Florida Hikes and Other Outdoor Information : Hiking Areas

Showing posts with label Hiking Areas. Show all posts

Grant Flatwoods Sanctuary - Hiking

This open classical pine flatwoods ecosystem, located in rural Grant, is 2,260 acres of protected open space established by the EEL Program. The area is classified as wetlands; depending on when the area is visited you could encounter a lot of water, making many sections unavailable. The day I hiked around the area it was a very dry time of the year so I had access to every section. Even though this sanctuary is out in what seems to be nowhere, it has houses on at least half its borders. The rest of the borders are controlled by private parties and land owners of Grant. Getting lost is not an option as no matter which way you go you will run into a fence. Do not cross any fences as all surrounding property is private. You will find plenty of grass, palmettos and pine trees throughout the sanctuary. There are a few oaks along the boarders as well as some cypress tree domes and stunted cypress trees found in different parts of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is aptly named as the dominant tree is the pine flatwood. EEL allows hiking, biking, birding and horses in this area.
The EEL Group has marked off one trail, labeled as the “red” trail. It is reported as 1.83 miles long. The trail starts at the sanctuary entrance and loops out the main road and into a grass and palmetto area. It comes to an old dirt road where you are directed eastward. You will then wind back into the palmettos, coming out on another dirt road. The trail will cut through some grass and then back on a dirt road leading back to the parking area. The day I hiked the trail the trail markers where at times hard to spot, I had to venture back onto the trail a number times after losing the markers. I only stayed on trail so as to record the tracks for my documents. My final note about this trail, it leaves a certain amount to be desired, I recommend that if you own a handheld GPS unit that you use it in this area. Again, the trail is under developed and it is very easy to lose sight of it and walk off course. The fences along the borders will eventually aid you in getting your baring, though you may find that you have walked more than you intended. Mind those palmettos; some are razor sharp should you need to bushwhack through them to return to the trail. As you hike along, you will get a good deep flavor of a Florida pine flatwoods ecosystem.
I ventured all over the sanctuary, hiking 7.50 miles. There are a number of dirt roads to follow and game trails which form game “highways” throughout the sanctuary. The dirt roads follow the boundary of the sanctuary, with one which crosses in the middle. Being that the area was completely dry, I could go anywhere I wanted to go. I discovered a bald eagle’s nest in some pines along the back border. I spotted a number of song birds and woodpeckers around the area. From the degree the game trails where worn in I know that there was a lot of game that I never saw – from pigs to deer. I talked to one of the local residents who lived just outside the park, he made note that you might run across a rattlesnake while out there, so be aware of that distinct rattle. Just don’t bother them and they won’t bother you. In all the miles and areas I have hiked, I have only come across two large rattlesnakes. In both cases, they went their way and I went mine.
Overall, I’m not a big fan of scrub hiking; just too open for me. This is a very pretty place, with some interesting spots to visit. If you take it easy, I’m sure you will see a variety of wildlife. Being as dry as it was, there were no wildflowers. I’m sure if you visit the area during the right time you will find a variety of wildflowers. The tall dark bark of the pine trees, the sharp green of the palmettos and the rich silver and green grasses created scenery with spectacular color contrasts. Throw in some blue sky and white cumulus clouds and you just may find yourself in a picture perfect day. As it seems with all areas I hike I find litter to pick up. Please consider carrying a plastic bag in you daypack to be used in case you spot some litter. Remember, take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints. I wish you continuous “Happy Trails”.

The entrance/parking GPS coords are – N27 54.096 W80 33.005

Hiking Map Links –
• Red trail hike can be viewed/downloaded at - Red Trail WIKILOC Hike
• My wandering route can be viewed/downloaded at - Wandering WIKILOC Route

