Green Springs Park in Deltona features a series of very short but scenic hiking trails. I suggest parking at Green Springs Park and wandering around a little bit, and then hiking to nearby Thornby Park via the Spring-to-Spring Trail. It’s a great way to spend an early Saturday morning!
Florida Hiking Trails
Red Barn at Tucker Ranch
I always enjoy an early morning hike at Tucker Ranch. If you get there right when it opens, you’ll typically have the place all to yourself. It’s quite scenic and I always take photos of the iconic red barn. Cool place!
Dueling Springs
Green Springs vs. Gemini Springs? Each is amazing in its own way. Best of all, they’re about five minutes away from each other! So, you can easily hike around both like I did on an early Saturday morning. What are you waiting for?
The Trails of Trout Lake
Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis features a variety of short but diverse trails. It’s one of the best places to go in Central Florida if you’re seeking a casual and rewarding hike!
Palm Island Revisited
Palm Island Park and adjacent Grantham Pointe in Mount Dora never fail when it comes to viewing Florida wildlife in its natural habitat. If you’ve never been there, what are you waiting for?
The Trails at Hidden Waters
I did an early morning hike at Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis on Memorial Day. Hidden Waters Preserve is one of my favorite hikes in Lake County for several reasons: 1) There’s actually some elevation here since it encompasses a sinkhole lake; 2) It’s shaded for the most part (unless you decide to hike the perimeter); 3) Many gopher tortoises live here (although I didn’t see any on this particular outing); 4) It’s easily accessible just off Highway 441; and 5) The hidden waters (if you can find them) are scenic and photo worthy. So, the next time you’re passing through Eustis with nothing to do, stop by Hidden Waters Preserve. You’ll be glad you did!
Venetian Gardens
Seeking some solitude for reflection? Head out to Venetian Gardens in Leesburg! This unique city park features seven small islands connected by bridges. It’s full of wildlife and scenic landscaping. We saw the purple gallinule above just wandering across one of the bridges. The Venetian Gardens overlook Lake Harris (you can even catch a glimpse of tiny Monkey Island in the distance). Check it out!
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
We had a great time at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg yesterday. We started out at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center and then took the Swamp Woodland trail and saw a small alligator getting some sun. We then headed out to Lake Maggiore Island. We stopped by Wax Myrtle Pond and checked out the Aviary – home to a bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk, owls, vultures and more. Very cool!
Red-Shouldered Hawk
I saw this majestic red-shouldered hawk while I was wandering the hiking trails at Oakland Nature Preserve. The hawk was perched right above me, so I took some decent photos. However, several bikers on the West Orange Trail stopped to take a look and the hawk decided enough was enough and took off. According to the Audubon Field Guide, the red-shouldered hawk is “A hawk of the woodlands, often heard before it is seen. The clear whistled calls of this hawk are conspicuous, especially in spring; in the east, Blue Jays often give a near-perfect imitation of this call. Over much of eastern North America the Red-shoulder has become uncommon, sticking closely to the remaining forests. Populations in Florida and California are often more visible, perhaps adapting better to open habitats.”
Spring to Spring
1st Stop: Green Springs Park, Deltona
2nd Stop: 1871 DeBary Hall, DeBary
3rd Stop: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary
4th Stop: Swamp House River Front Grill, DeBary
Wandering Florida 