Florida Hiking Trails

Lake Runnymede Conservation Area

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I decided to check out Lake Runnymede Conservation Area because the Florida Hikes! website claimed it was home to “one of the most spectacular stands of ancient live oaks in Central Florida.” As you can see from the above images, they were right on target! I enjoyed a truly fascinating stroll through this tiny, 43-acre preserve, which lies near Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud. The trails are very short – Lake Trail (0.6 mile) and Lake Oak Trail (0.21 mile), so you can knock the place out in about 30 minutes. Don’t miss it!

Riverbend Park, Jupiter

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We set out from Pompano Beach for Riverbend Park in Jupiter early on Good Friday and it was a dismal, rainy morning. However, the rains subsided by the time we arrived and so we embarked on a three-hour hike through the myriad of limestone hiking, biking and equestrian trails that make up Riverbend Park. We viewed a lot of wildlife such as six deer (including a fawn!), marsh rabbit, raccoon and wood stork. The next morning, we set out for Riverbend Park again to explore the more rugged trails on the other side of the park. We enjoyed a great view of the wild and scenic Loxahatchee River from a kayak outpost and then reached the far end of the park, which was populated with cypress knees. We made our way back to the other side of the park for a quick loop and saw five more deer. All in all, a great time and next visit we are definitely going to do some kayaking here.

Black Hammock Wilderness Area

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I finally got the chance to explore 700-acre Black Hammock Wilderness Area in Seminole County (near Geneva) and I was not disappointed. The 4.5-mile hiking trail (part of which is a 1.4-mile loop at the end) features diverse terrain, including Mixed Hardwood Swamp, Pine Flatwoods and Sand Pine Scrub. The first section of the trail includes two scenic boardwalks. I had the place pretty much to myself, although I did chat with another hiker and a couple heading out as I was making my way back. Oh yeah, the parking lot is extremely small (enough for maybe five cars at the most) and so I recommend arriving no later than 8 AM or so on a weekend. Bottom line: It was simply one of the best hikes I’ve taken so far in Central Florida!

 

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 #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 #32: Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet

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Hike #32, 52 Hike Challenge: Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet. The perfect day trip for hikers, Lighthouse Point Park ($10 entrance fee) lies at the southern end of Ponce Inlet. I wandered around the beach, jetty and boardwalk of Lighthouse Point Park, then headed toward the Marine Science Center and Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. Both Lighthouse Point Park and the Marine Science Center offer short nature trails, the latter which leads to an observation tower. We topped the day off with a visit to DJ’s Deck in Port Orange for a later lunch and viewed some dolphins frolicking in the distance. Distance: 2 miles.

 

 

Hike #31 Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area

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Hike #31, 52 Hike Challenge: Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, Orlando. When I arrived at the parking area, I noticed a beaten-up car that looked like it had been abandoned. So I was a little apprehensive about entering the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, but glad I went ahead with the hike. The 706-acre conservation area features a diverse terrain – from sandhills to pine flatwoods to swamp. To reach Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, take the 408 East to State Road 50 and turn left onto Lake Pickett Road (County Road 420). Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area will be about 2.5 miles ahead on your left-hand side. Distance: 3.2 miles.

Hike #30: Lake Proctor Wilderness Area

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Hike #30, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Proctor Wilderness Area, Geneva. I arrived at Lake Proctor Wilderness Area before 8 AM yesterday and I had the entire place to myself! The trail system is very diverse and I enjoyed hiking through pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, sandhill and bayhead swamp. The Blue trail takes you right next to Lake Proctor. It’s a very peaceful location and I will be back soon to hike the Yellow trail. Distance: 3.6 miles.

Hike #26: Spring Hammock Preserve

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Hike #26, 52 Hike Challenge: Spring Hammock Preserve, Longwood. Spring Hammock Preserve is a great place to hike around – if you can find it! In fact, I got totally lost on the way to the preserve and when I finally found the entrance, the gate was closed. It turns out that the Environmental Studies Center is closed on weekends, but the trail is still open. So I parked across the street at Soldier’s Creek Park and then took the Cross Seminole Trail until I came upon the trailhead for Spring Hammock Preserve, which is described as “a unique assemblage of floodplain forest, hydric hammock, upland mixed hardwoods and pine flatwoods.” It was definitely one of the coolest hikes I’ve been on in Central Florida so far! Several smaller trails branch off from the main trail. Don’t miss a photo op at colorful Question Pond. Unfortunately, the boardwalk leading to Lake Jesup was closed off (looks like it suffered some severe storm damage). If you want a nice little escape into nature (especially as we enter our brief phase of cooler weather), I definitely recommend Spring Hammock Preserve! Distance: 3 miles.