trail

Abercrombie Park

Abercrombie Park is a small but mighty park located on the western end of St. Petersburg, with a main paved trail leading to the waterfront area. A combination of sand and boardwalk trails that wind through a small preserved ecosystem and sites of historical significance. This beautiful park is also packed with a lot of shade!
The park contains remnants of the pioneer Abercrombie family homestead, a historic mound, and shell midden that have been traced back to Native American settlements that resided in the area from 140 to 565 AD. The city also purchased the house on the north end and placed boardwalks and other amenities to expand the park further. There is a picnic table at the top of the Mound.
Don’t miss this great gem for a serene walk, contemplative meditation, and a brief reminder of the area’s human and environmental history. Abercrombie Park is a beautiful site for a quiet and shaded evening stroll while enjoying a Florida sunset over Boca Ciega Bay.
Amenities:
Wildlife Viewing
Native American Midden
Information Kiosk
Waterfront
Parking Area
Interpretive Signage
Nature Trails (paved, sand) and Boardwalks
Picnic Area
Dogs on Leash
Seating/Teaching Area
Address: Park St N 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709
For more information:
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam
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Oak Hammock Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Oak Hammock Trail is located in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Parking is just over a mile east of the refuge at the Visitor Center for Oak Hammock Trail and is shared with the Palm Hammock Trail. Both start at the same trailhead; they immediately split in different directions and are no longer connected. Starting to the right of the kiosk, the Oak Hammock Trail takes the path of a figure 8 that winds through seasonally flooded forests.
Much of the trail does have boardwalks; however, it should be noted that it is not wheelchair accessible because of the need to cross the railroad track to the boardwalk and the sandy/native surfaces beforehand.
Start your walk beneath the tall oaks and be surrounded by a dense crowd of sword ferns along the trail. Enjoy a shaded saunter in this distinctly Florida coastal/hydric hammock. Native plants include wild coffee, laurel and live oaks, cabbage palm, and Simpson’s stopper. Make sure to look up in the canopy for many air plants and orchids.
As you are walking around the Oak Hammock Trail, you find yourself surrounded by a marsh. Unless it is winter, the dry season, you will probably find more mud than water. If you are sensitive to mosquitoes, you should bring bug spray.
A cool thing about this saunter is the potential for wild oranges! Yes, you can eat them if you dare. But beware, these are not your modern sweet grocery store oranges. These are wild oranges, remnants from Old Spanish travelers and early homesteaders. This site was from a Daneburg family homestead between 1947 and 1964, where they grew gladiolas and oranges until the Space Center came along and the government obtained the property. Before the Daneburgs, Captain Douglas Dummitt established the first citrus grove in America just a little north of here in 1807.
In the early 1800s, Douglas Dummitt pioneered grafting sour orange trees (the original Florida orange) to sweet orange trees. Leading to the oranges we now eat, with a bit of help from a series of back-to-back freezes, these on the Oak Hammock Trail must be the sour orange trees.
HOURS: Open dawn to dusk. Expect mosquitoes: use bug spray.
Address: 4050 N. Dixie Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33064
28.644268, -80.716569
Length: 0.7-mile loop
Amenities:
Information Kiosk
Interpretive Signage
Nature Trail, sand, and boardwalk
Picnic Area
Seating Area
Restroom: None here, but the Visitor Center is nearby
Phone: 321-861-0669
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam
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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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Fort Island Trail Park

Are you looking for an exciting outdoor adventure? Look no further than Fort Island Trail Park. Located in beautiful Citrus County, this 14-acre riverfront park offers various recreational activities, making it the perfect destination for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
Saunter along the West Fort Island 0.5-mile out-and-back trail. Bring your own kayak or canoe and explore the serene waters of Fort Island Trail Park, beginning at the Nature Coast Canoe and Kayak Trail launch point.
Be sure to bring your binoculars and keep your cameras ready. Fort Island Trail Park is part of the Florida Birding Trail. It is home to many unique wildlife, including migratory birds, songbirds, shore birds, and water birds. The park offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
Fort Island Trail Park is the ideal spot for a family outing. Picnic areas and open spaces are perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or a relaxing day out with your loved ones.
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
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Highlands Scrub Natural Area

