One of the coolest nature preserves in Southwest Florida, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is located in Fort Myers and features a scenic 1.2-mile-long boardwalk through a 3,500-acre wetland preserve. Highlights include Gator Lake, Wood Duck Pond, Pop Ash Pond and Otter Pond. Look for a variety of wildlife, including alligators, wood storks and pileated woodpeckers. Don’t miss it!
For my first hike of 2021, I headed out yesterday morning at about 7:30 AM to one of my old favorites – 240-acre Econ River Wilderness Area in Oviedo. Since it was New Year’s Day, the Seminole County nature preserve actually seemed somewhat crowded (and when I say “crowded” I counted about 10 other hearty souls who braved their New Year’s Eve hangovers for the opportunity to start 2021 right in the Great Outdoors!). I headed through the sandhill habitats and scenic pine flatwoods toward the amazing Econlockhatchee River, where for the first time I actually spotted a river otter playfully swimming along. Other wildlife that call Econ River Wilderness Area home include gopher tortoises and Sherman’s fox squirrels. If you knock out both the red and yellow trails, you can expect a nice 3-mile hike here. Unfortunately, spectacular natural preserves like Econ River Wilderness Area are continually under threat from greedy developers. Seminole County boasts some of the most amazing natural areas left in Central Florida, so we must remain vigilant and ensure that these few remaining treasures are preserved for future generations to enjoy. Econ River Wilderness Area is located at 3795 Old Lockwood Road. Check it out!
Looking to social distance during the holidays and enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors? Look no farther than Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex in Winter Garden. Ideally located off Avalon Road, Tucker Ranch is a true hidden treasure in Central Florida. Grab a picnic lunch and take a hike while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. Leashed dogs are allowed. So, what are you waiting for? Get up from the couch, turn off the TV and get some fresh air at Tucker Ranch!
That’s right! If you’re nostalgic for fall foliage, one of the best places to get an admittedly small glimpse of fall colors is a stroll along the scenic boardwalk at Oakland Nature Preserve. The boardwalk winds its way to Lake Apopka. Check it out!
If you ever get the opportunity to explore the amazing Tibet-Butler Preserve in Orlando, make sure you pay a visit to Darwin, a friendly Sulcata Tortoise that resides in a habitat located directly behind the Vera Carter Environmental Center.
Looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors in Clermont just minutes from downtown? Look no farther than Lake Hiawatha Preserve! Ideally located adjacent to Lake Hiawatha and Lake Minneola, 220-acre Lake Hiawatha Preserve features hiking and biking trails, picnic pavilion, two dog parks, a playground and plenty of shady trees to relax under and enjoy a good book. In addition, the Lake Minneola-Clermont Scenic Trail runs right through Lake Hiawatha Preserve. Check it out!
As soon as we left the parking lot and made our way through the entrance of 130-acre Turkey Creek Sanctuary and walked as far as the boardwalk, a light drizzle turned into a significant downpour and unfortunately we had to abort our hike. However, this well-maintained sanctuary looks like an amazing spot in Palm Bay to enjoy the great Florida outdoors and we will return soon! By the way, Turkey Creek Sanctuary was established in 1981 and features not only the 1.85-mile boardwalk, but 1.5 miles of jogging trails, a one-mile mountain bike trail, the Margaret Hines Nature Center and more. It is part of the East Florida section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Wildlife that call Turkey Creek Sanctuary home include Florida cooters, manatees, alligators, otters, ospreys and owls.
I hiked at Longleaf Pine Preserve in DeLand a few weeks ago (West Entrance, just east of I-4 on New York Avenue). It was deserted and flooded, but very scenic and I especially enjoyed walking along those wooden planks! I will be back to explore further during the coming months.
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.
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!
Wandering Florida 