40 Acre Park
Community park in Welaka with quiet birding trails through former fish-hatchery wetlands, plus a playground, sand volleyball, racquetball and picnic pavilion.
Parks, Trails & Springs
State parks, blueways, hiking trails, and the springs that make North Central Florida unmistakable.
Bartram Trail
Follow William Bartram's 1770s route along the St. Johns River through Welaka, Georgetown and Crescent City, by boat, on foot or on horseback.
Bryant’s Wharf Kayak Launch
Public kayak launch in Welaka with a floating dock, restrooms, scenic viewing area, fishing and shrimping, and two-night overnight mooring.
Dunns Creek State Park
More than 6,200 acres south of a bend in the St. Johns River, with hiking, wildlife watching and scenery off the Sisco Road entrance.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The FWC manages Florida's fish and wildlife resources, including the fishing, hunting and recreation around Welaka and Putnam County.
Jefferson Smith Memorial Ball Park
Welaka park with a lighted ballfield and covered bleachers, two playgrounds, swings, a basketball court, picnic pavilion and restrooms.
Little Lake George Croaker Hole
A spring in Little Lake George 3.5 miles southwest of Welaka, named by the FWC as a thermal refuge where striped and sunshine bass gather.
Mason Newstead Memorial Downtown Park
Welaka's downtown park with lighted tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, swings, shuffleboard, and restrooms with showers.
Mt. Royal Indian Mound
One of Florida's largest ceremonial mounds, built between 1250 and 1500 AD near Crescent City and documented by William Bartram in 1765.
Pomona Park Community Center
Historic former schoolhouse in Pomona Park, renovated with a stage, ADA access and room for 150, available for parties, events and shows.
Ravine Garden State Park
New Deal-era state park in Palatka built around two spring-fed steephead ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep 45-degree banks.
Welaka Dog Park
Fenced dog park on Orange St. in Welaka, FL. Open sunrise to sunset. Two play areas for shy and confident dogs, water, poop bags, benches, restrooms.
Welaka National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
Fish hatchery and aquarium on the St. Johns River in Welaka, built in 1926 and run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1938.
Welaka State Forest
State forest along the east bank of the St. Johns River, managed by the Florida Forest Service for recreation and environmental education.
Welaka State Forest Mud Spring Trail
A 1.7-mile loop through the Welaka State Forest to Mud Spring, where a clear basin cradles an underwater garden rather than mud.
Welaka Town Hall Recreation Area
Welaka recreation area with the LifeTrail circuit, basketball court, picnic pavilion and playground, an easy outdoor stop in town.
Frequently asked questions
- What state parks are in the Welaka area?
- Welaka State Forest is right in town with hiking trails. Dunns Creek State Park is 25 minutes north. Ravine Gardens State Park is in Palatka. Welaka National Fish Hatchery has a short Beecher Run Nature Trail along its old fish ponds.
- Can I swim at Mud Spring?
- Mud Spring is not officially designated for swimming. It's a small, clear, blue-green pool meant for viewing. For swimming, drive 30-45 minutes west to Salt Springs or Silver Glen Springs in the Ocala National Forest.
- How long is the Bartram Trail in Welaka State Forest?
- The William Bartram St. Johns River Loop is about 5 miles. The shorter Mud Spring Trail is 1.7 miles. Both start near the visitor center at 720 CR 309 and have a $2 per person day-use fee.
- Where can I see manatees near Welaka?
- Manatees use Welaka and Mud Spring as winter resting spots. Best viewing is November through March from Bryant's Wharf or the public boat ramps. For guaranteed sightings, Blue Spring State Park is about 1.5 hours south.
- Are dogs allowed on the trails?
- Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on Welaka State Forest trails. Pack water for them and watch for snakes and alligators. Most Florida park trails allow leashed dogs.