Some Pictures From The Area (Click to Enlarge) -
Information Kiosk -

Classical Pine Flatwoods -

Pine Flatwoods -

Cypress Dome -

Game Trail -

Pond View -

Beachside EEL Sanctuary Hikes

There are a number of sanctuaries along A1A below Melbourne Beach which provide some nice easy hikes. Though these trails tend to wind adjacent to and even cross over A1A at times, you will find them to be remarkably quiet and provide you a descent “wilderness type” experience. Rather than writing up each area separately I have elected to just combine them under this one entry. One thing to be aware of, these sanctuaries are maintained and controlled by the Brevard EEL Group. They have many rules and are adamant that they are observed... Please, respect the fact that no bikes or pets are allowed on the trails. Make sure you bring your camera and a pair of binoculars if you own them. Take advantage of “one time viewing” with the binoculars from the scenic overlooks along the trail. Your camera will provide you with forever snap shots to share with friends. Stop, relax, get out of the sun, and enjoy the surroundings on the benches provided. The trails are well marked, creatively laid out and well groomed. I would consider the trails in these sanctuaries to be friendly for the novice hiker. It is just about impossible to get off a trail and get lost. If you are into GEOCaching, there are a number of caches placed in the sanctuaries. Overall these “in your backyard “areas are good places to visit. So take advantage of them, whether for an hour in between errands, or as a family friendly afternoon get away.
Here is a list of the areas –
• Coconut Point Sanctuary – 1.0 Miles – Start: N28 00.678 W80 31.837
• Maritime Hammock Sanctuary – 3.6 Miles – Start: N27 57.378 W80 30.166
• Barrier Island Sanctuary - .6 Miles - Start: N27 54.095 W80 28.288

Coconut Point Sanctuary
This entrance to the trail is located across the street from the Ponce De Leon Park. Parking is available at the park, along with picnic tables and restrooms. After crossing A1A you will see the trailhead and information stand, take a few minutes to read about the trail and what is available. The 1 mile hike starts in a sandy, scrub area and continues for the first half of the trail winding its way along sandy pathways, scrub trees and bushes. Depending on the time of the year you will encounter a variety of plants and animals which inhabit Florida scrub. Scrub jays have been seen in this area, though it may be tempting, do not feed them. Violators are subject to fines. For the second half of the hike you will enter a potentially wet area, with a number of boardwalks which are necessary during the wet season. There is an overlook provided to view this section of the Indian River Lagoon, be sure to watch for the turn. You will then exit the wet areas and proceed back into scrub land and then exit onto A1A. You now can walk back along A1A to your car or retract your steps along the trail in hopes of making additional discoveries. All in all, this short trail provides a variety of ecosystems to enjoy.

Hiking Map Links –
• My hike can be viewed/downloaded at - WIKILOC Hike - If you have GPS you can download the tracks

Some Coconut Point Pictures (click to enlarge) -

Maritime Hammock Sanctuary
This is the longest of the three sanctuary hikes and also my favorite. It used to be just a little over 2 miles, but sometime in 2010 the EEL Group opened up more trails into the northern section. The hike starts at a small parking area off A1A where you will find an information station with a trail map. The trail winds into the woods along a boundary fence which separates the sanctuary from a residential neighborhood. Though the homes are located in the center of the sanctuary, the trails are relatively private, tranquil and peaceful. As you walk along you forget civilization is a stones through away and really can lose your thoughts in the “wilderness” of your surroundings. You will find a number of benches along the trail as well as bridges and boardwalks which afford you the luxury of staying dry. One bench is located just off the trail and has a very pretty view of a canal. The newer trail sections branch off through a small wooded section and then into a large open area with a beautiful pond. Around the pond you will find some spectacular oaks graced with spanish ivy. The day I hiked around the pond there were some coots, ducks and wading birds. There also is a new entrance to the sanctuary provided off Pelican Drive. This entrance has been decorated with some driftwood to add to the charm. After looping around the pond the trail leads down and then along the Indian River Lagoon. The views of the lagoon are spectacular. . The trail then goes back to what is actually an old dirt road which winds through the sanctuary. This section of the trail brings you to a bridge over the canal that will lead you back to the foot trail. This section is scenic as well. You will be walking along boardwalks over some salt marshes as you meander along the trail. Eventually a lookout area appears giving you a view of a small lagoon in the woods. There have been a number of wading birds spotted in this area. The rest of the trail is picture perfect in many areas, with some ornate scrub oaks as well as other types of trees. Many benches are provided in this section where you can stop, snap a picture with your cellphone and share the beauty of the trail with someone. Eventually you will windup back on A1A, where your options are to walk back along A1A to your car or retrace your steps back along the trail.
The ecosystems encountered in this sanctuary are amazing; I have encountered and now shared with you a fair number of those which you might expect to find in Florida. At different times I have seen a variety of wildflowers, animals, wading birds and songbirds. I highly recommend this sanctuary to families who want to get out and experience some time in nature.

