Silver Springs State Park

This State Park encompasses a variety of natural community types including scrub and sandhill habitats. Watch for Pileated Woodpeckers, Wild Turkeys and Northern Bobwhites along the road. Park at the end of the road by the barn, and check out the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center (open weekends and holidays), which interprets the natural history and paleontology of the area. Multiple trails begin near the center: the River Trail leaves from the museum and loops down to the river and back, through oak hammock. Watch for migratory songbirds in spring and fall, and Limpkins down by the river. A second trail, called the Swamp Trail, leaves from behind the barn and leads down through a wetland and some pastures to the river. Birding along the River Trail is more rewarding than the Swamp Trail, but the River Trail is also more heavily traveled. Bird walks are scheduled monthly, so call for details. Twenty-three total miles of hiking/biking trails and a boat launch for canoes and kayaks will keep you coming back for more. Watch for Sherman’s Fox Squirrels, Florida Black Bears, Bobcats and Northern River Otters too. The park also boasts an impressive reptile and amphibian checklist.