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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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Wakulla Springs State Park

Wakulla Springs State Park
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park boasts the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. It may be most famous for the movies Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) that were filmed in the park. Wakulla Springs State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. It is located just south of Tallahassee in Wakulla County.
Stop by the Visitor Center to access an interpretive display where you will learn the history of the park from Paleolithic times until today. Observe cave diagrams, learn about the indigenous people who first inhabited the land, the men and women who resided or visited there, Edward Ball whom the park is named after, and the wildlife who live there today.
Saunter along the 9 mile Nature Trail, the 1.4 mile Cherokee Sink Trail, or the Bob Rose Trail. Bike or take a guided bike tour on the Cherokee Sink Trail and the Nature Trail. Discover the animals and plants that thrive in the cool waters when you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or cave diving. For the more daring, jump or dive from the 22-foot observation tower/dive into the 70* spring. Bring a blanket to the beach and sit for a while at the shore or under the shade of a cypress tree.
Explore Southern hardwood forests. maple-cypress habitats, an upland hardwood forest, pine forests, 80-foot-deep sinkhole lake, and ancient cypress swamps.
Bring your camera. Watch for resident and migratory wading birds and songbirds including cedar waxwings, phoebes, and chimney swifts. Look for white-tailed deer, bears, alligators, manatees, and more. Marvel at the variety of wildflowers including terrestrial and epiphytic orchids.
Bring your picnic and enjoy your lunch at one of the provided tables. A playground is nearby. View Wakulla Spring while dining in the Edward Ball Dining Room where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. Be sure to stop by the Soda Fountain for an old-fashioned malt or milkshake on the world’s longest marble countertop.
Rooms are available at the historic 1930’s Spanish-style Wakulla Springs Lodge. Plan your reunion or wedding at this popular park. Three conference rooms are available for events, meetings, and retreats.
Well-behaved pets are welcome in designated areas while on a 6-foot leash. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is wheelchair accessible and offers wheelchair access to riverboats, access to a manual wheelchair upon request, accessible picnic shelters, and accessible benches.
Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam
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Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park

Nature and history abound at Hillsborough River State Park located just outside of Tampa. Explore one of the 7.3 miles of trails, learn about the Seminole Indian Wars at Fort Foster, and find peace along the waters of the Hillsborough River.

Fort Foster was originally built in 1836 to defend the bridge which crossed the Hillsborough River on Fort King Military road. It served as a place to resupply soldiers during the Second Seminole War. In 1936, Civilian Conservation Corps realized the historic significance of Fort Foster and the allure of the Class II rapids located nearby.

The Corps opened Hillsborough River State Park to the public in 1938. Today, visitors are invited to explore within the reconstructed walls of Fort Foster complete with blockhouse stairs and cannons. Plan your trip in January to see reenactments at the Fort Foster Rendezvous or in December at the Candlelight Experience.

Hillsborough River State Park is designated a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. There are 4 trails within the park that wind through pine flatwoods, a floodplain swamp, a hardwood and hydric hammock, and a cypress swamp.

Hike or bike along the 1.6-mile Wetlands Trail through cypress domes and Flatwoods where you may encounter bobcats, hawks, and a variety of rare plants. Saunter down the Rapids Trail to the swift, flowing Class II rapids on the Hillsborough River.

Paddle a kayak or canoe down the Hillsborough River or for the more adventurous, down the rapids. Cool off in the ADA accessible swimming pool.

Primitive campsites and 112 campsites for tents or RVs are located in the park. Playgrounds and picnic areas are waiting for you to enjoy. Pavilions are available to rent for reunions and other special events. A poolside cafe, camp store, and bike and canoe rental are located in the park for your convenience. Pets are welcome and must be on a 6′ leash.

For more information click here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/hillsborough-river-stat…

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain


 

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Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

There’s something for everyone at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park!

Nature trails, birding, equestrian trails, biking, walking, jogging, camping, cabins, picnic areas, horseshoe games, volleyball court, pavilions, and playgrounds assure your entire family will enjoy their day. You can even bring your dog on a 6-foot leash to the hiking or paved bike trail.

You can easily spend an entire day here as you explore this beautiful park of 8,300 acres located in New Port Richey. Take your time as you wander through the wilderness and discover an abundance of wild plants and animals who make their home there. Leave your cares behind while you spend quality time with your family and friends reconnecting with nature. Get Outside. Explore. Discover.

Learn more and/or make reservations here:
https://www.pascocountyfl.net/…/Jay-B-Starkey-Wilderness-Pa…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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