Hontoon Island State Park
Located a few miles west of DeLand, Hontoon Island lies within the Saint John's River. Boat, canoe, kayak or take the park’s ferry to the island where you can bike or hike the trail to an Indian shell mound formed over 2,000 years ago. Visit the totem replicas in the picnic area and the museum at the Visitor Center where exhibits and a video detail the history and natural formations of the island.
We ambled along the two main trails which led us to the Indian mound. The hammock nature trail offered a close-up experience of wooded hammocks while the more open Timucuan Trail Road and River to River Road provided a more open view of palmetto and pine flats. Both trails are about three miles round trip and took us about two hours, but we stopped frequently to take photos and just to observe wildlife and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
For campers there is a campground with cabins and sites for tents. For day visitors there is a picnic area and playground located between the Visitor Center and a tranquil view of the river. Canoes, kayaks, and bikes can be rented at the Visitor Center and refreshments can be purchased there.
From I-4 in Deland, take Exit 118 to follow FL-44 (New York Avenue) west for 6.8 miles then make a left onto CR 4110 (Old New York Road). Follow CR 4110 for about 2 miles to CR 4125 (Hontoon Road) on the left. Head south on CR 4125 for 3.2 miles to the Park on the left.
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