Amazing hike for the whole family! It was challenging for our younger kids and adults alike, but doable terrain and so worth it! We saw two families of hogs close to the trail, several alligators, tons of birds, and squirrels. I agree with other reviewers-- going right so you do the harder terrain first and have the flatter land when you're more worn out was perfect. One huge tip-- even with bug spray, we were SWARMED with mosquitoes the second it started getting dark-- absolutely attacked. Get out before dusk! read more

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We tackled the 7.1-mile loop at Black Bear Wilderness Area and loved it! True Florida nature vibes all the way -- we saw turtles, alligators, and even hogs with their babies. The kids came along and had a great time too. The trail is beautiful but has lots of tree roots, so watch your step and wear good shoes. We were definitely sore afterward, but the views and wildlife made it worth it. A perfect day outdoors and one of the best nature trails in the Sanford area! read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

What a gem of a trail! There is a good sized parking lot at the trailhead with a porta potty. We arrived around 8am on a Saturday and there were plenty of spots, but when we were leaving it was definitely getting fuller although there were still a handful of spots. The trail is a big loop that is 7 miles long. Part of the trail is a boardwalk, although a majority of the trail is dirt or sand. We loved that there was quite a bit of shade cover and you can bring your dogs with you as long as they stay on leash. There is definitely lots of wildlife out there, we even spotted one of the feral pigs. Definitely be mindful of your surrounding and be on the lookout! read more

This was my first time hiking this distance and this particular location. It had an amazing amount of shade for a Florida, hiking, local cow, beautiful water views, plenty of birds and a few large gators at (a safe distance), and we even clocked some boar prints on the trail, though we didn't see any boar during our hike. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead, and do note that there can be quite a lot of tree roots to navigate. This hike is definitely going on my regular rotation list. read more

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I've lived in Orlando 7 years and I've heard that the trails out here weren't the greatest, especially coming from Cali so I didn't try many of the trails here. I'm so glad I finally decided to check this one out. The roots and elevation in some areas definitely made this a moderate hike. I was tripping all over the place LOL. 7.1 miles definitely added up. It was a great workout. I enjoyed the views and animal sighting. I will be back again! read more

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Niiiice What Wanted to do some hiking and saw this with a decent length on Alltrail. It was around 7miles. I went in the morning on a Saturday. It was not as humid and wet that day. The trail was very easy - it was a loop. There are a couple of boardwalks and you can see the St. Johns river as well. There is quite a lot to see. I saw a boar and also a little alligator. Environment There is a parking lot right at the trail head, plenty of parking. There is a lot of signs, you can go clockwise or counterclockwise. I followed the arrows and went counterclockwise. Yes/No I would recommend this trail to someone if there are in the area. read more

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This is my favorite hiking trail in the Orlando area, it's a 7.1-mile loop that has beautiful scenery throughout and a good chance of spotting wildlife. On past hikes we've seen alligators, otters, boars, owls, various birds, snakes, and terrapins. Once, we even saw a black bear! A portion of the trail runs alongside the St. Johns River so you'll get some scenic views of the water. There are also a few sections where you cross over the water on boardwalks. The trail is well-marked but has a lot of exposed roots, so make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots. I'd definitely recommend checking it out if you enjoy the wilderness and hiking. Warnings: There's only a porta potty in the parking lot, with no other restrooms along the trail. If it's a beautiful day on the weekend, you might have some trouble finding parking. read more

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A 7.01 mile trail. Very scenic. Wildlife - gators, snakes, birds, pigs. Pretty flat and plenty of roots. Has a porta potty at the parking lot. read more

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Gorgeous 7 mile loop- took us about 4 hours to get through with the dogs! There's a campground with picnic tables halfway through that I'll bring some food to eat and relax there with next time but overall it was a gorgeous walk and we'll definitely be back! read more

Beautiful 7.1 mile hike (loop) - the St. John's river is about a mile in. You don't have to hike the full loop. Old Florida, cypress swamp to river, all around beautiful You will likely see gators, bears, birds and snakes. We saw a mama bear and her cub, alligators and birds this trip. Parking can fill up but good size lot Porta potty at parking. read more

