Soon after is the first of the official trail mileage markers, this one for 6.5 miles. You reach a bridge over a tannic stream between this levee and the next one. It feels like one of the old tramways used for logging the cypress throughout this region, but sits rather high up. Johns River, with views down into the forest on the right and a dark canal on the left. Lined with cabbage palms, it’s an instant immersion into the jungle-like floodplain forests of the St. The boardwalk ends and deposits you on the first levee.

When you reach the Y intersection in this boardwalk at the Loop Trail sign, keep left.Īlthough following the loop clockwise means you’re counting down boardwalks and mileage markers, it’s the best way to end your hike with the best views and a cool breeze at your back. To start your hike, follow the gravel path to Boardwalk 1, which spans a low-lying drainage area. The trail is marked with signs every half mile (complete with lat-lon coordinates) as well as blue arrow markers. Johns River since it’s a marsh on either side. It’s highly unlikely you’ll get lost unless you intentionally head off-trail and into the woods, which you can’t do once you’re on the dike system along the St. Sign in to the trail register before you depart, and snap a photo of the map. HikeĪn overview map of the loop is shown on the kiosk at the trailhead. Drive 0.5 mile to where New York Street and Michigan Avenue meet. Continue 1.3 miles to New York Street on your left. Directionsįrom Interstate 4 exit 101C at Sanford, take SR 46 west for 1.5 miles to Orange Blvd. Prefer a shorter hike? Try the 2-mile Black Bear Wilderness Walk. Johns River is in flood stage, do not attempt this trail. Bears are frequently seen here and will steal food if you let them. If you decide to make use of the primitive campsite along the loop, you’ll need to bear bag or use a bear canister. Watch where you step: pygmy rattlers and cottonmouths may be encountered here. Expect wildlife encounters, including bears. Spray yourself liberally with bug spray before setting out.

Bring a hiking stick or two with you, you’ll need it for balance. Dogs are welcome, but you probably won’t see wildlife if you bring them along. Open dawn to dusk unless you arrange an overnight stay. Land Manager: Seminole County Natural Lands Program Call Seminole County for a free camping permit. This helps us provide public information on this website. Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links.

Teddy Bear Christmas by C.C. Bridges