I hiked about six miles at Split Oak Forest, first heading South along the North/South Trail and then taking the Lake Loop Trail that winds by Bonnet Pond and Lake Hart. A very enjoyable hike and I saw two deer and two Sherman’s fox squirrels. An amazing wilderness area, Split Oak Forest deserves to be preserved for future generations to enjoy!
We enjoyed a pleasant stroll along the 3,500-foot boardwalk at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park in Tampa over the weekend. Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers some great scenic views of the Hillsborough River. Highly recommended!
“The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key. That’s the best thing about walking, the journey itself. It doesn’t much matter whether you get where you’re going or not. You’ll get there anyway. Every good hike brings you eventually back home. Right where you started.” – Edward Abbey
With a 1.5-mile-long boardwalk that meanders over vast sand dunes and overlooks white-sand beaches, Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach is the perfect spot for a family outing! We spotted dozens of gopher tortoise burrows, but the weather was a little too chilly for the friendly critters to leave the confines of their homes. We will be back soon!
Nestled alongside scenic Lake Griffin in Leesburg, Bourlay Historic Nature Park features several short hiking trails, along with an old Florida cracker house (which serves as a visitor center), 1930’s Bourlay House and Barn (a private residence but one of the trails goes right by it), chickee hut, small fishing pier and kayak launch.
“West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from the attractions and nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, lies a “hidden gem.” A 128-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages.” Visit the official Oakland Nature Preserve website for more information.
If you’re looking for a short and scenic hike (2.4 miles) in Lake County, check out the Lake May Reserve in Eustis. There’s even a slight elevation change!
Address: 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, Florida 33872
Phone: (863) 386-6094
Hours: Daily, 8 AM to Sunset
Admission: $6 per vehicle; $4 per single occupant vehicle; $2 for pedestrians & bicyclists
History: First opened in 1931, the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in 1934 and became one of Florida’s first state parks in 1935. Today, the park encompasses more than 9,000 acres
Hiking Trails:
Other Park Activities:
Wandering Florida 