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Black Bear Wilderness Trail is an adventure straight out of a nature lover's dream. The full 7-mile loop is no joke, but it's so worth it. The trail winds through beautiful, wild Florida terrain--shaded by tall trees, buzzing with life, and wrapped in that untouched, raw beauty that makes you feel alive. Every step feels sacred, like walking through a living, breathing ecosystem. You'll spot birds, hear rustling in the brush, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a gator sunbathing (from a distance, of course!). It's peaceful, immersive, and absolutely stunning. Bring water, good shoes, and a curious spirit--you won't regret it. read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

This is a really solid trail, it's scenic, easy to follow, and full of nature. You'll probably spot some alligators and wild pigs, which keeps things interesting. It feels like you're out in the wilderness, but there are enough people around that it doesn't feel too isolated. The markings are super clear, so getting lost isn't really a concern. All around, a nice, enjoyable hike. read more

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Very cool spot. Barely made it 1/4 mile before we turned around to get the bug spray. BRING BUG SPRAY. It's literally a swamp. Would recommend during the cooler, dryer months. Only tourists and northerners should go out there in the summer, haha! read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - 1/4 mile - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

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5 Stars for a 7 mile hike that gave us everything we wanted: Clearly marked trails, animal sightings, and water! As many on here have noted, this nature trail consists of a 7.1 mile loop. It's great not to have to turn around and walk back the way you came, but be prepared that at mile 3.5 you are a 3.5 mile hike from services if you have an issue. I say that to say: wear good shoes and bring water/light snacks. I went with my parents, who are fairly fit 70-something year olds and we all were able to do the hike, but we were wiped out afterwards and ready to sit for the rest of the day! Another note is that it's dog-friendly. We saw several groups with dogs (on leashes) and it looked like they were having a blast! Again- bring water for the pups ;) In terms of terrain, it ranges from small dirt path riddled with large roots you have to navigate, to several long wooden boardwalks over submerged areas, to a larger flat path towards the end. My rec- when you hit the fork to begin the trail be sure to head right. That way the toughest (and most scenic) terrain is at the beginning and middle and you can end your hike on easier, flat paths. Overall, this is the kind of trail that is now on my top lists of places to take out-of-towners to see that Florida may lack in hills, but the natural landscape is absolutely worth checking out. I just wouldn't go in the summer... read more

This is the best trail in Central Florida. Nice exercise, beautiful views, some great wildlife. read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

Fantastic safe and family pet friendly trail with great views, highly recommend. The trail is around 7 miles long however you don't have to do the full trail. read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

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Explored the Black Bear Forest Trail in Sanford and loved it! Scenic views, peaceful atmosphere, and exciting wildlife spotting opportunities. Well-marked trails and suitable for all skill levels. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts! read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

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This is the best hiking area as of yet in central Florida! It is a total of 7.1 miles we went 3.5. Next time without kids we will go further since we heard there are otters at mile 6. We saw several gators huge, baby and a teenager..birds, wild pigs with babies. The trail has numerous boardwalks. Lily pads abundantly and beautiful greenery! Spend hours or a day. read more

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This is a beautiful natural oasis right in the heart of Sanford, FL. There's a lot of oversized trees, exotic wildlife and outdoor scenery.Black Bear Wilderness is pet friendly so we brought our dog.The trail itself is a 7.1 mile loop-so it's ideal for hiking. Be careful when walking on the trail-as there's plenty of giant roots that can easily trip you.If you're lucky you'll see deer, otters, alligators and BEARS! This is free outdoor recreation that allows you to practice social distancing- and explore a lovely hidden sanctuary rich in history and wildlife.Wear comfy shoes. read more

