Ideally located along the scenic St. Johns River, Lake Harney Wilderness Area is the perfect spot to get some exercise, view wildlife (I almost always see deer out here in the early morning) and social distance (I hardly ever run across anyone else out here during my hikes). There’s even an observation deck for a sweeping view of Lake Harney itself and the surrounding area. So, what are you waiting for? Mark Lake Harney Wilderness Area down on your calendar and get out in the great outdoors!
Florida Hiking Trails
Circle B Bar Reserve
After hearing great things about Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, we finally got the opportunity to visit and enjoy just a small sampling of this amazing wildlife habitat. A former cattle ranch on the shore of Lake Hancock, Circle B Bar Reserve encompasses 1,267 acres and contains a diversity of great hiking trails. We saw several alligators and the reserve was also teeming with various bird species. We will definitely return soon to explore other areas of Circle B Bar Reserve. Highly recommended!
Withlacoochee River Park
We discovered a great outdoor oasis way off the beaten path at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City. Several scenic trails meander through the park, including a portion of the Florida Trail. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Observation Tower for a great view of the surrounding area. Oh yeah, make sure to pack some mosquito repellent because we got eaten alive on this outing – but it was well worth it! Other stops during this adventure included a visit to the charming 1922 Richloam General Store in Webster and an outstanding lunch at Kafe Kokopelli in downtown Dade City.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
If your travels take you to Gainesville and you want to view some wildlife, make sure you add Sweetwater Wetlands Park to your travel itinerary. A thriving habitat, Sweetwater features 125 acres of wetlands and ponds teeming with wildlife such as alligators, birds and even Florida cracker horses (although we didn’t see any during our most recent outing). Wander through 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks at this serene nature sanctuary just minutes from downtown Gainesville.
Trimble Park Revisited
Nestled between Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton, scenic Trimble Park never fails when it comes to wildlife viewing. The past two times I have viewed two different alligators sunning on the same log (see above). Also, if you are going for a hike, make sure you visit the boardwalk toward the back of the park. Very cool!
Fairchild Oak
Estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old, the majestic Fairchild Oak is located at Bulow Creek State Park in Ormond Beach. The southern trailhead for the 6.8-mile Bulow Woods Hiking Trail also can be found here. The scenic hiking trail ends at Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park, another must-see destination.
Lake Louisa State Park
The other day I hiked Lake Louisa State Park for the first time. I decided to hike a 2-mile loop around Bear Lake because it sounded pretty cool. Although I didn’t run into any bears, I did see three deer and a gopher tortoise. I also viewed Lake Louisa, Big Creek and Wilderness Point (a primitive camping area). I will definitely be back soon to check out some of the other hiking trails at this huge state park in Clermont.
Trout Lake Nature Center Revisited
It had been well over a year since I visited Trout Nature Center in Eustis and I spent a couple of hours wandering around the short hiking trails here looking for wildlife. I did spot a Florida box turtle sauntering along, so that was definitely a highlight of my visit. The impressive oak tree near the entrance is another not-to-be-missed site at Trout Nature Center, as well as a stroll along the scenic boardwalk to the lake itself. Highly recommended!
Hidden Waters Preserve Revisited
I did a nice hike at Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis the other day and actually wandered along the hidden waters that give the preserve its name. It was another scorching summer day, of course, but Hidden Waters Preserve is well shaded, except for a couple of some grueling stretches along the perimeter. I only saw one gopher tortoise this time, but there are plenty of them out there to view if you visit at just the right time when they are foraging around. I’ll be back soon!
Lake Lotus Park Revisited
A visit to Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs can be tricky, but it’s definitely worth the effort! For example, it’s only open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On weekends, you will have to park at the offsite parking lot and take the tram over to the park. Highlights of Lake Lotus Park include 120 acres of woods and wetlands, one mile of raised boardwalk, playground, education center, picnic pavilions, barbecue grills and a fishing pier.
Wandering Florida 