52 Hike Challenge

Hike #22: Lake Lotus Park

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Hike #22, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Lotus Park, Altamonte Springs. Lake Lotus Park lies just off bustling Maitland Boulevard, so my expectations were rather low for an escape into nature. However, I was totally impressed with the 150-acre nature preserve as I strolled along the lengthy boardwalk, which I had pretty much to myself on a quiet Friday afternoon. Although I didn’t see any alligators on this visit, I did view what I believe to be a Florida redbelly turtle (see above). I will definitely be back! Note that there is tram service available from an off-site parking area across the street during weekends since parking inside Lake Lotus Park is very limited. Distance: 1.3 miles.

Hike #21: Split Oak Forest, Orlando

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Hike #21, 52 Hike Challenge: Split Oak Forest Wildlife & Environmental Area, Orlando. I had a peaceful hike through Split Oak Forest, a splendid oasis located just outside the sprawling Lake Nona area. Unfortunately, the relentless folks at the Florida DOT want to run an expressway right through this amazing 2,000-acre Florida scrub forest managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A group called Friends of Split Oak Forest has been formed with the goal of “protecting Split Oak Forest for the future.” Hopefully, Split Oak Forest will remain free from sprawling Central Florida development for future generations to enjoy! Distance: 5.2 miles.

 

Hike #20: Paynes Creek Historic State Park

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Hike #20, 52 Hike Challenge: Paynes Creek Historic State Park. On Sunday, we got the opportunity to search for fossilized shark’s teeth at a secluded creek near Bowling Green in lightly populated Hardee County. Very cool experience! Since we were in the area, we decided to check out Paynes Creek Historic State Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located at the site of Fort Chokonikla (built in 1849). We took a short hike to the confluence of Paynes Creek and the Peace River (very scenic!). Unfortunately, the Suspension Bridge pictured above is closed to hikers. A Visitor Center depicts “the lives of Florida’s Seminoles and pioneers during the mid-1800s.” Paynes Creek Historic State Park is located at 888 Lake Branch Road. Distance: 1.2 miles.

Hike #19: Lyonia Preserve

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Hike #19, 52 Hike Challenge: Lyonia Preserve, Deltona. I made the mistake of heading right once I got to the Lyonia Preserve (360 acres of restored Florida scrub habitat that provides home to the Florida scrub jay) and hiking the perimeter of the preserve (I thought I was on the Blue Trail, but it seemed like just some old sandy service road!). Fortunately when I got to the east end of the preserve I was able to work my way into the interior, where the trails were much more scenic and manageable. Finally, when I started walking through the unmarked trails near the preserve entrance I spotted my first scrub jay. Before you know it I was surrounded by about a dozen scrub jays! They are very friendly and will approach within a few feet of you. In addition, quite a few gopher tortoises call the Lyonia Preserve home, but I did not see any during this particular outing. The Lyonia Preserve lies adjacent to the Deltona Regional Libray and Lyonia Environmental Center at 2150 Eustace Avenue. Distance: 4 miles.

 

 

 

Hike #18: Tibet-Butler Preserve

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Hike #18, 52 Hike Challenge: Tibet-Butler Preserve, Orlando. Nestled amid some serious urban sprawl, the Tibet-Butler Preserve offers a respite from the stresses of modern society. I hiked several trails, including Fallen Log Crossing, Osprey Overlook, Tarflower Loop and Pine Circle Loop (the Palmetto Passage is closed indefinitely due to flooding). In addition, I strolled through the Vera Carter Environmental Center. Very well done! The Tibet-Butler Preserve is located at 8777 County Road 535. Distance: 2 miles.

Hike #17: Crooked River Preserve

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Hike #17, 52 Hike Challenge: Crooked River Preserve. Clermont. Surrounded by sprawling development, Crooked River Preserve is a quiet and scenic oasis of wilderness that protects 64 acres of waterfront on Lake Louisa and along the Palatlakaha River. Crooked River Preserve is composed of several short trails that loop around and which hikers can knock out in about an hour: Cypress Trail, Titi Trail, Sink Trail and Fern Trail. Highly recommended! Wildlife sighting: Red-Shouldered Hawk. Distance: 1.7 miles.

 

Hike #16: Geneva Wilderness Area

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Hike #16, 52 Hike Challenge: Geneva Wilderness Area. I enjoyed hiking at the 180-acre Geneva Wilderness Area, but I ran into some flooded areas. I will return during the dry season to further explore this scenic area. The Geneva Wilderness Area lies at 3485 N. County Road 426 in East Seminole County. Distance: 1.8 miles.

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.

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.