Excellent trail!!! It's worth the wait for a parking spot! Things to know: -Limited parking; law enforcement will ticket if you park outside of the parking lot or on the street. -Bring bug spray!!! Mosquitoes are problematic in some areas of the trail. -Mostly dirt trail with some narrow areas and exposed tree roots everywhere. Makes for an exciting hike but use caution if you have stability issues. -7+ mile trail; there are mile markers every quarter mile to measure your progress. No water, no bathrooms; come prepared. - Trail borders St John's River which is renowned for its high population of alligators. A small gator and I intersected and frightened one another off. DO NOT take a selfie with an alligator. Don't feed them or try to touch one. Leave it alone and go about your business with a new Florida memory. -As always, leave the surroundings cleaner than you found it. Respect nature and one another. Have fun!! read more

Wow! What a great hike. It's marked at 7.1 miles but the App I used said we went about 7.8 miles. We got there at 7a and and left shortly after 11a so it can be a long day if your gawking around and taking photos. It was so enjoyable it totally didn't even seem like 4 hours. First of all, Apple Maps took us to a gated community, but the Yelp! Address got us right to the parking lot. Get there early or the lot can get full. We were the 3rd car in and when we left, it was full. Second, this hike really is a hike. The trail is well-maintained with brush, but there are some treacherous areas. If you have trouble walking or balancing, then this hike is not for you. There are lots of roots that are high out of the ground, slippery mud spots, trees down, etc. With that being said, we loved it. It's what a nature hike should be. It's the reason we got hiking boots. Third, pick your direction. One review said to go Counter-Clockwise (Left) so you finish by the River where it's a little cooler. We followed this advice and thought it was solid. If you're just looking to walk in a mile or two then turn around, then I'd say go Clockwise (Right) so you can see the river. There are also a few more benches on the part by the river (there are not a lot of benches in the 7 mile loop) At the 3.0-3.25 mile marker (give or take), there's a picnic/camping area with some tables and a fire pit. Camping is by permit only and there's a small shelter for inclement weather. We used this a break point to stop for a drink or a snack (bring your own as there's no vending machines). There are lots of cool sites, scenic boardwalks, birds, bugs (use good bug repellent), and a sign about bears (we didn't see any). Read the signs as they seem spot on with estimates. If you know your pace, you can estimate your time to do the loop. This will be a spot we head back to again for sure. There is lots of shade which makes it good for the summer months. read more

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Just a few minutes off of I-4 you'll find this wilderness area next to St. John's River and gated communities. However, once you hit the trail, you're away from civilization (but not that much since you can check into Yelp ;-). We arrived early on a Saturday and were the third car to park. When we finished, cars were lined up waiting for a parking spot to open. We didn't hear too much except for the occasional boat, croaking of frogs, and the dripping of moisture down through the canopy. As we walked across one of the boardwalks, we heard some noise and then realized quickly a family of boars was just ahead, thankfully in the swamp off the path. The 7.1 mile loop is shaded nearly the whole trail, lined mostly with palms, and, is a dirt path that is at times wide and smooth and many times full of roots (and today mud). Be sure to wear hiking shoes, use the bug spray, and expect to step off the path every once in awhile to try to keep the social distancing. And, enjoy getting out of the city ! read more

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Great hike but definitely a commitment being a 7.1 mile loop. Lots of tree roots to dodge and step on so don't go in there wearing regular shoes. I wore thick socks with my hiking boots and did well. No bathrooms, even in the parking lot so be prepared to go about 3 or more hours without. We brought waters and peanuts and enjoyed them at the halfway point where there were some nice picnic tables. Saw a few snakes and a few gators. read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Nice cornsnake shown to us. - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

Black Bear Wilderness Area is such a wonderful place to connect with nature. Upon arrival I saw a deer standing at the entrance of the trail, almost as if it was welcoming me into its domain. This 7.1 mile trail possesses a lot of beautiful sights to see. The trail has ample amounts of shade, making this one of the more comfortable trials I've been on. For anyone who struggles with uneven territory this might be a tougher hike. There are multiple steep climbs and it can get slippery. A portion of the trail is parallel to the St. John's River, which is one of the highlights in my opinion. Be on the lookout for snakes as there are a lot of them. For anyone looking to get out of the house I highly recommend this amazing trail. It's worth the drive! read more

