Florida State Parks Visit

[Bayoumama]

My family and I are planning a trip to WDW in 2011. We are driving and I would like to stop at one of the state parks on the way home to Louisiana. I once saw a photo of the crystal clear water at some of the parks and it has just stayed on my mind ever since.

My picks are Wekiwa Springs, Silver River or Rainbow Springs. We would like to either canoe or hike and definately swim for the day. Maybe even stay 2 days and do some horseback riding through trails. I think Wekiwa Springs has horses to rent.

I don't know if I'm crazy in thinking that I would have enough energy to do a 5 day Disney trip and add in some days at the state parks but I figured if we were too tired we could play it by ear and just relax and swim.

See being from Louisiana, I love the bayous and the wildlife you find around but the water is just so brown. As a child I used to swim in the bayous but not now. That clear water is just so beautiful.

Anyone has any advise on these state parks and experience on what we should or shouldn't do?

 

[joha]

Hi there!
Weikiwa is the closest to Orlando, you can swim, hike and canoe. I'm not sure about the horse rentals, call the park and double check on that.

I have not been to Rainbow Springs...We have been to Silver Springs very nice, but no swimming there that I can recall. Another option is Blue Springs (about one hour from Orlando), from Nov-March the manatees can be seen in the spring.

Have fun

 

[Bayoumama]

Thanks joha....I will check into the Blue Springs park also. There are so many parks in the area I need to check into. I'm glad our vacation isn't until 2011. Give me time to gather info and decide.