BLUE SPRING STATE PARK
Spring 2009 Birding Trail newsletter and wheelchair accessibility request
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is an ADA accessible site. The Blue
Spring Trail is a .33 mile trail adjacent to the beautiful Blue Spring Run and
is either concrete or boardwalk for its entire length. The boardwalk
terminates at a spacious overlook with a bird’s eye view of the spring
itself. Near the trail are pavilions and picnic areas with wheelchair
accessible BBQ grills and picnic tables. There are also two restrooms,
each with ADA accessibility.
Along the Blue Spring Trail are multiple overlooks which allow all to view
nature and wildlife (birds, fish, manatees, turtles, etc.)
For the more adventuresome, the park is also the launching location of the
St. Johns River Cruises. Departing twice daily, the cruise boat leaves
from the park’s ADA compliant fishing pier. Both boats are wheelchair
accessible. A two hour cruise will ensure plenty for nature viewing
opportunities and is narrated by captain and crew.
The campground within the sand pine scrub offers three sites which are
ADA accessible. Whether staying there or just driving through, one is
likely to see Florida scrub-jays.
The cabin area located just east of the river has one ADA accessible
cabin. Adjacent to the cabins is one of the park’s sand pine restoration
areas, which will hopefully be the future home for multiple families of
Florida scrub-jays and other bird species.
Additionally, from mid-November through March 1st, the park conducts
manatee programs daily in the program room and is open and accessible
to all.
So whether you enjoy nature-viewing, cruising the scenic St. Johns,
fishing, or cooking out, Blue Spring State Park provides everyone the
opportunity.