Kelly Park, at 400 E Kelly Park Road in Apopka, is an Orange County park built around Rock Springs, which pours out of a limestone cave at about 68F (20C) year-round and feeds the 8-mile Rock Springs Run toward the Wekiva River. About 18 miles north of downtown Orlando, the park combines a short boardwalk and nature trail through sabal palm and live oak hammock with picnic areas and the spring run used for tubing. The nature trail is flat, easy and around a mile in total, so it suits families and visitors with a free morning. Park capacity is limited: gates close when the lot fills, which often happens by late morning on summer weekends and holidays, so arrive when the park opens at 8 a.m. Hours are 8 a.m. to sundown, and entry is charged per vehicle. Tubes can be rented or brought, but disposable coolers, glass and alcohol are not allowed in the run. Visitors should expect mosquitoes in the wet season and keep to the marked trail; snakes and alligators live in the wider river system but are rarely seen in the swimming area. Restrooms and a small snack and tube concession are near the spring.
| Distance | Short nature walks of about 1 mile (1.6 km) total beside the spring run, about 18 miles (29 km) north of downtown Orlando |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30-90 minutes |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | November-April for walking; summer for tubing in the 68F (20C) spring run |
| Address | 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Kelly Park, Apopka
What to bring
- Water
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Tube (rent or bring)
Location
400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712
28.7609, -81.4617 View on map
Highlights
- Cave-fed spring at 68F (20C) year-round
- Short boardwalk and nature trail through palm and oak hammock
- Rock Springs Run tubing in summer
- Picnic pavilions and restrooms at the trailhead
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at 8 a.m. on weekends in summer; the gates close once the park is full.
- Leave glass and alcohol at home; they are not allowed.
- Wear water shoes, as the limestone bottom is rocky.
- Bring sunscreen, as the run has little shade.
- Check the county page for same-day closures.
When to visit
November-April for walking; summer for tubing in the 68F (20C) spring run; go early to avoid midday heat and afternoon storms.
Accessibility
Parking, picnic areas and the spring swimming area are reachable by paved paths; the nature trail itself is natural-surface and partly uneven. Confirm access details with Orange County Parks.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk?
Short nature walks of about 1 mile (1.6 km) total beside the spring run. Most visitors need 30-90 minutes.
Is there a fee?
Orange County charges a per-vehicle entry fee of a few US dollars that varies by day; confirm at orangecountyfl.net.
When is the best time to go?
November-April for walking; summer for tubing in the 68F (20C) spring run.
Is the park ever closed to new arrivals?
Yes. Orange County closes the gates when capacity is reached, which is common on summer weekends and holidays.