The Great Outdoors

Dive into the chilly depths of Wekiwa Springs or trace the 2,000-year-old path of Timucuan Indians while canoeing down the oak- and cypress-shaded Wekiva River. Marvel at one of the planet's most unusual mammals at a favorite manatee haunt in Blue Spring State Park. Or humor your carb cravings at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House in DeLeon Springs State Park. After all, you can always burn off the calories with a brisk paddleboat or kayak tour of the adjoining Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

In fact, there's so much outdoor recreation available in Central Florida that nature-starved locals can ignore the call of the beach for months. State parks are open from 8 a.m. to sundown, and entrance fees are typically $5 per carload. Here's a quick tour:

* Wekiwa Springs State Park. Named for the Creek Indian word meaning "spring of water," this park is filled with natural wonders, from a 15-foot-deep sinkhole overflowing with plant life to the 72-degree spring for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent canoes at the concession area and paddle along the Wekiva River, where you may spot otters, turtles, alligators and a variety of birds. 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, 32712; (407) 884-2008.

* Blue Spring State Park. If it's late fall or winter, manatees are the main attraction at the spring for which this pristine park is named. When the spring is cold enough-typically from late November through late February-visitors might meet 3,000-pound regulars Brutus, Merlin and Howie. Park rangers can tell you who's who, and there's a terrific Manatees of Blue Spring program with a film and Q&A session. Throughout the year, there's swimming, fishing, canoeing, or tubing. A self-guided tour takes visitors along a boardwalk through the park's lush hammock. 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, 32763; (386) 775-3663.

* DeLeon Springs State Park. Bring a picnic if you prefer, but there's a fun, low-cost dining option inside this 603-acre state recreation area. At the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House-a circa-1830s sugar mill turned grist mill that sits on the edge of the spring-you pay $4 for all the pancakes you can eat after you've cooked them on a griddle in the middle of your table. You can pour "Early American" white-flour batter or the five-grain variety-or both-and add chocolate chips, banana slices, blueberries, pecans and other toppings for just $1 per bowl. Hike along one of the park's nature trails, browse the new butterfly garden, take a dip in the spring-fed swimming hole, and rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat to explore acres of lakes and creeks. 601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd., DeLeon Springs, 32130; (386) 985-4212; Old Spanish Sugar Mill (386) 985-5644.

For details about additional state parks, browse www.floridastateparks.org. Scores of county-run parks provide further fun with equestrian trails, bike paths, playgrounds, camping, swimming, sports fields, picnic facilities and other amenities.

One of the most popular bike paths is the 22-mile West Orange Trail, which begins at Killarney Station on S.R. 50 and extends north into Apopka. Ten of the scenic trail miles are equestrian, and five trailheads and outposts provide rest areas for riders. Check county Web sites or call the county parks and recreation offices for details.