shouldn’t get lost. However, this just serves as another way to know where you are at any given time when you’re on the trails. 

The hiking trails and equestrian trails are separate at Welaka State Forest, which adds to the ease of enjoying this forest in whatever way you prefer. None of the trails are difficult and are appropriate for even novice hikers.

Mud Spring Trail:
1.75 miles roundtrip

This is the trail that will lead you to Mud Spring. You can park at the Mud Spring trailhead on County Road 309 and start your journey from there.

John’s Landing Trail:
3 - 4.5 miles roundtrip

This trail is accessible via the John’s Landing Trailhead, which has a parking area located on County Road 309, one mile south of the Mud Spring trailhead. The mileage on this one varies because there is a shortcut trail offered as an option. This trail will also take you to the two primitive campsites at Orange Point and John’s Landing.

Forest Education Trail:
0.5 miles roundtrip 

This is a short and easy trail that you can access from the John's Landing Trailhead. It’s a nice little walk that will take you to the river swamp.

The Sandhill Horse Trail:
5 miles roundtrip 

To access the equestrian trail in Welaka State Forest, turn into the state forest headquarters on County Road 309 and follow the road about a half mile. This trail does not connect to the Mud Spring, John’s Landing, or Forest Education trails, and it gives equestrians the perfect space to explore on horseback.

Camping in Welaka State Forest: 

If you want to stay a few days, you can choose between two campground areas listed under Welaka State Forest and Welaka Primitive campgrounds or one of the primitive campsites. Equestrian camping is also available at the campground. No matter which site you’re interested in, just make sure you reserve a camping spot online ahead of time.

The Campground:

The campground in Welaka State Forest is located near the Sandhill Equestrian Trailhead and has five pull-through RV pads and five semi-primitive campsites. However, all who camp in the campground have access to a bathhouse that has restrooms and showers. Each campsite also comes with a picnic table, grill, lantern post, and fire ring. Equestrian camping is available there, but you’ll find many utilizing the campground come without horses, too. 

If you do decide to bring along your horse for some outdoor adventures, you’ll find impressive equestrian camping facilities that include two barns, 22 spacious stalls, 1 large horse arena and 1 stallion round pen.

Primitive Camping: 

The two primitive campsites are located at Orange Point and John’s Landing. They include a lantern post, fire ring, grill, and fire ring, but have no electricity or water. If you’re looking for complete solitude in nature, either of these will be a good choice. The two primitive spots are located far enough apart that you won’t be aware of campers at the other site.  Both of these scenic sites are located alongside the water’s edge and you’ll need to hike two miles from the John’s Landing Trailhead to get to these camping spots.You can also access the sites by boat along the St. Johns River.

Know Before You Go:

Whether you’re cooling off in a hidden spring, hiking or riding horses on shaded trails, or setting up your campsite, Welaka State Forest is one of those places that reminds you how wild and quietly beautiful Putnam County is. Here are a few of our tips for enjoying Welaka State Forest. 

• Welaka State Forest has a great Visitor Information Office. Stop in and peruse the old black and white photographs that adorn the walls. It’s an interesting peek at what the area looked like back in the day. 
• Although some Florida state forests include Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), this isn’t one of them. Hunting is not allowed within Welaka State Forest. 
• Indian Pond Road is located near the John’s Landing Trailhead and you can take a scenic drive into the forest. This is a wonderful way to experience the forest from the comfort of your own car.
• Motorized recreational vehicles are not allowed. (If you’re looking for a place to ride ATVs or UTVs though, Hog Waller in Palatka is the perfect place for you.) 
• The cost to visit is $2 per person for all people over 6 years old. There's no staff at the trailheads, so payment is on an honor system. You’ll see QR codes at the kiosks where you can pay, but you can also reserve your day pass online before you go. 
• If you’re planning to visit multiple state forests throughout the year, you may find it more cost-effective to purchase an annual Florida State Forest pass for $45. That allows daily entry for up to six guests, and you can visit all of the state forests in Florida all year long. 
• The John’s Landing and Mud Spring hiking trails at Welaka State Forest count toward the Florida State Forest Trailwalker program. If you hike 10 trails in at least five state forests, you can achieve this esteemed honor and be awarded prizes to celebrate your accomplishment. 
• If you’re exploring the trails on horseback, you can participate in the Florida State Forest Trailtrotter program. You’ll need to ride at least eight trails at four state forests, and the Sandhill Horse Trail at Welaka State Forest can be counted as one. 
• Make sure you have proof of a negative Coggins test if you bring your horse to Welaka State Forest. 
• Prescribed burns can occur in the forest at any time. You can follow along on social media to keep up with the latest information. 
• Welaka State Forest borders the Welaka National Fish Hatchery, and a visit to the hatchery’s free aquarium is a great add-on if you’re in the area. 
• For even more ideas of things to do in Welaka, download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android.
  

For More Information:
Welaka State Forest Visitor Information Office
794 County Road 309 Welaka, Florida 32193(386) 292-2478