I enjoy hiking Lake May Reserve in Eustis because it offers some rare elevation, a scenic path around the lake and a cool red barn that provides a good subject for amateur photographers like me. I never see too much wildlife here except for numerous butterflies. However, today I did view a black racer sunning directly on the trail. Cool spot!
Eustis
The Trails of Trout Lake
Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis features a variety of short but diverse trails. It’s one of the best places to go in Central Florida if you’re seeking a casual and rewarding hike!
The Trails at Hidden Waters
I did an early morning hike at Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis on Memorial Day. Hidden Waters Preserve is one of my favorite hikes in Lake County for several reasons: 1) There’s actually some elevation here since it encompasses a sinkhole lake; 2) It’s shaded for the most part (unless you decide to hike the perimeter); 3) Many gopher tortoises live here (although I didn’t see any on this particular outing); 4) It’s easily accessible just off Highway 441; and 5) The hidden waters (if you can find them) are scenic and photo worthy. So, the next time you’re passing through Eustis with nothing to do, stop by Hidden Waters Preserve. You’ll be glad you did!
Pine Meadows Conservation Area
Off the beaten path in Eustis and within five minutes of Trout Lake Nature Center, Pine Meadows Conservation Area is the ideal spot for an outdoor stroll. The 770-acre conservation area features six miles of hiking trails and lies just north of downtown Eustis off Highway 19.
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 May Reserve, Eustis
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 May Reserve, Eustis
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!
Hike #15: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis
Hike #15, 52 Hike Challenge: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis. We had a pleasant stroll along the trails of the Trout Lake Nature Center followed by a visit to the Education Center and Museum. We followed the Lazy Oak Trail to the right of the parking lot and took the Boardwalk to Trout Lake. On the way back we took the Armadillo Trail to the Adventure Trail to the Grandfather Oak Trail for a view of the very impressive oak tree. Most of the trail was heavily shaded, so the sweltering heat was not too much of a problem. The Trout Lake Nature Center is located at 520 East County Road 44 in Eustis. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Distance: 1.4 miles.
Hike #13: Lake May Reserve, Eustis
Hike #13, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake May Reserve, Eustis. A hidden gem located in Eustis at 36300 County Road 44A, Lake May Reserve encompasses 136 acres “of xeric oak hammock and a mix of upland scrub pine and hardwood forested areas,” according to the official brochure. It was a pleasant stroll, except for a portion of the western side of the lake, where we encountered many immense spider webs along the trail. Overall, a very satisfactory experience! Plans are reportedly underway for the addition of picnic areas, a canoe launch and catch & release fishing at Lake May Reserve. Distance: 2.4 miles.
Wandering Florida 