Do you want a good chance to view wild horses (and bison!)? Just visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, just outside Gainesville! What a sight!
Wild Horses in Florida? You Bet!
Florida Preserves
Deer at Black Bear
I arrived early at Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford and noticed these deer casually grazing right near the parking lot. What a treat!
Imagination
“I believe in the power of the imagination to remake the world.” – J. G. Ballard
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!
Gopher Tortoise
One of the best places to see gopher tortoises in their natural habitat is Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis.
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!
Boardwalk
Our Sunday late afternoon ritual is to head out to Oakland Nature Preserve and take a stroll along the scenic boardwalk to Lake Apopka (about 1.5 miles roundtrip). It’s a great way to get some fresh air and relieve stress before another daunting workweek!
Lake Apopka
One of our favorite walks involves taking the scenic boardwalk at Oakland Nature Preserve to Lake Apopka. Up and back is just about 1 5 miles with some great views along the way. Enjoy your hike!
Hiking Spring Hammock Preserve
Over the next few months I will be doing a “greatest hits” tour of my favorite Central Florida hikes. I started with Econ River Wilderness Area in Oviedo a couple of weeks ago. Last weekend I hiked Spring Hammock Preserve in Longwood. Both are very scenic and not too strenuous.
Wandering Florida 