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I was looking to go on a hike and asked around to some friends on where to go, and one place most of them gave me was Black Bear. This was a little bit of a drive for me, but it was fun to go on a day trip. This is a 7.1 mile loop trail. The signs say it takes about 3-5 hours to complete and we finished in a little over 3 hours. It was a bit more of a rugged trail in certain sections with exposed roots, but the trail was really well marked throughout. There is a mileage marker every quarter mile, which was nice to help keep track of progress. Everyone starts off in the same path and then there's a fork where you can choose to go either to the right or to the left. It doesn't really matter which way you choose since it's all one big circle. We went to the right first, which in retrospect was a good choice since I found the first mile to two miles to be a bit difficult. The last two miles were a lot easier by comparison with larger and flatter paths. Keep an eye out for wildlife. While we didn't see the black bears the area is named after, we did see river otters, a wild boar, gators, birds, and different bugs. The trail was pretty well shaded. We went on a day that was in the 90s and while it was really hot, it wasn't completely unbearable. Be sure to pack plenty of water, bug spray, and some sun screen. Along the trail we passed several people with walking sticks, which I would definitely want for my next visit! read more

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Beautiful spot to go for a hike and see lots of animals! The people were so kind that I passed on the trail as well- takes about 4 hours at a fast pace. read more

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This is a walking trail, so it's funny seeing it listed as a business, but it's really pretty. It was definitely more strenuous than I'd anticipated (my dogs were LEAPING all the tree roots and I was more so... stumbling). It's a gorgeous walk with tons of interesting flora and fauna. We saw birds, a gator, some hogs, some woodpeckers, and a LOT of very happy chubby squirrels. I'm absolutely out of shape, but I struggled through it okay and my two dogs had a blast. I'll definitely be back to get dragged behind two 15 lb dogs again soon... If you have super weak ankles I wouldn't recommend... mine are pretty flimsy and how I got through here without twisting an ankle is beyond me. read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

Overall: Great gem with plenty of scenery and wildlife. Will definitely be back. Environment: 5-stars- Great to get away from city noises and hear nature. Occasionally would hear small planes flying overhead so assume airport near. Great scenery (e.g. varying lowlands, river scenes, canals, meadow). Abundant wildlife as you can see but couldn't upload the woodpecker vid tearing up a tree:(. Trails clearly marked but not for those who have difficulty walking (e.g., exposed roots). Nice loop do hard to get lost. read more

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Great hike today with my hiking group! weather was perfect! Trails were clean and so much wildlife! Pics below but there were gators, otters, Great Herons, a turkey... go before it gets too hot! read more

Black Bear Wilderness Area - Snake! - Hiking Near Me - Sanford, Florida

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Charles M.'s ROTD was what brought us here - thanks, Charles (and Yelp)! We came on a weekday, late morning, early February, when there was good parking still available, but I can see that on the weekend, the 25-30 spots might be in high demand. The trail itself is enjoyable: as other reviewers have pointed out, it's a mix of easy (boring!) boardwalk and slightly 'bumpy' terrain, making AllTrails designation of 'moderate' as appropriate. The distance markers are welcome. We only did the outer route (turn right at the fork) for 2.75 miles before deciding to head back (nature - as in hunger - called!) There are plenty of birds (heron, egret, ibis, and one cormorant), along with several gators, which you won't see if you're blazing through like some runners were doing. On this day, the high was in the low 70s - we hardly needed water, and bug spray was unnecessary (but of course, later in the year, different story, I'm sure) Disheartening to see occasional signs of human mindlessness (trash left on and off the trail), reminding one of the crap that we can wreak on nature. Toward the end when we doubled back, very close to the head of the trail, we saw a deer quietly browsing (and then compliant in posing for a few pix), which I would have missed if it weren't for my hawkeyed wife! In summary, this place is accessible to those of us living in the northern part of metro, works well either fast (for the runners, who get to have a 'leisurely' rough-terrain expedition and enjoy a bit of fresh air) or slow. 4.5 stars: on the wishlist would be bathroom facilities for such a long-ish route, and maybe more parking. read more