Highlands Scrub is just over 34 acres of rare pineland scrub in Pompano Beach in eastern Broward County. It was formerly known as the Jungle and is considered one of Broward and south Florida’s last substantial remaining sand pine scrub communities. This rare type of community, unique to Florida, is one of the most imperiled in the state. With only two percent of this habitat remaining in Broward County, this nice little nature park is extra special.
Highlands Scrub has a large paved and handicapped-friendly hiking trail, pavilion, ample parking, and benches. The trail loops through the site and is well-marked with some of the most informative and easy-to-read interpretive signs. Canopied by sand pines and scrub live oaks, the trail has an underbrush of saw palmetto, scrub oaks, gopher apple, pawpaw, Mexican fire plant, partridge pea, lesser Florida spurge, narrow-leaf silkgrass, and Feay’s Palafox.
Broward County has done great fire management in the Highlands Scrub Natural Area. The positive influence of their prescribed burn practice can be appreciated in the north portion of the property with the new growth of understory plants, such as greenbrier, rosemary, wildflowers including partridge pea and the endangered Curtiss’ milkweed, and the gorgeous silkgrass field.
Amenities:
Information Kiosk
Interpretive Signage
Nature Trail paved
Picnic Area
Seating Area
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam – IOF Brevard County Lead Educator
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Lake May Reserve

Lake May Reserve is a beautiful conservation area located in Lake County in Eustis. There are 136 acres of natural Florida with well-marked trails to explore. Saunter through Pine Flatwoods, Longleaf Pine/Turkey Oak Mesics, Longleaf Pine Sandhill, and Sand Pine Scrub. Stroll around Lake May and take in the 20-acre lake while discovering the plants and wildlife that thrive in the floodplain. Be sure to stop at the Lake May overlook platform to enjoy watching native and migratory ducks and wading birds. A canoe launch is provided for those who want to enjoy the water.
Lake May is an excellent birding destination where native and migratory birds enjoy the natural Florida landscapes. Various wildflowers make this a great place to watch bees and butterflies. Look for Gopher tortoises and their dens, Black bears, black racers, southern toads, and more. Pets are not permitted at the reserve. Restrooms and a water fountain are at the entrance.
Photo credit: Dan Kon
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Wellington Rotary Peace Park

– Saturday Saunter –
Wellington Rotary Peace Park
 
The Wellington Rotary Peace Park was dedicated on September 21, 2007. This beautiful park, located in the village of Wellington in Palm Beach County, includes 14 acres of wetlands and grassy areas.
 
There is a nice boardwalk over the wetlands and an open-air gazebo that houses the Peace Pole and dedication marker. Plenty of pickerelweed grows amongst cypress trees and Florida swamp lilies.
 
Flags from the United Nations, the United States, Rotary International, the Wellington Rotary Peace Park, Florida, and the Village of Wellington are displayed in the grassy area surrounding the rotunda.
 
Located very conveniently next to the library and schools., Wellington Rotary Peace Park is a great, safe park that sits on the edge of full suburbia. The park provides a nice peaceful site to meditate in a natural setting while immersing yourself in Nature.
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam
 
