Really great place to spend a few hours. The trails are peaceful and it's a great spot to get…read moreoutside and relax. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area!

Gemini Springs Park is located in DeBary, Florida, 25 miles north of Orlando…read more Since you can no longer swim here due to high concentrations of bacteria in the waters, visitor attendance can be quite low. And since there's alternative parks situated throughout Central Florida that are swimmable, not many people will make the effort to experience Gemini Springs. In fact, I'd categorize this place as a local town park more than anything. It's free to visit and hours are sunrise to sunset. There were no names or signs for the hiking trails, so at times it felt like I was wandering aimlessly. But, the trees decorated with Spanish Moss exuded southern charm and most corners I turned felt like strolling along a nature trail. There's a dual sided passageway that acts as the centerpiece to the park and is also a dam spillway which (I believe) separates the DeBary Creek waters and the Gemini Springs area. I did spot a gator which almost caught a fish right in front of my eyes. I also noticed a soft shell turtle who appeared to be laying her eggs in the sand and some birds doing fishing of their own. Gemini Springs has picnic pavilions, a playground, a dog park, a fishing pier, plenty of grass to play around, and even camping is permitted here. Lastly, I'd like to highlight a section of the park that turns colorfully vibrant when the sun is shining... - Follow the concrete walkway (which you can't miss). - Then...you'll approach a tucked away corner of the springs. This area can be a rewarding moment for admiring the great outdoors. If you just pause and absorb the surroundings, nature's beauty shines through. It's a refreshing reminder that just because a park isn't as accessible as it once was, doesn't mean it should go unnoticed. I believe Gemini Springs Park can be a worthwhile half day visit.

This small quiet park along the St. John's sports tennis and basketball courts, soccer field, and…read more hideaway fishing pier boat launch. While there are some who seem to over-use the amenities, they're not always there and that's when we go. Should say there's also a small play area for play area sake, and bathroom facilities.

A park with water…read more Mariner's Cove Park is an almost fifty acre park that has just about some of everything. Basketball courts, tennis court, baseball and soccer fields, a play ground, hiking trials, picnic areas, clean bathrooms and even a fishing pier and small boat ramp. The park has access to Bethel Creek and from there you can head into Lake Monroe, The St. John's River and across half of Florida. Lots to do in the park but if you want to do absolutely nothing that is fine too. Plenty of peace and quiet and a great place to get aquainted with nature. Lots of huge aquatic birds and if you're lucky you might even see a gator or two. A cool park that never seems to be crowded but always is friendly and welcoming. A place that has just about anything you could want in a park and lets you discover something new everything you go.

This is a Seminole County owned, three acre park that makes clever use of that often wasted space…read moreat the base of a bridge. In this case that space is around George C. Means Memorial Bridge that crosses the St. John's River. The park was named in honor of Cameron Wright, a former member of the of the Sanford City Commission where he served for many years. He was also instrumental in the development of the park. The park was previously named Westside Park before the name was changed by the city. Cameron Wright Park has a covered picnic pavilion with tables, fishing dock, and boat launch onto the St. John's River which connects to both Lake Jessup and Lake Monroe. This is a boaters and fisherman's paradise. Just watch out for the alligators.

A place to go…read moresomeplace else Cameron Wight Park is a small area located almost under the bridge on Rt 46. It's easy to zoom right by it if you aren't looking in the right spot. Certainly not a large area and definitely not a park for hiking, this is a place to get to the water. It has a few picnic tables but I doubt it anyone comes here for a picnic. This is a place to launch a boat to go fishing, paddling or just to go somewhere that isn't here. From the park you can launch right into the St Johns River and if you go south you can get into gator infested Lake Jessup, north into Lake Monroe and east into Lake Thornhill. Or you can just get lost in the multitude of small streams and canals. The launch area is very well maintained and can take power boats as well as canoes and yaks. Unfortunately like most of the water in this part of Florida this part of the St John's can have harmful bacteria and amoeba that will do very nasty things to your body if it gets inside of you so swimming is definitely discouraged. Beside large gators seem to enjoy hanging out in this part of the river. The small park has a large parking area that makes parking boat trailers convenient but like most boat launch areas burglaries are common so locking your vehicle is mandatory. Certainly not a park to hang out in or hike but a great place that gives access to a lot of water in all directions.

This was a beautiful park nestled in the back of a winding road. Trees offered ample shade and…read morethere was plenty of space to wander. Great for pets to stretch their legs. The views were lovely at the boardwalk by the pavilion and we were able to see a baby alligator! If you're looking to be with nature, I would recommend checking this place out.

Wilson's Landing Park is a great place to launch your canoe or kayak. There is a huge pavilion with…read moregrills and a water fountain. The dock is small but the view is beautiful. The park is very quiet and loaded with wildlife. No pets are allowed. They are open from 8am to 9pm daily.

