Hike #19: Lyonia Preserve


Hike #19, 52 Hike Challenge: Lyonia Preserve, Deltona. I made the mistake of heading right once I got to the Lyonia Preserve (360 acres of restored Florida scrub habitat that provides home to the Florida scrub jay) and hiking the perimeter of the preserve (I thought I was on the Blue Trail, but it seemed like just some old sandy service road!). Fortunately when I got to the east end of the preserve I was able to work my way into the interior, where the trails were much more scenic and manageable. Finally, when I started walking through the unmarked trails near the preserve entrance I spotted my first scrub jay. Before you know it I was surrounded by about a dozen scrub jays! They are very friendly and will approach within a few feet of you. In addition, quite a few gopher tortoises call the Lyonia Preserve home, but I did not see any during this particular outing. The Lyonia Preserve lies adjacent to the Deltona Regional Libray and Lyonia Environmental Center at 2150 Eustace Avenue. Distance: 4 miles.

 

 

 

Hike #7: Hidden Waters Preserve, Eustis

 


Hike #7, 52 Hike Challenge: Hidden Waters Preserve, Eustis. Nestled off Country Club Drive in Eustis (take East Crooked Lake Road off 441), Hidden Waters Preserve is a hidden gem encompassing 90 acres and featuring a sinkhole lake called Lake Alfred at its center. Visitors can experience six distinctive hiking trails: Lake Alfred Trail (0.6 mile), Hammock Trail (0.2 mile), Ravine Trail (0.4 mile), Prickly Pear Trail (0.3 mile), Longleaf Pine Trail (1.5 miles) and Gopher Tortoise Trail (0.2 mile). By the way, the Preserve was formerly known as the Eichelberger Sink. The elevation change from the edges of the Preserve to the bottom of the sink is 90 feet. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises (didn’t see any this time out). Hidden Waters Preserve is open daily from 8 AM until sunset. Wildlife sightings: Cooper’s hawk, rabbit. Distance: 3.4 miles.