Florida Hiking Trails

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 #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 #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!