HW 5&10km Group Walks - Blue Spring State Park, Orange City, FL

Join us and visit the Manatees in Blue Spring State Park! No tent set-up this year - we'll operate registration from an SUV-tailgate in the parking area for the St. John's boat rides - all the way at the end of Magnolia Ave.

BE ADVISED - arrive early (park opens at 8 a.m.) as the park will be crowded later and parking may fill up fast, even though it is not festival weekend.

Guided 5k or 10k walks will start at 9:00AM, or you may walk on your own at your own pace. Maps & directions are available,

This is the largest spring on the St. Johns River and is a designated Manatee Refuge during the winter, home to a growing population of the West Indian Manatee.

Trails include park trails, maintenance roads, campground areas and of course, the extensive boardwalks around the springs themselves. Except for the boardwalks in the immediate area of the springs, the walks are NOT wheelchair accessible.

Event cost is $4 for those 12yrs old and older. Children (all minors) must be accompanied by an adult. IVV event/distance credit will be offered.

DIRECTIONS: 2100 W French Ave. Orange City, FL. From I-4 W, exit 114 (large brown sign for Blue Spring State Park); SR 472 W 3.1 miles; US 17-92 S. 1.7 miles; right on West French. 2.0 miles, left to Park. From I-4 E, exit 111B, W on Saxon. 1.3 miles; right on Enterprise one mile; right on US 17-92 two miles; left on West French two miles, left to Park.

After paying SP entrance fee ($6 car w/2+ people, $4 alone) drive straight in to furthest parking area by following signs for boat ramp area.

Trail is rated 1B and is 60% shaded. Recommend good walking/hiking shoes, sunscreen and carrying water. Walk on paved park road, unpaved campground road, service road, hiking trail, Blue Run and Spring boardwalk(s) where manatees are present in colder winter months.

The event fee on this walk supports our club and AVA: America's Walking Club! Both are registered 501c.(3) non-profit organizations.