Silver River is located east of Ocala Florida fed by Silver Springs. Most paddlers, us included, access the river via Ray Wayside Park 3 miles past the Silver Springs Attraction on SR 40.
After a person pays the $5 parking fee at Ray Wayside Park, they can quickly transport themselves into a 12,000-year-old Florida experience.
The water is still clear blue and the vegetation is naturally wild. The unspoiled beauty is why Native Americans once called it home and why modern people have used the river for the creation of movies and as a tourist destination.
This time as we paddled on the river, we saw several Rhesus Monkeys, Cormorants, Ibises, fish, and a small alligator. Sean provided us with a great lunch. And it was a pleasure paddling with our kayaking friends on the Silver River.
Directions:
- Exit Interstate 75 onto State Road 40 east. Exit 352 Ocala
- Travel east on SR 40 and drive for about 12 miles
- You will pass through Ocala, then through the town of Silver Springs.
- At mile 9, you will pass the Silver Springs Attraction
- Drive for 3 more miles on SR 40 to Ray Wayside Park
- Ray Wayside Park is on the right hand side of the road
- You will turn before the Ocklawaha River, Delks Bluff Bridge
- Take a right onto a fork marked Ray Wayside Park.
- Continue about 200 feet and take a right into the boat ramp parking area.
- There is a canoe launch located at the far end of the park.
Liquid Rhythm Adventures' Journal 