Month: September 2018

Hike #15: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis

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Hike #15, 52 Hike Challenge: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis. We had a pleasant stroll along the trails of the Trout Lake Nature Center followed by a visit to the Education Center and Museum. We followed the Lazy Oak Trail to the right of the parking lot and took the Boardwalk to Trout Lake. On the way back we took the Armadillo Trail to the Adventure Trail to the Grandfather Oak Trail for a view of the very impressive oak tree. Most of the trail was heavily shaded, so the sweltering heat was not too much of a problem. The Trout Lake Nature Center is located at 520 East County Road 44 in Eustis. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Distance: 1.4 miles.

Bahia Honda Rail Bridge

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Completed in 1912, the Overseas Railroad (aka “Flagler’s Folly” and the “Eighth Wonder of the World”) was partially destroyed by the tragic Labor Day Hurricane in 1935. Today, visitors to the Florida Keys heading down the Overseas Highway toward Key West can view the only remaining segment of the railroad, the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, between Bahia Honda Key (home to Bahia Honda State Park) and Scout Key (formerly known as West Summerland Key). We pulled off at Scout Key and took a short stroll along a sandy path to an overlook where the road ends abruptly (be careful since there is quite a drop-off and no barriers of any kind). The reward is a great view of the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge itself. On the way back to the car, we noticed a creepy, rusted-out scooter (see image above). For more information about the fascinating history of the Overseas Railroad, I recommend Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean (2003) by Lee Standiford.

 

Hike #14: Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West

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Hike #14, 52 Hike Challenge: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. We hiked around a few of the trails for a great view of Fort Zachary Taylor, a National Historic Landmark that was named after President Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) and constructed in the mid-1850s. The fort was occupied by Union forces throughout the Civil War. Key West is not known for its great beaches, but Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is by far the best of the bunch. You can even grab an ice-cold beer at the onsite Cayo Hueso Cafe! Distance: 1.2 miles.

 

Hike #13: Lake May Reserve, Eustis

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Hike #13, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake May Reserve, Eustis. A hidden gem located in Eustis at 36300 County Road 44A, Lake May Reserve encompasses 136 acres “of xeric oak hammock and a mix of upland scrub pine and hardwood forested areas,” according to the official brochure. It was a pleasant stroll, except for a portion of the western side of the lake, where we encountered many immense spider webs along the trail. Overall, a very satisfactory experience! Plans are reportedly underway for the addition of picnic areas, a canoe launch and catch & release fishing at Lake May Reserve. Distance: 2.4 miles.

Big Tree Park, Longwood

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The National Champion Bald Cypress Tree known as “The Senator” stood majestically for 3,500 years (reaching 165 feet at its peak) until it was tragically destroyed by an arsonist in 2012. During a quick stroll up the boardwalk at Big Tree Park in Longwood, you can learn all about the fascinating history of this tree (President Calvin Coolidge visited the tree in 1929), view the burnt remains of the tree and view its huge companion, “Lady Liberty” (2,000 years old and rising 89 feet with a diameter of 10 feet!). Also check out the clone of The Senator (known as “The Phoenix”), which is located adjacent to the playground. Big Tree Park is part of Spring Hammock Preserve.

Hike #12: Hickory Point Recreational Park

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Hike #12, 52 Hike Challenge: Hickory Point Recreational Park, Tavares. Opened in 1992, Hickory Point lies adjacent to Little Lake Harris (off State Road 19). I wandered out to the fishing pier for a view of the lake and then took a stroll along the boardwalk and nature trail, looping around several times. It was early on a Sunday morning, so absolutely no one was around and even though the boardwalk lies next to a huge sand volleyball complex it definitely feels like you’re out in the middle of the wilderness. Very cool! Distance: 1.6 miles.

Lake Idamere Park, Tavares

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My goal this morning was to hike the two-mile nature trail at Lake Idamere Park in Tavares. However, after a short stroll I realized that much of the trail was flooded from the recent torrential rainstorms. Lake Idamere Park features shaded picnic areas, a playground, dog park and fishing pier. It was a really nice park (off State Road 19) and I will definitely be back soon!

 

 

The Blue Gator, Dunnellon

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Looking for an idea for a laid-back Central Florida day trip? Head to Rainbow Springs State Park in the morning followed by lunch at the nearby Blue Gator at Angler’s Resort in Dunnellon! Relax on the outdoor deck along the Withlacoochee River and enjoy an ice-cold beer with some steamed shrimp, raw oysters, chicken wings and smoked fish dip (click here for the full menu). Live music takes place here Thursday through Sunday evenings. Airboat tours and boat rentals are also available. The Blue Gator is located at 12189 South Williams Street in Dunnellon.

Hike #11: Rainbow Springs State Park

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Hike #11, 52 Hike Challenge: Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon. We had an awesome time wandering around Rainbow Springs State Park yesterday.  One of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions, Rainbow Springs (formerly known as Blue Springs) once featured “underwater cruise boats,” a raft adventure, animal park, rodeo arena, swamp garden, Rainbow Queen Paddleboat and monorail. In addition, portions of the long-forgotten movie, Tarzan and the Brown Prince (1972) were filmed here. The attraction closed in 1974 and the state purchased Rainbow Springs in 1995. Today, the park offers swimming, canoe/kayak rentals, campground, picnic areas, butterfly garden, waterfalls and nature trails, as well as a concession stand and gift shop. Remnants of the old zoo can also be viewed near the butterfly garden. Rainbow Springs State Park is located three miles north of Dunnellon on U.S. 41. Distance: 1.2 miles.