Florida Lakes

Colt Creek State Park

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Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, Colt Creek State Park within the Green Swamp just north of Lakeland features “large strands of vulnerable longleaf flatwoods, lakes and winding creeks, thick cypress domes and open vistas.” It is home to an abundance of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, gopher tortoises, Sherman’s fox squirrels, bobcats, bald eagles and wading birds. Florida black bears have been spotted here as well. Highlights of Colt Creek State Park include 15 miles of multiuse trails and the short but scenic 0.25-mile Mac Lake Nature Trail, as well as pavilions, picnic tables, a 75-foot dock, canoe and kayak rentals, and campsites for tent/RV, primitive and group camping. A relatively new addition to the Florida State Park System, Colt Creek State Park first opened in 2007. 

 

Return to Lake Harney

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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!

Lake May Reserve, Eustis

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A hidden treasure tucked along the back roads of Eustis, 136-acre Lake May Reserve is the perfect locale for a nice morning hike. It is open daily from dawn to dusk. You will view lots of butterflies and reindeer moss during your hike, as well as possibly a gopher tortoise or two and other Florida wildlife. Best of all, since the parking lot only holds a handful of cars, you should be able to distance rather well!

Lake Ashby Park, New Smyrna Beach

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Last Saturday, I hiked three trails in three hours: Lake Ashby Park in New Smyrna Beach, as well as Palm Bluff Conservation Area and Hickory Bluff Preserve, both in Osteen. Lake Ashby offers an extensive boardwalk that is very cool. I really enjoyed this hike! Highly recommended!

Hike #41: Twin Oaks Conservation Area

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Hike #41: 52 Hike Challenge: Twin Oaks Conservation Area, Kissimmee. I arrived at Twin Oaks Conservation Area mid-morning and there were few people around. Except for a few guys fishing on the dock, I had the place to myself. The site of a former cattle ranch and sod production area, Twin Oaks offers a nice stroll through a wildlife habitat along the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga (aka Lake Toho), which is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. According to the official website, “Twin Oaks is characterized by improved pastures, live oak hammocks, wet prairies, freshwater marshes, shrub wetlands and remnant cypress.” The twin oaks that give the conservation area its name are very impressive! Be sure to bring a hat and some sunscreen since there is little shade during the entire hike. In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, Twin Oaks offers equestrian trails, fishing, picnicking and primitive camping for groups. Distance: 1.9 miles.

Hike #40: Lake Apopka Loop Trail

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Hike #40: 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Apopka Loop Trail. If you’re into birding (and alligators!), you MUST take a hike along the Lake Apopka Loop Trail (or at least plan an outing to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive). More than 150 species of birds reportedly flock to Lake Apopka during the winter months. Encompassing 30,800 acres (making it the fourth largest lake in Florida), Lake Apopka was targeted for cleanup under the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act of 1987. I reached the Lake Apopka Loop Trail from the Magnolia Park Trailhead, although it also can be accessed from the Clay Island Trailhead, Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, North Shore Trailhead and Wildlife Drive entrance (2850 Lust Road). I saw plenty of birds, but no alligators this time out (perhaps due to it being a rather overcast day). Distance: 2.5 miles.

Hike #37: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

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Hike #37: 52 Hike Challenge: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando. It took us about 10 years to get back to Bill Frederick Park for some reason. It’s a nice park with plenty of scenic views. We picked up the nature trail behind the Carter Center and strolled over to the farm to see the horses. The nature trail is pretty cool back there, but you can hear a lot of traffic from the Florida Turnpike on the western edge of the park. As we approached the park entrance, the nature trail kind of disappeared, so we picked up the paved bike trail and hiked alongside Turkey Lake (there’s a lot of new development on the other side of the lake since we were last here). Oh yeah, it cost us a $4 entry fee. All in all, a good outing and we won’t wait another 10 years before returning! Distance: 2.1 miles.

Hike #30: Lake Proctor Wilderness Area

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Hike #30, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Proctor Wilderness Area, Geneva. I arrived at Lake Proctor Wilderness Area before 8 AM yesterday and I had the entire place to myself! The trail system is very diverse and I enjoyed hiking through pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, sandhill and bayhead swamp. The Blue trail takes you right next to Lake Proctor. It’s a very peaceful location and I will be back soon to hike the Yellow trail. Distance: 3.6 miles.