Description
Designated as an Outstanding Florida Spring, Alexander Springs is a first-magnitude spring that flows from the large, cavernous opening in the bottom of the central part of the pool. The large pool measures more than 300 feet from north to south and 250 feet from east to west. The pool bottom near the beach is mostly sandy. Aquatic vegetation surrounds the area of the main spring vent, where the pool bottom falls away to reveal a large open area of exposed limestone rock and boulders to a depth of about 25 to 28 feet. Flow from the discharging water creates a large and powerful surface boil over the spring opening that is readily visible from the shore. A broad sand beach forms the southwest edge of the pool, with mixed hardwood and palm forests around the spring. The pool discharges to Alexander Springs Creek that flows approximately 10 river miles until reaching the St. Johns River. Forests and wetlands surround the spring area.
Recreational activities and public access
Located within the Ocala National Forest, the spring area has been developed by the U.S. Forest Service into a multiple-use recreational facility open to the public. Activities include camping, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, fishing, bicycling and canoeing. Visit the U.S. Forest Service’s Alexander Springs Recreation Area webpage for information about camping and day-use fees, as well as hours of operation and alerts.
Directions
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located along County Road (CR) 445 in the northeast corner of Lake County between Astor and Altoona.
From State Road (SR) 40 at Astor, take Butler Street to CR 445A, and turn left on CR 445. The recreation area is 5.8 miles south on the right.
From Altoona, drive north 5.2 miles on SR 19, and turn right on CR 445. Continue another 5.1 miles to the entrance on the left.