Hiking Map Links –
• My hike can be viewed/downloaded at - WIKILOC Hike - If you have GPS you can download the tracks

Some Maritime Hammock Sanctuary Pictures (click to enlarge) -

Barrier Island Sanctuary
This sanctuary is rather small, the trail is only .6 miles long and a far portion of it is just a cleared road. Parking is supplied either at the EEL Visitor’s Center (maybe closed) or at Bonsteel Park across A1A. The trail starts out winding through a small forest, prepare to “limbo” as some of the oak trees just lean across the trail. You will come to a small area with benches in a circle; this I presume is used for small presentations. There also are a number of benches placed along the trail. You will come to a spot with a nice view of the Indian River Lagoon. The SJRWMD has placed an information station down by the river to inform people of what is going on in the area. Eventually you will loop back towards A1A; here you will walk under a natural canopy of green leaves – straight out of a fairy tale -- as you cross a large boardwalk over a salt marsh. Upon exiting to A1A you could walk back on the road to the parking area or do as I did, just go back on the trail for a new perspective. Depending on the time of the year and the weather you could see a wide variety of wildflowers. The trail is very well maintained; even exposed roots and other protrusions have been painted as an attempt to protect people from tripping.

Hiking Map Links –
• My hike can be viewed/downloaded at - WIKILOC Hike - If you have GPS you can download the tracks

Some Barrier Island Sanctuary Pictures (click to enlarge)-

Savage/Christmas Creek Preserve - Hiking

This preserve consists of 1,126 acres. Comprised of a few ecosystems, hikers have the opportunity to experience dry sharp palmetto scrub land, the artistic patterns of the wetlands and the majestic tranquility of oak hammocks. There are a number of blazed trails located throughout the preserve. The trails [just old roads] in most cases, have a history all of their own weaving throughout the area. Be prepared to give the calves on your legs a work out, as there are some areas of deep sand which must be hiked through. I hiked most of the trails on a very wet day; the sand having been matted down by the rain was appreciatively a little more bearable. All of the trails are in the open, so I’m sure that it could be quite brutal hiking this area in hot weather under the direct Florida sun. It is just about impossible to get lost while hiking the preserve. Dogs and bikes are not allowed in the area, but Certified Trail Equestrians may use the trails to exercise their horses. The preserve seems to be made up of two major sections, one just scrub while the other an old, long deserted farm. I personally, like to explore old farms, so I dwelled for a significant amount of time in that area. Remnants of the old farm as old posts, gates, barbed wire, and feeding stations have been left behind for future generations to discover as they venture into that section.

The county has provided a metal bench on one section of the trail and a metal picnic table in another section. Both are pretty chained down, leaving me to surmise they have already been replaced. Whether from a storm or human acquisition, I guess nothing is safe. I always try to remember a small plastic shopping bag to pick up after those who leave their mark by littering an area. I promote the motto, “take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints”.

The Blazed hiking trails start right out of the parking lot. The northern section of the preserve is mainly just roads, with a lot of sandy spots which wind through palmetto scrubs. There are a few pine tree groves as well as some small groves of shorter trees native to the area. There are a couple of blue trails which branch off the main trails. The blue trails are actual trails which run through the scrubs. In one section you will come across a fenced section which has a small cypress tree area. You can see a large tower off in the distance. Upon following the trail south you will come to what is left of an old wooden fence. This marks the old property line between the farm and the scrubs. I noticed a number of items right near the trail which reflected the farm usage of the past. There is an old concrete cattle feeder/waterier and a small structure which was used to feed nutriments to the cattle. Within the oak tree area you might spot a single concrete slab which almost looks like an old grave marker. Hiking further south you will encounter a beautiful oak tree next to what I assume is a manmade pond. I looped back and headed north to catch one of the trails I had hiked earlier in the day. From there I headed out and back to the parking lot. My total distance was 8.75 miles. It was a little hard on my feet and legs because of the deep sand in some spots. The day I elected to do the hike it turned out to be a very wet, misty day. That certainly made the hike a little more difficult. I hope to get back to enjoy the area on a dry day, before the mercury rises.