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Beautiful hike with nearly the entire 7 mile path shaded. It's also dog friendly and our dog loved it. Saw many birds, gators and wild pigs. We will be back for sure! read more

I decided to take a quick peak at this place while on a work trip. I have only one word.... AMAZING! This trail is very well maintained and the views are beautiful. I went around 5:30P and did a quick 1 mile hike (2 miles total) the full loop is about 7 miles and I plan to go back and finish the entire loop before I leave. You can hear the leaves rustling, birds chirping, and even the reptiles scurrying about. I spotted a medium sized alligator but no bears. This trail is a leave no trace trail and dogs are welcome if leashed. They do say there are some rocks and hard parts of the trail. When speaking to another couple who ran the entire 7 miles they said it was mainly just tree roots to be careful of. Be sure to BRING BUG SPRAY, good shoes, water and your phone. Also if you go left instead of right after the boardwalk it is more flat compared to going to the right side of the loop. read more

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It's doubtful that I can write a review as good as some that are already on Yelp for this particular location. The black bear wilderness area in Sanford Florida is really a hidden gem! The start of the hiking trail is a small fenced in parking zone with an information board about the area. Parking is free and I would suggest not leaving any valuables in your vehicle. This is a 7.1 mile hike and it's a loop so you don't have to double back or turn around at any point (unless you're leaving mid-way). This course goes along the St. Johns River at certain points and there are lots of elevation changes for a Florida hike. You'll be going over tree roots and walking over narrow passages. At times you'll be on an elevated dirt path and towards the end you'll be on a wide-open flat area covered in Pine tree needles. During the end we spotted many orange trees with fruit hanging Currently there are 14 different black bear boardwalks. These are just boardwalk areas that are not dirt paths. There's lots of water, trees, and nature to take in. At certain points you can also see the St. Johns River and boaters going by. At about 3+ miles in there is a small break area that is a campsite There is also a small covered bench area and some camp fire (grill) zones. There's a chance to see a lot of wildlife on this hike. Yesterday we were able to see in o'possum and several bird species. No black bears were sighted, but I guess it's not unusual for that to happen. This hike can be kind of long if you're not used to hiking. Items I would suggest to bring along: backpack, sunscreen, water, snacks, bug spray, great hiking shoes, a walking stick (if you have one), a hat, and sunglasses. If you're into documenting nature definitely a camera phone, camera, or a GoPro. By the way, I use an AT&T phone and I had voice and Internet service the entire time I was on the hike. There are no bathrooms on the hike so depending on your personal needs you may need to bring some supplies for that as well if "nature calls". This is a really lovely hike and we spotted a few people walking their dogs along the way. I didn't know this was here in Sanford and it was such a nice surprise. Florida has some really beautiful hiking opportunities and this is one of them! You can't beat it for cost effective exercise, adventure, beauty, and entertainment. read more

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Yesterday 02/26/18 was the first time visiting this trail. My experience was phenomenal. Keep in mind the high was 86 and low 81 with high heat intensity. There's plenty of shade so no need to worry to much about the sun. Still bring sunscreen and a hat. This trail is going to be fun for beginners but also intense enough for the advanced. Admission and parking is free The path on this trail is straight and narrow. There are some more advanced areas that includes inclines, roots, and some drop off's. There's no need to stray of the the trail there plenty of adventure on the trail. The scenery was beautiful and there were many transitions between the St. John's River, swap, and small creeks. This is a 7.1 mile hike so bring those hiking boots, water bag, snacks and bug spray. While on the trail there will be plenty of wildlife to experience. On my hike I got to see a number of animals consisting of alligator, turtles, lizards, squirrels, and different types of birds. There where trails of other animals. The trail was very safe and also filled with many patrons. So there's no need to fear any sort of animal. In conclusion, this is a great trail to visit at any time of the day. Florida may not have mountains and great rock walls but we sure have a great swamp scenery. It's not too far from Orlando. So if you have a weekend off with no plans take the time and go visit. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Amazing trail and so feel like your in forest.. and not man made.. it's definitely not safe for toddlers and strollers... it can not take even bikers... few trail spots are hard to drive by... but definitely worth a complete 7.1 mile walk and run read more

