A gushing clear water spring, pumping out more than a half million gallons of water a day, gives an impression it will never cess. Silver Springs is thought to be the largest artesian spring in the world, but drought, development and excessive water usage has cut the amount of water flowing here in half. Glass bottom boats, Florida wildlife and one of the clearest rivers in the state are all part of the attraction at Silver Springs.
      Heading off commercial developers, the State of Florida purchased 5000 acres surrounding this tropical wonder. The actual spring area, once a private attraction, was assumed by Florida's park service. A huge task, the park service is working to restore it to a more natural state, hoping to preserve 20 miles of Silver River frontage.
      This relatively new state park offers 59 campsites, rental cabins and an educational center which features a cracker village. The park, nestled in a forest hammock, keeps visitors busy with biking, canoeing and wildlife sightings. The Sinkhole Trail weaves through three miles of hardwood hammocks, scrub and sand hill habitats. The three quarter mile River Trail leads hikers along the riverbanks, providing excellent views of this pristine river.

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