Blazed Trails (Info from data in parking lot)
• Orange Trail - .57
• Yellow Trail – 1.51
• Red Trail – 1.80
• Blue Trails - .40
• Green Trail - .32
• Green/Yellow Trail - .69
• Proposed Trail - .70

The RT 50 access in located in back of the community center. Park at the community center and walk out to the preserve entrance

Some GPS Locations –
• Parking area – N28 33.448 W81 01.818
• Old wooden fence – N28 32.547 W81 02.127
• Cattle concrete feeder – N28 32.547 W81 02.164
• Metal bench – N28 32.927 W81 02.090
• Metal picnic table – N28 32.519 W81 02.138
• Large pond – N28 32.372 W81 02.437
• Fenced in area - N28 32.858 W81 01.958
• RT50 Entrance - N28 32.196 W81 02.393

Here is an external Link you might be interested in –
• My hike can be viewed/downloaded at - WIKILOC Hike

Some Pictures (click to enlarge) -

My Tracks Around the area -

Main Parking Area Sign -

Oak Hammock -

Oak Next to Pond -

Econ River Wilderness Area - Hiking

The Econ River Wilderness Area is comprised of 240 acres owned by Seminole County. The only entrance or access point is located on Old Lockwood Road in Oviedo. Ample parking is available, as well as a trashcan and recycle bin. So please, consider practicing the motto of “Hiking in and Trashing Out”. Visitors are welcomed by a kiosk located at the trailhead that is loaded with environmental information. A guest book is provided and visitors are encouraged to log what sort of wildlife they encountered. Pocket trail maps are also available.

The trail entrance itself is well marked. The hiking trail is blazed with red metallic circles embossed with silver arrows; much thought and consideration went into planning this trail. Hikers are intermittently offered shade and solitude within hammocks of oak and then sunshine and sand amongst tall narrow pine trees. At times the trail causes you to walk in single fill and other areas allow for side by side companionship and conversation. As you enter the area, look to your left and enjoy a very pretty pond. The day we visited, there were some beautiful water lilies floating on top of the deep blue water. At the beginning of the trail you will encounter the first of many ecosystems found throughout the area. This section of the park consists of mostly saw palmettos. As you proceed down the well-marked trail you will find a small boardwalk provided for convenience during the rainy season. I’m told that during wet times, hikers can expect some of the trail to be quite wet. From here the trail now winds into a beautiful oak hammock. Benches have been strategically placed to satisfy your feet and your five senses. The first of three benches is in this area so take advantage of it; listen to the sounds, watch for wildlife, smell the fresh air and enjoy the taste of your favorite drink. As you meander you will encounter some very pretty wildflowers, as well as some of the local wildlife. Look up from time to time and catch sight of our fine feathered friends, various bird houses and an occasional bat house are visible in many trees. The trail will now wind down to the Econlockhatchee River providing you with pretty views and ample photo opportunities. Once again, the county has provided benches for you to relax and enjoy the cypress trees and their artistic knees. I find cypress trees to be one of the prettiest trees in Florida. Nature also provides you with a variety of flora and fauna. Sit back, watch the water flow past and enjoy the peaceful sway of wispy tall grasses in the breeze. I highly recommend spending some quality time down here.

At this point you can elect to double back using one of the available trails or if the conditions are favorable, venture down the river to see more of the river area. We ventured down the river to observe the glorious cypress and other trees along the river. As I stated, you only want to try this during the dry season, as this area can get quite muddy and wet at times. This part of the river is controlled by the SJRWMD and as far as I know you can visit that area.
The brochure provided by the county states that this 240-acre area is made up of oak hammocks, pine flatwoods and sandhill habitats. The blazed trail system is approximately 3 miles long. They do allow horses in the area, but there is no parking available for horse trailers. The main loop trail is blazed red (about 2.2 miles) with a secondary flatwoods loop blazed in yellow (.5). We hiked 6.4 miles around the area and river the day we visited. There are a couple of GEOCaches in the area if you’re into that.

