52 Hike Challenge

Hike #42: Captain Forster Hammock Preserve

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Hike #42: 52 Hike Challenge: Captain Forster Hammock Preserve, Vero Beach. During a seven-mile bike ride that started at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and took us along the scenic Historic Jungle Trail, we made a pit stop at the delightful, 110-acre Captain Forster Hammock Preserve (named after an early settler to the area) and hiked to the beach and back (along with sampling some of the rather overgrown side trails along the way). Distance: 2 miles.

 

Hike #41: Twin Oaks Conservation Area

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Hike #41: 52 Hike Challenge: Twin Oaks Conservation Area, Kissimmee. I arrived at Twin Oaks Conservation Area mid-morning and there were few people around. Except for a few guys fishing on the dock, I had the place to myself. The site of a former cattle ranch and sod production area, Twin Oaks offers a nice stroll through a wildlife habitat along the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga (aka Lake Toho), which is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. According to the official website, “Twin Oaks is characterized by improved pastures, live oak hammocks, wet prairies, freshwater marshes, shrub wetlands and remnant cypress.” The twin oaks that give the conservation area its name are very impressive! Be sure to bring a hat and some sunscreen since there is little shade during the entire hike. In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, Twin Oaks offers equestrian trails, fishing, picnicking and primitive camping for groups. Distance: 1.9 miles.

Hike #40: Lake Apopka Loop Trail

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Hike #40: 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Apopka Loop Trail. If you’re into birding (and alligators!), you MUST take a hike along the Lake Apopka Loop Trail (or at least plan an outing to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive). More than 150 species of birds reportedly flock to Lake Apopka during the winter months. Encompassing 30,800 acres (making it the fourth largest lake in Florida), Lake Apopka was targeted for cleanup under the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act of 1987. I reached the Lake Apopka Loop Trail from the Magnolia Park Trailhead, although it also can be accessed from the Clay Island Trailhead, Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, North Shore Trailhead and Wildlife Drive entrance (2850 Lust Road). I saw plenty of birds, but no alligators this time out (perhaps due to it being a rather overcast day). Distance: 2.5 miles.

Hike #39: Enchanted Forest Sanctuary

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Hike #39: 52 Hike Challenge: Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Titusville. A well-maintained and diverse trail system winds its way through the immensely popular Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. That is why we got there right before the Sanctuary opened at 9 AM. However, there was already a group of Boy Scouts gathering in the parking lot, so we signed in quickly and headed on our way so we could have the trails to ourselves for a little while. The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary encompasses five basic habitat types: pine flatwood, prairie, oak, scrub, and mesic and hydric hammock. Our favorite trail was the Magnolia Loop, which features some majestic live oaks. The tail end of the Coquina Trail is also very cool. Also, don’t miss the chance to see the gopher tortoises at the entrance to the Sanctuary. All in all, a great hike! Distance: 3.1 miles.

Hike #38: Pine Lily Preserve, Orlando

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Hike #38: 52 Hike Challenge: Pine Lily Preserve, Orlando. The weather was perfect although a little chilly (48 degrees!) as I headed out to 409-acre Pine Lily Preserve near the community of Bithlo. If you are driving from western Orange County like me, simply take the 408 to 50 East and turn right onto County Road 13. I actually missed it and ended up turning around at the Orlando Speed World Dragway. As usual, I had the entire preserve to myself and the wildlife that call it home (I spotted a total of seven deer during the hike, a record for me!). The trail itself was mostly dry except for one area that was slightly flooded. I recommend taking the entire red trail (although the small loop at the end of the trail is kind of rough) and the short blue loop as well. Hal Scott Preserve lies just to the south. Distance: 3.5 miles.

 

 

Hike #37: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

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Hike #37: 52 Hike Challenge: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando. It took us about 10 years to get back to Bill Frederick Park for some reason. It’s a nice park with plenty of scenic views. We picked up the nature trail behind the Carter Center and strolled over to the farm to see the horses. The nature trail is pretty cool back there, but you can hear a lot of traffic from the Florida Turnpike on the western edge of the park. As we approached the park entrance, the nature trail kind of disappeared, so we picked up the paved bike trail and hiked alongside Turkey Lake (there’s a lot of new development on the other side of the lake since we were last here). Oh yeah, it cost us a $4 entry fee. All in all, a good outing and we won’t wait another 10 years before returning! Distance: 2.1 miles.

Hike #36: Ponce Preserve, Ponce Inlet

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Hike #36: 52 Hike Challenge: Ponce Preserve, Ponce Inlet. The 41-acre Ponce Preserve, the largest park in Ponce Inlet, stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River and encompasses the Green Mound Archaeological Site (ancient Native American midden). The amazing live oak at the base of the Green Mound is estimated to be more than 350 years old. A highly recommended hike! Distance: 2.4 miles.

Hike #35: Lake Harney Wilderness Area

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Hike #35: 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Harney Wilderness Area, Geneva. A hidden gem, the Lake Harney Wilderness Area is way off the beaten path, but well worth a visit. It was a foggy day, but I took the Flagler Trail to the River Loop, which took me up to the St. Johns River. Then I walked back to the parking lot and found the Floodplain Loop Trail, which took me to a very cool observation tower overlooking Lake Harney (which I could barely see due to the fog). Unfortunately, I took photos with my new camera and I have yet to figure out to transfer them, but will add some images soon. Wildlife Sighting: Bald Eagle. Distance: 2.4 miles.

Hike #34: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

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Hike #34: 52 Hike Challenge: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers. Just about anyone would enjoy strolling leisurely along the 1.2-mile boardwalk at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. It’s a fascinating glimpse of a cypress slough (pronounced “sloo”) and the premises also include an Interpretive Center. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any wildlife this time out, but I will definitely be back! Distance: 1.2 miles.

 

 

 

Hike #33: Koreshan State Park, Estero

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Hike #33, 52 Hike Challenge: Koreshan State Park, Estero. I had a great hike at Koreshan State Park on a cool and breezy Friday morning. I parked near the campgrounds and took the nature trail along the Estero River that includes a spectacular bamboo forest. The trail winds its way to the ghost town of a bizarre, 19th-century religious sect known as the Koreshans that was founded by Dr. Cyrus R. Teed, who believed “that the universe existed on the inside of the Earth.” I was the only one out there except a park ranger picking up wind debris – an amazing (and sometimes creepy!) experience to wander through this former thriving community. Distance: 3.2 miles.