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This park is amazing! You can even enjoy it during the height of the summer. The trees provide a good amount of shade, and being right off of the St Johns River, you'll get a good cool breeze as well! Admission is free and parking is free as well. This park is great for families, amateur hikers who want to experience a little adventure! And it's even good for pros as well. I'm originally from New York City and have lived in the central Florida area for a while now, but I have never seen a gator in person before until i visited this park. There are a ton of gators here some small, and some of pre historic, Jurassic park sized dinosaurs as well lol. I was a little nervous at times, simply because i didn't know if i would encounter a huge black bear or a Florida panther! Overall even with my nerves on high alert, i had a blast and can't wait to revisit this place in the fall. read more

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A hike to a river The Black Bear Wilderness Area is a 1,600 acre tract of land mostly within the floodplain of the St John's River. This impressive river meanders for 300 miles south to north through central Florida. The land is a combination of marshland, Hydric Hammock and Cypress Swamps. Quite wet during the raining season there are little boardwalks to get through the really mooshy areas. Even though the area is huge there is only one main trail through it. A straight and easy path right down to the river. The swamps are lovely, very lush and exotic plants and a variety of wildlife. We didn't see any sign of bears or gators but we did see a whole bunch of turtles, small lizards and beautiful birds. There is another small path that follows the river that goes on for several miles but much of the area is pretty much impassable unless you want to bushwack and get very, very muddy. Definitely a nice place to be with nature, it's very quiet, still and pristine. Swamps are great areas to hike, we encountered no biting insects and the scenery and quiet was amazing. A wonderful place, if only it had a few more trials. This review is dedicated to Bradley N from Montana He still knows where the wild things are. read more

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This hiking area is finically getting the parking area it needs and deserves. The hike takes you through areas to view Gators if your lucky, along the St. John's River and through "old Florida" fora and fauna. You can hike a bit or make the 7mile loop. Bring water and use bathroom before you go as there are no facilities along the way. Great time for anyone who likes to walk/ hike. There are parts with roots to manage. Be mindful of where you step in those parts. read more

What is that one must do item on your bucket list this florida summer....yep that's right hike the black bear wilderness area! OK maybe not the best idea to do the 7.1 mile loop in the middle of the day with this scorching florida heat. I still loved the trail and am planning to come back! As others have mentioned, make sure you take bug spray and water. There are is no access to drinkable water or restrooms on the trail so come prepared. It took me right about 2 hrs to complete the trail while jogging/walking. The majority of the trail is covered which helped with this summer heat. The path was clearly indicated but difficult to keep a constant jog. Be careful for roots and getting around trees in the middle of the trail. Some areas also have a slight slope, need to make sure you watch your footing so you don't slip. The last couple miles had the flatter parts of the trail easier if you don't hike often. If you are hesitant about hiking you can go backwards and turn around at 2 miles, easiest part of the trail but still a beauty. They have markers every 0.5 miles along the trail that are helpful in keeping track how far along you are. They also give a point along the trail in case of an emergency or if you get injured. I loved the diverse parts of nature you pass on the trail. I got to jog past small creeks, a cypress swamp, the St johns river and other beautiful habitats. read more

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I have been traveling quite a bit for work and every place I go in try to find fun places to go hiking. Out of most places I go to you can stand and listen and you just hear silence and maybe the breeze of the trees and some birds. The one thing I loved about this place is giving me the sense of understanding what a living, breathing Forest is. If you just stand there you can listen to these loud Ruckus is going on in the background things bouncing between the trees water bubbling lizards jumping all over the place loud clunks it was an awesome experience. In fact I got so caught up in it I didn't realize it was getting dark so I did have to hustle back but this is definitely worth the stop. The scenery is also very interesting so many different types of trees and the natural habitat is overall inspiring. I will be back to complete the full 7 miles once I come out here again. read more

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