Half-Day Trips

Skill levels: Easy to Moderate, Prices are per person

Flat Island Preserve

$30

4 mile, 2 hours, Easy

A good beginner trail that takes you around a wooded island in the Okahumpka Swamp. A side-trail will take us on a boardwalk through the swamp to a view of the Helena Run, a creek that flows into connecting tributaries that flow west into the Gulf of Mexico and east to the Atlantic. The property is managed by the Lake County Water Authority.

Keloke Trail, Little Big Econ State Forest

$45

5.6 mile, 3 hours, Moderate

This trail takes you through several ecosystems and is one of the most scenic hikes in Central Florida. The trail begins and ends through oak and pine forests and in between you’ll pass through swamp areas and hike the ridge alongside the Econlockhatchee River. A Florida State Forest property and part of the Florida Trailwalker Program.

Sawgrass Island Reserve

$45

4.5 mile, 2 hours, Moderate

This preserve is managed by the Lake County Water Authority and you’ll hike a series of trails that will take you along a 600-acre shallow marsh, through forested and herbaceous wetlands and uplands that include unimproved pasture, shrub/brushland, mesic hammocks, xeric

hammocks and pine flatwoods.

Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (P.E.A.R)

$30

3.25 mile, 1.5 hours, Easy

A great beginner trail that takes you through two different ecosystems. This park was once a University of Florida agricultural research center for watermelon and grapes and has been restored to a working farm, restored upland habitats, and recreational facilities operated by Lake County Parks.

Yearling & Florida Trail, Ocala National Forest

$55

5.6 mile, 3.5 hours, Easy-Moderate

This hike takes you back in time to Pat's Island and a walk through a scrub ecosystem to an island of pine, once the home of the Long family, early Florida settlers. Here was the inspiration for the novel “The Yearling” after author, M. Kinnan Rawlings visited the Long homestead. This interpretive trail system leads you past a variety of historic structures including an old cattle dip vat, a cistern, remains of homestead sites, and the Long family cemetery.

Yearling Add-on: Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area

$25

Pack a swimsuit and add an optional picnic lunch and a visit Silver Glen Springs, one of Florida’s first magnitude springs. 65 million gallons per day of water make its way to the spring and the water is a constant 72 degrees. Swim and/or snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Kayak rentals are available from the concessionaire.

* This park has capacity limits which may limit access on weekends.

Looking for something different? Do you have an adventure in mind? Do you want something for a family, group or team outing? Contact us and we can customize a trip to your specifications! We offer military/veteran, first responder, medical provider, and cash discounts. Email fred@fredtheguide.com.