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Ais Trail Park

Ais Trail Park is named after the Indian River Lagoon’s former Native American inhabitants. In an effort to preserve the last undeveloped property along Turkey Creek Palm Bay purchased the nearly 18-acre parcel with mature shade trees from the Sterner family.
While small in perimeter, Ais Trail is outsized in diversity, having a dense array of ecosystems packed into one simple location. It is a great spot to enjoy the natural diversity that Florida has to offer: Scrubby Flatwoods, Sand Scrub, Hardwood Hammock, Mangrove Shoreline, and a brackish creek.
In one short .6-mile trail hike, you will see a mangrove shoreline and hardwood hammocks that include Hickory and Loblolly Bay trees with luscious beauty berries and copious amounts of ferns. Transitioning ecotone areas full of hog plums, wild olives, and shiny blueberries lead you to a sand scrub full of sand pines, sand holly, and some of the largest native rosemary I have seen. The Scrubby Flatwoods Area becomes noticeable as its cabbage palms and saw palmettoes become prominent beneath the towering slash and longleaf pines.
It’s a short and easy trail that has both dirt/sand and wooden boardwalk sections with creek overlooks. There are also onsite restrooms and an area to launch kayaks/canoes. There is also a short fishing deck before the hiking trail.
For a slightly longer trail, you can connect the Ais Trail to Dewar Park via a boardwalk. Dewar Park is a paved neighborhood park that features a pond and a paved loop. Turtles and water birds are common in both areas.
The park entrance and parking can be found just past the historic St Joseph Church and Cemetery.
Ais Trail Park Specialties: Nature Trips, Trail Running, Biking, Wild Flowers, Walking, Forest Lake, Pavilion, Kayak/Canoe Launch, Fishing Pier, Jogging Trails & Dock, Dog Friendly, Restrooms
2804 Hickory Ave NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905
Self-Guided QR Code Nature Trail. Find codes along the trail. Ais Trail Park Self-Guided Nature Tour 6 | City of Palm Bay, FL
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam -IOF Lead Eduction Coordinator Brevard County
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Sanford RiverWalk

Sanford RiverWalk
On the southern shore of Lake Monroe in Seminole County lies a multi-use pedestrian trail known as Sanford RiverWalk. The paved 9.1-mile trail connects RiverWalk to the 210-mile Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail and completes the 26-mile loop around Lake Monroe. This urban-designed trail earned the city of Sanford the International Making Cities Livable award.
Saunter along the trail and discover the serenity as the waves carry sailboats across Lake Monroe. Discover the wildlife and birds who share the space with humans. Dock your boat at the Sanford Marina day slips. Sit for a while on one of the swinging benches or under a gazebo and let your troubles melt away.
Walk along the brick-lined streets to historic downtown Sanford where unique shops, restaurants, and craft beer is are bountiful.
Be sure to return to RiverWalk to complete your day watching the magnificent sunset on Lake Monroe.
Photo credit: Dan Kon
lknfors
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San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

Just south of Tallahassee lies a little historic state park waiting to be explored. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park was established as a state park in 1964, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and is a National Historic Landmark and National Engineering Landmark.
The flags flying over San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park welcome you and are a reminder of those who came before you. Saunter along the self-guided .33 mile interpretive trail through the historic ruins. Look for today’s wild residents including pelicans, anhingas, cormorants, seagulls, ospreys, great blue herons, turtles, sea turtles, manatees, otters, squirrels, and more.
Be sure to make time to visit the museum where you will learn about the history and importance of San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park located on the Wakulla and St. Marks River junction. First settled by the Apalachee who lived in farming communities, the area later became a trading route. Over the years two military forts and a federal marine hospital were built. Hernando de Soto, Spanish explorers, Britains, pirates, Confederate soldiers, and General Andrew Jackson are just some of the people who have lived at San Marcos or occupied a fort.
Enjoy your meal in the picnic area complete with grills and tables.
For more information about this Historic State Park located in St. Marks, Wakulla County click here:
Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam
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Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area

Located near Christmas Fl, the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area includes an 18.6-mile loop trail that features a lake.

The trail is located along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail so expect to see plenty of wildlife enjoying the area. Wading birds, eagles, ospreys, turkeys, deer, and alligators are some of the wildlife you may meet. Beautiful cabbage palm hammocks and freshwater marshes are waiting for you to explore. Discover bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and abundant wildflowers. Be on the lookout for rare pitcher plants, hand ferns, and cutthroat grass.

Short hikes can lead to many sightings and new discoveries like the virgin bald cypress stand in James Creek Swamp. There are trails for day hikes and hiking with overnight camping. Primitive campsites are available for the more adventurous including one along the 12 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The unpaved roads are bicycle-friendly. For those who would rather view the scenery from the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle, you are permitted to do so when the roads are not too wet or sandy. Dogs are welcome when on a leash.

Whether on foot, by bicycle, or from your vehicle:
Get Outside. Explore. Discover.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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