Top Nature preserves in Orlando, United States

This place is amazing. It's simply amazing. The trails are like a journey through ancient Florida. Aside from the occasional plane overhead, there's no city sound, only nature. I was stunned by the native plant abundance. There is so much habitat and food for our local fauna. We even found fresh tracks (bobcat/panther?) by Bonnet Pond! I sincerely hope they keep this place preserved for the health of our local environment. We'll be back often!

Nice place to get away from the concrete. Flight path for MCO is overhead and is pretty cool too.

Very quiet and very natural. Note that the trails, though groomed, are mostly all beach sand, so the hike will be more challenging than on soil. Trails are obvious and well marked. Keep in mind that most trails have no shade from trees. No facilities or services here. If visiting Florida, I wouldn't go out of your way to come here. But if in the area, a very nice break from the hustle, bustle, and noise of Florida.

Wonderful trail. Trail ways are very nice and clean. We didn’t see any trash at all. Thank you for keeping it clean.

Beautiful nature trails. There is also a huge lake you can sit near it and just soak in the peacefulness. I once saw a deer . It's great for walks
,runs or walk meditation. I also throw on my 40-pound vest and ruk. Walking meditation is also a plus here

Great place to go with the family or to hike alone. I do recommend parking at the middle school and once the boardwalk ends take a left it’s way nicer.

Beautiful place to explore or tide your bike on the trail. Optional walking decks or biking/walking trails. Beautiful views! Great place to bring the kids, walk your dog or just get some time in nature! We'll worth it.

Mountain Bike Review. This is a decent trail, but mostly open. The Pine Island loop was a good side trip although the east portion was a little soggy when I went early morning in September. I used All-trails for a map. If you take the big loop of the trail, you end up going through Hunters Creek and the paved path then along the road. You also have to navigate across the four-lane to get back to the trail. Once back on the trail, it’s a nice single track through the woods. Good ride, but mixed reviews.

BRING A LIGHT. ESPECIALLY since the trails open after school hours! If you spend a few hours in, you can easily get caught in the dark! The trails are long, and sun can go down fast. Since i always keep a light and compass on me for hikes like this, it didnt bother me to make my way back in darkness, but those woods could be frightening to someone not used to that. Miles of different trails, biking areas, from wooded to palmetto shrub areas. Very little trash, but bring a shopping bag to help clean up the small amount of debris. Lots of wildlife to see/hear. Only downside, was I did see a couple who may have been homeless, man was nice, but seemed a bit drunk, and woman was 30m off the path in a marshy area with her pants down peeing (maybe inappropriate, but I get it, can be a long walk) but she was screaming, and not in a hidden spot. I walk with a "gun dog", who always notices if we have company before i do, and otherwise feel safe from animals, but if it was an hour later in the dark, that might have startled me. There are also definitely coyotes some ways in. Never saw them, but could hear a pack of them after dusk, and smelled scent of something trailing us OTw back. Make sure to pack a light, water, and some type of legal protection if going anywhere close to sundown. Doesn't bother me, but just keep in mind that it looks close to homes, but it goes for miles, and the last half mile out is through a very dark wooded area. Overall great experience. Been 3 times and still feel like I have more to explore!

It is for sure a trail but I would not recommend it at all for running. It is more for riding bikes or hiking. It also does not have that great of a scenery and does feel like you are in a horror movie so do not recommend going alone. I have been trying to find a good trail for running and this one was not it.

An amazing place to hike if you can find it.

The entrance to the trail is located behind the school. It seems very odd but you need to loop to the back. The parking is limited and very narrow. It seems like a two way street that should really be just a one laner.

However, once you find it you will see how beautiful and enchanting the place is. You are under the tree shade for a majority of the time. Therefore not too much sun but it does get humid and muggy. Also LOTS of bugs!

However, that's to be expected as you are in FL. There are lots of rude bikers who don't even let you jnow they're passing by

Great little nature trail with lots to see. You've gotta do it by foot and the split oak is on the far northern side so it's a bit of a hike but if you're up for it, I highly recommend it for the peacefulness.

Beautiful trail that takes you away from the city feel. Clean and maintained. We have been here numerous times, finally reopened after a storm some months ago. It even has a peninsula where you could enjoy a wonderful view of the water. We have seen plenty of wildlife, including turtles and large birds.

Nice, well managed and marked trail. Partly under shade in the wooded area and partly out in open grassland. Lots of birds and alligators. Access via school bus lane, outside of school opening hours only. Parking at the back of the school

This is a nice little gem here in central Florida that's a must visit if you're looking for beautiful peaceful scenery and surroundings and some good hiking. Trail markers are well positioned and visible on the trails. There weren't any maps on the trailhead so we took a picture of the map posted on the information board.

Make sure to bring water and maybe a snack if you plan to do most or all of the 6 miles of it. When we went the bridge from the Blue trail loop was not open due to some damage. Keep your eyes out to spot Split Oak as it's off the main trail.

A great park with excellent trails to Lake Mary. I would recommend hiking either early in the day or later in the afternoon. Such amazing views. There are no bathrooms so be ready. Either way once you get started it's amazingly quiet and tranquil.. until you here the wildlife. It's the sound of music! You never know what you'll see but won't be disappointed.