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.
Longwood
Sabal Point Sanctuary
After planning to hike Sabal Point Sanctuary for more than a year or so now, we finally got the opportunity to sample this scenic Florida wilderness area last week and were not disappointed! Encompassing more than 600 acres, Sabal Point Sanctuary features a linear 3.5-mile hiking and biking trail that starts at a small parking area within a Longwood neighborhood. Wildlife that call Sabal Point Sanctuary home include deer, otters, wild turkeys, limpkins and even black bears. Due to time constraints, we only did about a 3-mile hike. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any wildlife on this outing, but we will be back soon!
Spring Hammock Preserve Revisited
The perfect spot for a little extreme social distancing, Spring Hammock Preserve is located off-the-beaten path in Longwood, Florida. On this visit, I took the main trail up to the scenic Question Pond. I also explored an area of the Preserve that I had never seen before by heading up the Cross Seminole Trail and taking a little dirt path on the left just before I got to the first little bridge. It opened up to a very scenic area that I hope to explore next visit when I have more time. Don’t miss it!
Hiking at Spring Hammock Preserve
The great thing about hiking during times such as these is that it is essentially a solitary pursuit. Of course, more and more people are discovering the awesome wonders of hiking these days, but if you get out there a little in the wilderness you will usually have acres and acres to explore by yourself. Therefore, I’ve been seeking out great places to hike such as Spring Hammock Preserve in Longwood. It’s an amazing place if you can find it!
Big Tree Park Revisited
“I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.” – Willa Cather, O Pioneers (1913)
Wekiva Island
Want to “experience the real Florida”? Spend a day at Wekiva Island! Our ideal excursion to Wekiva Island involves getting there early in the morning before the crowds, renting kayaks or canoes, and paddling down the Wekiva River. Once we reach Wekiwa Springs State Park (a small admission fee is charged), we take a dip in the crystal-clear springs. Then we leisurely paddle back to Wekiva Island for juicy burgers and ice-cold beers. Wekiva Island features a scenic boardwalk, sand volleyball court, Without a Paddle Cafe, General Store and The Tooting Otter craft beer and wine bar. It’s a great place to take visitors when they need a welcome break from all the stresses associated with theme park exploration! Wekiva Island is located at 1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood. Hours are 8 AM to 7 PM Sunday through Thursday and 8 AM to 11 PM Friday and Saturday.
Wandering Florida 