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Lake Lizzie Conservation Area

Lake Lizzie Conservation Area
Located in St. Cloud, Osceola County, Florida
With its 1,076 acres of habitat, 11 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of equestrian trails, and two primitive campsites, the Lake Lizzie Conservation Area is a quiet oasis for those looking for a quick getaway in the St. Cloud, Osceola area of central Florida.
Less than an hour’s drive from Orlando, the easy-to-hike trails give visitors a wonderful view of several different ecosystems, each rich with its own unique plant and animal life. Imperiled sand pine scrub and xeric oak scrub are home to gopher tortoises and unique plants such as the Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides).
Lakes, wet prairies, freshwater marsh, wetland hardwood swamp/bay swamp, and scrubby pine flatwoods are all represented in this conservation area as well.
A beautiful boardwalk through some of the swampy areas leads out to an observation platform, complete with two benches for some quiet contemplation. If you visit in the winter, the air around the platform is often filled with the raucous calls of the magnificent sandhill cranes that frequent the swamps and lake edges to forage for food.
While strolling along the trails, keep your eyes open and up for various warblers, cardinals, other small birds, and some really gorgeous air plants.
There are restroom facilities at the entrance parking lot. If you intend to use the primitive campsites, book a reservation at the park website.
As life gets crazy, remember to take a little time to cut the cord for a while and reconnect with nature.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
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Richloam Fire Tower Trailhead

Richloam Fire Tower Trailhead in Withlacoochee State Forest
Richloam Fire Tower Trailhead, located in the heart of Withlacoochee State Forest, offers an immersive outdoor experience of Florida’s native ecosystems. Found just 0.6 miles southeast of State Road 50 on Clay Sink Road, this trail network invites visitors to explore all-weather trails that wind through a rich diversity of habitats, including pine flatwoods, cypress ponds, pine plantations, and hardwood hammocks.
These blazed trails are primarily dry or damp, though sections can become wet in the rainy season, especially in low-lying areas. The habitat variety here supports a robust range of Florida wildlife, from white-tailed deer and wild turkeys to bobcats, wild hogs, and armadillos. You might encounter alligators in the wettest spots. With this diversity comes a range of plant species adapted to each ecosystem’s specific soil and moisture levels, offering visitors a living example of Florida’s ecological complexity.
Richloam also features the Florida National Scenic Trail and its Green Swamp Connector, where hikers can trek northward through the South and North Loops to Porter Gap Road. Part of the Florida Forest Service’s Trailwalker program, the Richloam trails are excellent for those looking to experience Florida’s natural beauty while completing the program’s challenges.
For a full experience, overnight primitive camping is allowed within designated zones marked by yellow-banded trees. This encourages low-impact, leave-no-trace camping, helping to preserve the forest’s delicate ecosystems. Remember to stay vigilant for native snakes, as they play essential roles in maintaining local biodiversity, though they prefer to avoid human contact.
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Bear Pond Trailhead

Lower Wekiva Loop Trail via Bear Pond Trailhead In Seminole State
The Lower Wekiva Loop Trail in Seminole State Forest can be accessed at the Bear Pond Trailhead, located north of State Road 46, approximately 5 miles west of Interstate 4. It is a popular hiking and biking trail located in the Seminole State Forest, Florida.
Seminole State Forest is situated in central Florida, in Lake County, near Eustis. This beautiful forest area offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Lower Wekiva Trail, also known as the “Wekiva Wilderness Preserve Trail,” takes you on a scenic journey through some of Florida’s natural beauty. The trail is well-maintained and offers hikers and bikers a chance to explore the area’s diverse ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands.
Here are some key features and highlights of the Lower Wekiva Trail:
Length and Difficulty: The trail stretches for 10.4 miles, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate hikers and bikers. It’s a relatively flat and easy trail, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
Scenic Beauty: As you venture along the Lower Wekiva Trail, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and a variety of plant and animal species. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds, deer, and other critters commonly found in Florida’s forests.
River Views: The trail takes you close to the banks of the Wekiva River, providing opportunities to enjoy the serene beauty of the water and possibly spot some aquatic wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing: The forest is home to various bird species, such as woodpeckers, hawks, and warblers. There’s also a chance to see other wildlife, including turtles, alligators, and even the occasional black bear.
Recreational Activities: The Lower Wekiva Trail is popular among hikers, bikers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature.
Trailhead and Facilities: The trail has designated trailheads with parking areas, restrooms, and informational kiosks. These facilities make it convenient for visitors to access and enjoy the trail.
As with any outdoor activity, preparing before embarking on the Lower Wekiva Trail is essential. Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable hiking or biking shoes, and protect yourself from the Florida sun with sunscreen and a hat. Additionally, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, respecting the environment and wildlife as you enjoy this beautiful trail in the Seminole State Forest.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
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Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

The Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is 26,563 acres divided into several separate sections and is located a few miles off of US 27 just outside Frostproof in Polk County. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest derives its name from the narrow ridge that runs north and south through the Florida Peninsula. In ancient times, when ocean levels rose and covered nearly all of the present-day peninsula known as Florida was underwater, the ridge was an island where plants and animals continued to evolve in isolation. The ridge is the highest and oldest ridge in Florida extending about 100 miles. Today the scrub ecosystem on the ridge has a high concentration of rare and endangered plants, such as a pygmy fringe tree, scrub plum, and scrub-blazing star. Many of Florida’s rare and endangered plants and animals flourish in the forest.
The forest is managed for multiple uses, including outdoor recreation, protection of endangered and threatened species, and maintenance of natural communities.
Many lakes are accessible from Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Lake Godwin is located in the forest on Arbuckle, and Lake Weohyakapka (Walk in Water) adjoins the forest, while Lake Reedy is located nearby.
Primitive camping is allowed at seven designated campsites along hiking trails and two primitive campgrounds on the Arbuckle and the Walk in Water tracts but make sure you make a reservation. There are restrooms, picnic tables, and several hiking options but NO electricity. Volunteers with Florida Trail Association constructed most of these trails, and if you walked all the connected loops, you’d cover 23 miles. Make sure to bring plenty of water because there is NO drinking water available.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
Author: Renada Hill – Student Valencia College
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Yamato Scrub Natural Area

The 217-acre Yamato Scrub Natural Area in Boca Raton sits on the largest natural section of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. The Atlantic Coastal Ridge once ran from St. Johns County into Miami-Dade County. As the largest natural area in South Palm Beach County, it is also the largest portion of native scrub habitat this far south in Florida. Virtually every acre of the site provides habitat for at least one rare or endangered plant species, animal species, or natural community.
With five district habitats to explore and a variety of cross-trails that create long and short loops, you can choose the difficulty and distance of your hike. While walking many of these trails, it is easy to forget how developed the surrounding areas have become. As you explore the diverse habitats of scrub, pine flatwoods, sand pine, hammock, and marsh, it should is not surprising to encounter several species. Look for gopher tortoises, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, sky blue lupines, pawpaws, staggerbush, tarflowers, love vines, deer moss, large flower rosemary, ironweed as well as long leaf pines, sand pines, wild olives, scrub oaks, and an array of bromeliads.
Two trails make up a total of 3.5 miles of hiking trails. Trails include the 0.7-mile accessible Cicada and the 2.8-mile Skyblue Lupine. Most of the trails are moderately easy and paved. Yamato Scrub can be explored during a long break, but you can easily split your hikes into two or four sessions. The paved trail and the sand trail can each be hiked in 2 separate outings or split into two hikes each to give yourself plenty of time to discover the wildlife and wildflowers that thrive in Yamato Scrub Natural Area.
There is a portable toilet at the trailhead. A portion of the trail system is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not permitted.
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam – IOF Brevard County Lead Educator
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Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Immerse yourself in Nature along the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park. Located in Sanford, Seminole County, the wetlands and blackwater streams are home to sandhill cranes, wood storks, river otters, turtles, fish, alligators, and Florida black bears.
Stroll along the Sand Hill Nature Trail. Interpretive signs guide you as you admire the beauty of the native plants and enjoy the antics of the wildlife. Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is a wonderful outdoor space to bike, jog, or walk. Be sure to stop along the way for some birding.
Paddle through the park on the Wekiva River, which has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River. Launch your paddleboard, canoe, or kayak at Katie’s Landing, where you will find picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Equestrians appreciate the 26 miles of multi-use trails at Fechtel Tract, where they can ride through rainy-season creeks and streams, hydric hammocks, and open pastures. Water troughs, stalls, a coral and a mountain block is available for your horse. Stay the day, or spend a night or more at one of the primitive campsites. Grills and picnic tables are also available for you. Be sure to carry proof of a negative Coggins test.
Pets on a six-foot handheld leash are welcome, with the exception of primitive camping areas.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
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