Florida Hiking Trails

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 #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!

 

 

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.

Hike #10: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary

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Hike #10, 52 Hike Challenge: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary. We had a nice stroll around 210-acre Gemini Springs Park this morning. The springs are actually closed to swimming due to high bacteria levels (but that makes the park all that more peaceful for those of us who just want to wander around and explore!). The park features a small campsite, fishing dock and playground, as well as several nature trails. Located at 37 Dirksen Drive (off U.S. 17/92), Gemini Springs Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset; admission is free. Wildlife sightings: American White Ibis (No. 5 on Birding Life List), Bobcat, Red-Shouldered Hawk (No. 6). Distance: 1.5 miles.

Hike #9: Econ River Wilderness Area

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Hike #9, 52 Hike Challenge: Econ River Wilderness Area. Surrounded by bland subdivisions on all sides in Oviedo (3795 Old Lockwood Road), the 240-acre Econ River Wilderness Area is a welcome oasis! I have to admit I got lost a few times (make sure to pick up a trail map at the entrance!) and some of the trail was flooded, but I eventually made it to the river. A very scenic and relaxing hike! Distance: 2.7 miles.

Hike #8: Osprey Trail & Beach Walk, Honeymoon Island

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Hike #8, 52 Hike Challenge: Osprey Trail and Beach Walk, Honeymoon Island State Park. We walked along the Osprey Trail until we came upon an impassable flooded area. However, during our brief hike, we spotted an osprey soaring overhead, as well as two osprey nests. Did not see any gopher tortoises or eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, both of which make the pine flatwoods portion of the island their home. We will return another time to finish this trail. I also walked along the beach, which was very scenic. I spotted many shorebirds. Distance: 3 miles.

Hike #7: Hidden Waters Preserve, Eustis

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Hike #7, 52 Hike Challenge: Hidden Waters Preserve, Eustis. Nestled off Country Club Drive in Eustis (take East Crooked Lake Road off 441), Hidden Waters Preserve is a hidden gem encompassing 90 acres and featuring a sinkhole lake called Lake Alfred at its center. Visitors can experience six distinctive hiking trails: Lake Alfred Trail (0.6 mile), Hammock Trail (0.2 mile), Ravine Trail (0.4 mile), Prickly Pear Trail (0.3 mile), Longleaf Pine Trail (1.5 miles) and Gopher Tortoise Trail (0.2 mile). By the way, the Preserve was formerly known as the Eichelberger Sink. The elevation change from the edges of the Preserve to the bottom of the sink is 90 feet. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises (didn’t see any this time out). Hidden Waters Preserve is open daily from 8 AM until sunset. Wildlife sightings: Cooper’s hawk, rabbit. Distance: 3.4 miles.

Green Mountain Overlook

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The Green Mountain Overlook and Trailhead in Minneola is located 132 feet above sea level and provides spectacular views of the surrounding area (you may get a glimpse of Lake Apopka in the distance as well). It features a three-story observation tower, picnic tables, restrooms and a water fountain. Hikers can access the Lake Apopka Loop Trail from the Green Mountain Overlook and take an 18-mile trek to Magnolia Park, which lies on the east side of Lake Apopka. Very peaceful! By the way, Green Mountain lies near Sugarloaf Mountain, which, at 312 feet above sea level, is the highest point on the Florida peninsula.