“I believe in the power of the imagination to remake the world.” – J. G. Ballard
Imagination
Florida Hiking Trails
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.
Back to Lake Lotus
We spent a nice Sunday afternoon wandering around Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs, followed by a visit to Lake Lily Park and then dinner at Athena Roasted Chicken (I ordered the vegetarian pita, which was amazing!).
Central Florida Boardwalks
During the rainy season, I usually try to avoid the muddiest hiking trails and spend most of my time outdoors wandering on the scenic boardwalks. Here are my favorite Central Florida boardwalks:
- Black Hammock Wilderness Area
- Blue Spring State Park, Orange City
- Hickory Point Park, Tavares
- Lake Ashby Park, New Smyrna Beach
- Lake Lotus Park, Altamonte Springs
- Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet
- Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland
- Palm Island Park, Mount Dora
- Tibet-Butler Preserve, Orlando
- Trimble Park, Mount Dora
- Trout Nature Center, Eustis
