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!
Florida Wildlife
Black Point Wildlife Drive
Part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the 7-mile, one-way Black Point Wildlife Drive allows you to view wildlife in its natural habitat such as alligators, snakes, river otters, bobcats, wading birds, waterfowl (in season), raptors and shorebirds without exactly roughing it. The cost is $10 per vehicle and the drive takes approximately 40 minutes (there are frequent stops along the way). Don’t miss it!
Trimble Park Revisited
Nestled between Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton, scenic Trimble Park never fails when it comes to wildlife viewing. The past two times I have viewed two different alligators sunning on the same log (see above). Also, if you are going for a hike, make sure you visit the boardwalk toward the back of the park. Very cool!
Rock Springs/Kelly Park, Apopka
For obvious safety reasons, swimming and tubing are not currently allowed at Rock Springs. However, this means that hikers and wildlife viewers have a great opportunity to check out Kelly Park without the throngs of people that usually descend upon Rock Springs throughout the entire summer. In fact, once you head out a little ways on the scenic 1.5-mile Kelly Loop Trail, you will pretty much have the whole trail to yourself. The last two times we’ve visited, we were lucky enough to view some deer, including the fawn pictured above.
Palm Island Park Wildlife
Yesterday morning I took a brief stroll around Palm Island Park and adjacent Grantham Pointe Park in Mount Dora. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a short hike along a boardwalk with a good opportunity to view Florida wildlife, including alligators, turtles and birds. In fact, this time out there I saw five Florida alligators and a variety of birds. Don’t miss it!
Save Econ River Wilderness Area
Once again, we’re faced with another ecological tragedy in Central Florida – in this case an idiot developer wants to turn scenic Econ River Wilderness Area, which encompasses 240 beautiful acres in Seminole County (Oviedo to be exact) and is teeming with wildlife, into a bland subdivision. Let’s put an end to the madness! Visit www.saveecon.com to learn about ways you can help save Econ River Wilderness Area before it’s too late …
Riverbend Park, Jupiter
Two days. Thirteen miles. 11 deer sightings. Many osprey sightings, among other bird species. Riverbend Park. Jupiter. Don’t miss it!
Wandering Florida 