Green Springs Park is 31 acres of natural land located on the north shore of Lake Monroe. The green…read morehued sulfur spring supplies fresh water to Lake Monroe from the Florida aquifer. It is one of the few green springs in Florida. Green Springs Park is a significant archaeological and historical site. Six thousand years ago Green Springs was once an important site for Native Americans such as the Mayaca. Later the Seminoles favored the supposed healing properties of the sulfur water. The Green Springs Midden, a huge shell midden once existed near where the spring run empties into Lake Monroe. Middens are a type of ancient garbage dump that can tell a lot about the people who once lived there. Primitive tools, pottery sherds, as well as remains of humans and animals were found here before the midden was destroyed for road building and fertilizer prior to 1885. Later Enterprise became the final destination on the St. Johns River for the area steamboats. The area near the spring was first settled in 1841 by Cornelius Taylor, a Seminole War veteran, former timber agent, and first cousin to General Zachary Taylor. He was nicknamed the Thunder of Enterprise for his hot temper. In 1842 Taylor constructed a hotel on the midden to attract steamboat passengers. He promoted his hotel as one of Florida's first health spas. The spring was marketed as having restorative powers for people with illnesses. By 1883, the spring was on property owned by wealthy New York wine importer Frederic DeBary, whose guests used the spring recreationally. Today the spring is supposed to be closed to swimmers but there were local kids jumping from the trees into the clear water when I visited. Pretty cool to think they are enjoying the same swimming hole used by the ancient people who once lived here. In the 1980's the spring and surrounding natural land was in danger of being turned into a condo development. After more than 20 years of effort to acquire and develop the site and $1 million investment in land acquisition and improvements, the park finally opened in September 27, 2008. Today the park has restrooms, a large picnic pavilion with tables, a playground, nature trails under the shade of oak, pine and cedar trees, interpretive signs, and scenic overlooks. This park is also where the Spring-to-Spring Trail and the East Central Regional Rail Trail connect. The East Central Regional Rail Trail begins at Green Springs and travels 5.7 miles to State Road 415 in Osteen.

What an amazing oasis this place is. There's so many hiking trails. I wouldn't even know where to…read morebegin. My visit was brief, but beautiful. I would have to take a whole day to even begin to remotely explore this springs Park. I was hoping to see the fluorescent green water, but it wasn't that way this time of year. Either due to the weather or the time of year, I'm not sure. But I will be back. I will see that water yet!

Lake Lotus Park is a wonderful park located close to the border of Orange and Seminole County…read more While a few of the Boardwalk walking paths were temporarily closed, I still enjoyed my walk along their walking path amongst the trees. There was a decent amount of parking and there was a sign for overflow parking. They have several signs warning of black bears and giving instructions on what to do if you encounter a black bear. All in all, this was a wonderful park to come and visit and I would definitely recommend that you come check this wonderful park out. Overall, I am going to give Lake Lotus Park five stars. The Orlando area has some great parks and Lake Lotus Park is definitely just another great reason to live in this area. Again, Lake Lotus Park has my recommendation and I give it an overall score of five stars. Go see Lake Lotus Park for yourself.

Was drawn to this park for all the boardwalk trails, but upon arrival we saw that the boardwalk was…read moreclosed and has been for some time. There were two different playground areas (one for younger children and one for older children). There were a a couple of micro trails that you could walk and plenty of parking. That was about it. There is a lot of potential here and I would love to come back one day when the boardwalk has been repaired and reopened.

Lake Colby Park is beautiful! If you've never been, you need to go. The energy around here is…read moreamazing. It's just quiet and peaceful. It's definitely a place that you come when you want some respite.

We checked this spot out for fishing with the kids (beware of gators and snakes) and it was…read morepeaceful and secluded. We got to see a variety of bugs and tons of beautiful deer! There's a little walking path hidden off to the side when you're exiting to circle so don't miss it! Cute little walking paved path we did with the kids and got to see deer, turtles and so many butterflies. If you go out here take a lunch as they have many picnic tables to sit at.

This is a cool small (one and a half acre) park with a great view of Lake Virginia located not far…read morefrom the downtown area. The name has its origins with the railroad that was in this area. Dinky Dock is a great place to chill and get a respite when you just need a break and want to take a few deep breaths stress free. We need parks like here. A place where a community can gather in leisure and just chill for a moment. I give Dinky Dock five stars overall.

Great paddle boarding spot. There's bathrooms at the parking lot, which is super convenient…read more Unfortunately, I paddled here on a fairly windy day so paddling against the current was very difficult. Would definitely come back here on a less windy day with friends! There are a bunch of scenic boat tours that circle around the lake, as well as a few people on jet skis but other than that, it was fairly quiet on the water!