OPEN FILE REPORT NO. 85


 Silver Glen Springs


Figure 61. Silver Glen Springs (photo by T. Scott).


Location Lat. 290 14' 45.0" N, Long. 810 38' 36.5" W (SE 1 NE 1 SE 14 sec. 25, T. 14 S, R.
26 E). Silver Glen Springs is in the Ocala National Forest 30 miles (49 km) northeast of
Ocala and flows into Lake George. From Ocala, travel west on SR 40 about 45 miles (72 km).
Turn north on SR 19 for approximately 6 miles (10 km) then right into Silver Glen Springs
Recreation Area. The spring is south of the parking area.

Description Silver Glen Springs has a large combined spring pool with two vents. Water
quality was sampled at the east vent. The combined springs pool measures 200 ft (61 m)
north to south and 175 ft (53 m) east to west. Depth is 18 ft (5.5 m). Large boils are over
both vents. The east vent issues water from the bottom of a conical depression. Some patch-
es of aquatic grass are in the combined pool, especially around the west vent. The west vent
is vertical cave opening in limestone. Much of the pool has a bare sandy bottom possibly
because of heavy use by swimmers. Hydrilla is present, but not common. Two ropes close
off the springs pool to boat traffic. There are many large fresh and saltwater fishes in both
vents. The spring run is approximately 200 ft (61 m) wide on average and flows east approx-
imately 3/4 mile (1.2 km) to the St. Johns River. Uplands rise gently around springs to
approximately 12-15 ft (4 m). Oak, cedar, and pine are common.

Utilization Silver Glen Springs is owned by the Ocala National Forest and is developed
and operated by private concession. There are swimming and picnic facilities. Boats are not
allowed in the springs pool, however, the springs run may become crowded with hundreds