Get outside and on your bike to start the new year off right. Plan to join a ranger-led bicycle tour of Wakulla Springs State Park in beautiful Wakulla Springs, Florida. Adventure, exercise, beautiful scenery, and natural wildlife await for you on this six-mile round trip bike tour.
Exploring Wakulla Springs
Just south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs natural areas include forests of hardwood uplands, longleaf flatwoods, and cypress sloughs, and deep fresh-water springs. The Park is a National Natural Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You’ll cover more ground on this guided bike tour than on foot, and find “Hidden Spring” while you learn about the history and flora and fauna of the area. You’ll stop to see wildlife, plants, and fungi while you hear stories about Wakulla Springs and the surrounding areas that have been occupied for 15,000 years.
From Paleo-Indian occupants to European settlers to the purchase of the property by Edward Ball in 1934, you’ll learn the history and secrets of this beautiful natural area from a knowledgeable and experienced ranger.
Wildlife
The natural areas include undeveloped lands and protected wildlife sanctuaries that support a wide variety of migratory and nesting birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. West Indian manatee, white tailed deer, and wild turkey are just a few of the species in the area. Bring your binoculars if you like bird spotting.
The remains of ancient wildlife are still to be found here and have been recovered from Wakulla Springs. A mastodon recovered from the work of geologist Herman Gunter in 1930 is on display at the Museum of Florida History. Wakulla Springs have been studied by paleontologists, cave explorers, and archeologists over the years, revealing fossilized remains of mastodons, evidence of early humans, and a massive cave system.
How to Join
To join this guided bicycle tour and get to know Wakulla Springs, you’ll need to call 850-562-7286 to register. Hurry though because space is limited! They’re a few requirements of participants:
- You must have the ability to follow the ranger’s visual and verbal instruction independently without assistance.
- You must be able to be outside for the duration of the two-hour tour.
- You must be able to ride a bicycle through wet, sandy, uneven terrain independently for the six mile route.
Registrants will meet in the Wakulla Springs Lodge parking lot with a bicycle with good suspension, water, snacks, and a bicycle helmet.
Before the tour, come early for breakfast at the Lodge, or after the tour – stay for lunch. Click here for more information. We’ll see you in Wakulla Springs State Park.
