Green Springs Park serves as a trailhead for the Spring-to-Spring Trail and the East Central Regional Rail Trail, but the highlight is the amazing mint-green sulfur spring and short but scenic hiking trails.
Green Springs Park
Florida Hiking Trails
Deer at Black Bear
I arrived early at Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford and noticed these deer casually grazing right near the parking lot. What a treat!
Imagination
“I believe in the power of the imagination to remake the world.” – J. G. Ballard
Forest Preserve
Nestled behind the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora, the new Forest Preserve is a beautiful 14-acre tract of long leaf pine forest in the heart of a residential area. It features a 400-foot boardwalk and 1-mile hiking trail (with actual elevation changes!). We saw a barred owl and marsh rabbit during our first hike. Well done, City of Mount Dora! Highly recommended!
Ponce Preserve
Take a short stroll through scenic Ponce Preserve in Ponce Inlet to view this majestic 350-year-old live oak tree, which sits at the foot of the Green Mound State Archaeological Site, an ancient Native American midden. Don’t miss it!
Tavares Nature Park
If you ever make it out to Tavares Nature Park, take a left just past the entrance and follow the trail to a rather rickety boardwalk that will lead to a scenic view of Lake Dora. Very cool!
Gopher Tortoise
One of the best places to see gopher tortoises in their natural habitat is Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis.
The Gators of Palm Island
On a typical sunny afternoon, you are almost guaranteed to see an alligator or two at Palm Island Park in Mount Dora. Check it out!
First Hike of 2022
Our first hike of the year was actually just a stroll along the boardwalk at Oakland Nature Preserve. However, over the next few months I intend to revisit my favorite Central Florida hiking trails. Stay tuned!
Wandering Trimble Park
Along with Palm Island Park, Trimble Park is one of my go-to spots in Mount Dora for a quick hike. It’s a nice mix of wooded trails and scenic boardwalks. Sometimes I’ll glimpse an alligator or two, but not this time.
Wandering Florida 