Get Outside

Parks, Trails & Nature

Springs you can swim in, a river island reached only by ferry, manatees in winter, and miles of paved trail. Here's where to start exploring the wild side of West Volusia.

Blue Spring State Park

Orange City

A crystal-clear 72°F spring that hundreds of manatees call home each winter. Swim, snorkel, or paddle the spring run, then walk the boardwalk over the St. Johns.

De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs

Cool off in the spring, then cook your own pancakes on a griddle built into your table at the historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill. A West Volusia rite of passage.

Hontoon Island State Park

DeLand

A 1,650-acre island on the St. Johns reachable only by boat or the free ferry — hike beneath ancient oaks, climb the observation tower, and stay the night in a cabin.

Gemini Springs Park

DeBary

Two springs bubbling six million gallons a day, shady boardwalks, a fishing pier, and a favorite off-leash dog park — all at a key trailhead on the Spring-to-Spring Trail.

Green Springs Park

Enterprise

One of Florida's few naturally emerald-green sulfur springs, ringed by quiet trails and scenic overlooks — a peaceful, storybook corner of the county.

Lyonia Preserve & Environmental Center

Deltona

Restored scrub that's home to the Florida scrub-jay, with looping sand trails and a hands-on nature center — wild Florida hiding in the middle of town.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

De Leon Springs

More than 21,000 acres of marsh, lake, and forest alive with alligators, eagles, and migratory birds. Grab binoculars and walk the levees at sunrise.

Lake Beresford Park

DeLand

A riverfront launch point with a 1.8-mile loop that links straight into the Spring-to-Spring Trail — paddle, picnic, or pedal three miles to Blue Spring.