Outdoor Adventure – A River Runs through It
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For more info:
Renee Tallevast, West Volusia Tourism Bureau
386.734.0162 rtallevast@visitwestvolusia.com
DeLand/Deltona - Greater West Volusia County Region
Outdoor Adventure - A River Runs through It
The 15 communities that make up the DeLand/Deltona - Greater West Volusia County Region shelter a delightfully diverse and naturally beautiful playground for outdoor adventure. Fed by the waters of the mighty St. Johns River and its numerous lakes and springs, the area is a popular getaway for visitors who want to experience outdoor excitement in the midst of some of Florida's most pristine surroundings. A collection of national, state and county parks, local marinas, houseboat rentals, public boat ramps and narrated river tours make it easy for individuals and families to navigate the waterways in a quest for adventure and discover the area's historical and cultural treasures.
Put It In Park
The 1,650-acre Hontoon Island State Park includes a winding nature trail where explorers can spot Mayaca Indian mounds, evidence of the area's first inhabitants. Bordered by the St. Johns River and Hontoon Dead River, the island is only accessible by private boat or the free passenger ferry that operates daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Cabins and camping sites are available for overnight stays.
At the center of DeLeon Springs State Park is one of Florida's most popular springs. Delivering 19 million gallons of water every day, this second magnitude spring remains a constant 72 degrees, providing an excellent year-round resource for swimming, snorkeling, diving and nature study. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats are available for water exploration, with access to the 18,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Numerous footpaths are marked for hiking throughout the historic Spring Garden Plantation, which was built in the early 1800s.
Well known as the winter home for Florida's endangered West Indian Manatee, or "sea cow," as they are sometimes called, Blue Spring State Park is a popular spot for both wildlife lovers and outdoor recreation buffs. In cold weather months, park rangers have counted up to 200 manatees in the spring run area. For overnight stays, the park is great for camping, and also offers a number of vacation cabins. Blue Spring Run is great for swimming and canoeing, and connects with the St. Johns River for boaters and anglers who want easy access for a day on the water.
Located in DeBary, the 210-acre Gemini Springs park was purchased for public use in 1994. The park was once the home to timber, citrus and turpentine operations, and prize-winning cattle. With two springs bubbling up approximately 6.5 million gallons of fresh water every day, the park is a refreshing spot for visitors to canoe, bike, picnic and explore a scenic nature trail. There is also a 4.5-acre fenced-in dog park that includes small and large dog sections, shaded areas, dog wash stations, water fountains for dogs, benches and picnic tables.
Nearby in Enterprise by way of a lovely scenic drive along Lakeshore Drive is Volusia County's Green Springs Park. Complete with trails for biking and hiking, interpretive historical displays, a children's playground and picnic facilities, the park's namesake is a rare, emerald green sulfur spring, one of only a few remaining in Florida.
Ride the River
Winding its way through the westernmost reaches of Volusia County is the historic St. Johns River. At 310 miles in length, it is Florida's longest river and one of only three in the United States that flows from south to north. It is Florida's only federally designated American Heritage River. Where it passes through the Greater West Volusia County Region, the river's middle stretch provides a waters edge showcase of Florida's intriguing historic, cultural and natural treasures. And for those who like to go outside and play, it is a playground second to none. The river feeds Lake Beresford, Lake Dexter, Lake George, Lake Woodruff and many other popular fishing holes.
A true fisherman's paradise, West Volusia draws countless anglers from around the world for its legendary trophy-size black bass fishing. Visitors may bring their own boats or choose from a variety of seasoned fishing guides to drop a line or cast a fly for largemouth bass, crappie and other delicious panfish. The DeLand area is home to several marinas, including St. Johns Marina, Highland Park Fish Camp, Tropical Resort & Marina, Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina and Riviera Resort & Marina, all offering boat rentals, guided fishing trips and accommodations. Holly Bluff Marina offers a nautical alternative to the traditional family vacation with houseboat rentals as well as full marina services. Highbanks Marina & Campground, located in DeBary, and numerous Volusia/Astor area marinas offer a variety of boat rentals as well as accommodations.
Watch Wildlife
The West Volusia Region is dominated by a shady assortment of live oaks, magnolias, pine and palmetto, and colored with dazzling wildflowers. Its lush scenery provides an ideal home for native wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bobcat, gray fox, gentle manatees, wild turkey, toothy alligators, gopher tortoise and over 250 species of birds.
Like many places in Florida, the diverse natural habitats and favorable climate of the West Volusia region make it one of the best birding locations in North America. Birding enthusiasts from around the world delight in sightings of kingfishers, wood storks, sandhill cranes, warblers, terns, loons and ducks along the St. Johns waterfront. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is home to the second-largest nesting colony of the Southern bald eagle, and the second-largest pre-migration roosting population of Swallow-tailed kites. During the winter months, this refuge provides a sanctuary for waterfowl, songbirds, waders and shorebirds. Redheaded and pileated woodpeckers and endangered Florida Scrub-Jays are prevalent at Lyonia Preserve, which also has a wetland area alive with wading birds and ducks.
For a guided, up-close look at area wildlife, visitors can enjoy scenic, narrated cruises along the St. Johns River. Fountain of Youth ECO/History Tours at DeLeon Springs State Park and St. Johns River Cruises at Blue Spring State Park provide one- or two-hour excursions that reveal interesting tales of the river's history and ecology.
In addition to the area's collection of aquatic adventures, West Volusia showcases the beauty and charm of small town Florida through a number of unique communities, each offering their own outdoor adventures. The cities and towns of Barberville, Cassadaga, DeBary, DeLand, DeLeon Springs, Deltona, Glenwood, Enterprise, Lake Helen, Orange City, Osteen, Pierson, Samsula, Seville and Volusia each reveal a special story. For more information, contact (386) 734-0162, toll-free (800) 749-4350 or go to visitwestvolusia.com.
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