Some GPS Coordinates -
- Parking Area – N28 36.828 W81 10.444
- Trail Head – N28 36.828 W81 10.449
- Bench in Oaks – N28 36.949 W81 09.748
- Bench on River – N28 36.765 W81 09.514
- Bench Overlooking River - N28 36.865 W81 09.545
- Entrance to SJRWMD Property – N28 36.716 W81 09.426
- Power Lines - N28 36.733 W81 09.735

You can see other pictures of the area at - Econ River Wilderness Pictures

My hike can be viewed/downloaded at - WIKILOC Hike

Maps and Pictures (click to enlarge) -

County Trail Map

My GPS Tracks

Information Area

Trail Pictures

Econ River View

Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park - Hiking

Please Note - as of October 2010 this state park was not officially open as of yet, so entering and visiting it is restricted. Enter at your own risk and if you do, please respect it as you would any state park - take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints!

This new state park has been created from land that was an old orange grove and land supervised by the St Johns River Water Management group. It is a very nice park to visit. The day I visited it I walked mainly the old roads that wind through the area. The total distance I covered was a little over 9 miles. As you wander the area you will come to areas of protected grass, as well as a few ponds and canals. I was lucky enough to see a variety of wildlife and wildflowers along the roads. A fair portion of the park borders the Indian River Lagoon so expect to have some scenic views of the lagoon. I’m sure you could bring a fishing pole if you so desire.

Honest Johns Fish Camp borders the park on the south - be aware that they don’t want anyone to enter their property from the state park. They have a barbed wire gates and some interesting, threatening signs to discourage all intruders. Don’t go on their land, but remember that you are on state property and they have no control over that. Maritime Hammock Sanctuary borders the park on the north. You can enter the state park from this EEL sanctuary. The Indian River Lagoon borders the park on the west. You might be able to find a spot to access the park from boat if you so wish. A housing development borders the park on the east.

As I walked the land I noticed a number of items that were remnants of the history of the area. Some small bridges going over manmade canals - no idea where they go, as I didn’t have time to explore them all. There is an historic marker on A1A that talks about the “Smith Family Homestead”; I would suspect that some of this area made up that homestead. Then there were telephone poles, maybe just osprey nesting poles, but not sure. I would suspect that the pond was manmade. Someone had roped off are area of what was posted as a "protected species". Some signs still refer to the SJRWMD, but I have been told that the land is now controlled by the Sebastian Inlet State Park management group, so don’t worry about those signs.

My walk registered on my GPS as 9.3 miles; this entailed almost all the roads that wind through the state park. I did some doubling back at times, but a fair portion of the walk was on different roads and trails. I parked at the South Beach Community Park, as there weren’t any other places that I could see - this may change in the future. I walked down the road towards Honest Johns Fish Camp, cutting into the area around the main sign. From there I headed out to Snagg Point and around that area. You will have some nice views of the Indian River Lagoon from this area. I ran into fences put up by Honest Johns Fish Camp at two places on the road. As I worked my way back I found what seems to be a bike trial being cut through the wooded area - no idea what it actually was. I then proceeded up to the Maritime Hammock Sanctuary, wandering around the edge of that for a while. I then worked my way back to the park entrance and back to my car.

I did see quite a few interesting items along the road, as I mentioned some interesting historical items as well as a variety of wading birds and songbirds. I also came across some very pretty wildflowers, as well as some pretty trees and bushes. There are mangrove trees all over the place, protecting the salt marshes and lagoon shoreline. You will also come across many aspects of the natural mosquito control practiced here. There were signs of some big gators in the area, but I didn’t see any. I’m sure that each time you go out here you will see something different.

As I mentioned the South Beach Community Park is right nearby. Here you will find picnic tables and grills, as well as a beautiful area to visit. The center itself is a full size community center, so stop and enjoy that if you have time.

Some GPS coordinates -
• Parking - South Beach Community Park: N27 56.173 W80 29.741
• Protected Grass: N27 56.561 W80 30.107
• Snagg Point: N27 56.771 W80 30.670
• Honest Johns Fish Camp Gates: N27 56.013 W80 30.342 - N27 56.243 W80 30.296
• Maritime Hammock Sanctuary Border: N27 57.022 W80 30.389
• Smith Family Homestead Historic Marker: N27 56.311 W80 29.668

My hike can be viewed/downloaded at -
WIKILOC Hike

Here are some pictures from my visit (click to enlarge) -

My Tracks Through The Area

Welcome Sign

Indian River Lagoon View

Mangrove "Island"

