Tomoka Basin GeoPark

In 1605, Alvaro Mexia, under orders from the Spanish governor of Florida, brought his exploration party up the heavily forested peninsula north of present-day Ormond Beach. Where the Tomoka and Halifax rivers join, Mexia discovered Nocoroco, a Timucuan Indian village within the area of Tomoka Basin GeoPark.

Today we bird and hike and picnic under the ancient live oaks that shaded their huts nearly 400 years ago. The Timucuans vanished before the tide of civilization, but canoeists may explore the same marshes and tidal creeks that provided the abundant food which sustained them.

Production of indigo, rice and sugar cane on 18th century English land-grant holdings in the area later made it necessary to clear away the forest. The growing fields are long abandoned now and Tomoka is gradually returning to its original condition.

Birds are abundant - look for Black-crowned Night-herons and Vireos.
Guided walks, slide programs and canoe trips to old plantation ruins are offered seasonally. Fishing is good in the brackish waters of the two rivers; speckled trout, redfish, drum, flounder and snook may be caught on live shrimp. Swimming is not allowed and the taking of shellfish is prohibited.

There is a boat launch on the Tomoka River. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-sundown, year-round. Admission is $3.25/car of 8. For more information, call (904) 676-4050.

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