Trail/Road View

Pond View

SJRWMD Sign and Gate

Micco Scrub Sanctuary - Hiking

This small sanctuary (1322 acres) is a nice place to just take a hike in. The trails are marked; so finding your way around is not real problem. It is a scrub sanctuary, being a perfect place to get a feel for Florida "scrub". The marked trails (red and white) take you not only through scrub, but also along a power line and into a scrub oak area. There is at least 8 miles of marked trails. Horses are allowed on the trails, there even is a watering station setup for them. Parking is free and readily available on Micco Road (N27 52.464 W80 36.841). There is an information kiosk at the trailhead, providing trail and wildlife information. While hiking I saw a number of songbirds and some small mammals. As you walk the trails you should find a variety of wildflowers to view and photograph. A large rat snake did appear for a short time along the trail one of the times I visited the area. I have hiked the trails as few times, as well as doing some GEOCaching. If you are looking for a well-blazed trail wandering through a few Florida ecosystems, this is a nice place to visit. It is open year round, but I know from experience that it can get pretty hot in the summer time. No hunting is allowed in this sanctuary, so it is a great place to go to if your looking for a spot without hunters.

Again, a parking area is provided on Micco Road at - N27 52.464 W80 36.841

You can download a GPS GPX file of the trails at (Red and White Trails) and (Powerline Trails).

Trail Map

Information Kiosk

Trail View

Trail View With Marker Post

Trail Through Powerlines

Sandy Trail

One Of The Large Oaks In The Area

Horse Water Area - Don't Recommend It For You..

Trail View

Bridge Over Old Canal

Econlockhatchee Sandhill Conservation Area - Hiking

At Econlockhatchee Sandhill Conservation Area 700 acres lay awaiting exploration. There is a red blazed trail leading out of the parking area on Lake Pickett Road that eventually leads to a yellow blazed loop trail. I not only hiked the trails during my visit, but also ventured out and around, exploring many of the old roads that crisscross the area. Venturing down along the Econlockhatchee River allowed for many photo opportunities.

Expect to encounter sandhills, mesic flatwoods, and scrubby flatwoods on the Eastern half of the property, floodplain swamp on the Western half along the Econlockhatchee River, and some patches of mesic flatwoods on the Western border. You also will come across a variety of plants, trees and wildflowers in the area. The wildlife you encounter will depend both on the time of the day, and the day of the year you elect to visit. The day I was there, my encounters included hawks, songbirds, some mammals and what I didn’t like, a 5ft diamond backed rattlesnake.

The blazed trails are about 3.5 miles in length. It is about .8 miles to the yellow loop trail from the parking area. Keep a careful eye out for the red blazes when around the powerlines, as that area is quite open and they can be hard to spot. Though it is always possible to become disoriented, getting lost on the trails in ESCA isn’t possible, as it is completely fenced in on most sides and the river is on another side. I used my GPS to track my movements throughout the area and it recorded that I explored over 7 miles. Most of my time was spent looking around scrub area I hope to get back and explore the river area further in the future. The part of the river area that I did venture into was just beautiful, as it seems are all sections of the Econlockhatchee River. Cypress trees, various vegetation, as well as wildlife are always abundant in river areas. A river otter frolicking in a small tributary provided a great deal of entertainment.

During my April visit I came across walkers, bikers and a couple on horsebacks. If GEOCaching is one of your fortes, there are a few of those in the area - some caches call for a little more of a hike than others. The blazed trails make this a very family friendly area.

As I mentioned earlier, I encountered a 5 ft+ diamond backed rattlesnake (off on one of the old roads, not on a blazed trail) - the sound of that rattle really startled me! I froze until I could determine where it was. Once the rattler determined that I wasn’t a real threat, it slithered away - I did get a picture of it before it left. So be keen to their existence and should you come across one, just respect their presence and everything should be ok. Some horses had gone by him just a few minutes before I arrived in its spot; I believe that is what really disturbed it.

In conclusion, when in the Orlando area consider this a great spot to visit. It is part of what is hoped to be connected areas along the Econlockhatchee River. It is pretty open and sandy in spots, so bring water and snacks and make sure you use sunscreen. Parking is free and there is an information kiosk at the start of the trails. No entrance fee required. Just remember to please, take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints!

Some GPS Locations