Florida Fresh Air: Hal Scott Preserve has serene natural land for birds, humans
When heading out to scenic Hal Scott Preserve in southeast Orlando, there’s a chance you might be among the only humans there. But the more than 9,000 acres of public land are teeming with woodpeckers, swallow-tailed kites, deer, bobcats and more.
Located near Avalon Park, the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park contains opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, camping, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. 18 miles of hiking and biking trails await visitors near the Econlockhatchee River with connectors to Long Branch Park, and Pine Lily Preserve to the north.
The preserve’s trails appear more as service roads that could accommodate vehicles or horseback riders than the narrow, wooded hiking trails experienced on other natural lands. Routes come in three main loops with different colored blazes: white, red and yellow. Traveling on a mountain bike or gravel bike is the best way to see most of the preserve in one visit.
The 4.3-mile white loop can be accessed directly from the trailhead and is the best option for a shorter hike. Red and yellow routes can be accessed from the whiteblazed trail, each providing loops of more than 6 miles to extend a hike or ride. Puddles and mud may be present on stretches of path, so wear appropriate footwear.
Many parts of the trail are set in the open sun with little shade — it would make the most sense to visit Hal Scott in the early morning or when the sun is setting. Two primitive campsites (first come, first served) and one reservable group site are available for overnight visitors.
During a preserve outing, keep an eye out for wildlife such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker or whitetailed deer. While wandering the vast pine flatwoods, it’s easy to connect with nature and find a sense of peace.
Important information
Location: 4500 Dallas Blvd. in Orlando
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Amenities: Benches, boat ramp, hiking trails, fishing, primitive campsites, lake, parking
Activities: Hiking, cycling, camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing
Accessibility: While some of the lands managed by St. Johns River Water Management District are marked as accessible with better vehicle access, Hal Scott is not among them. Unless a wheelchair is especially capable of going off-pavement, it would be difficult to access much of the preserve.
What to bring: Bring plenty of water when heading out for a long hike or bike ride. Sunscreen and a hat will also prove useful in blocking out the sun. Most of the preserve should have cellphone service, but bring a map to keep track of the trails.
What not to bring: Drones and aircraft are prohibited in the Hal Scott Preserve. Removing plants and animals is not allowed.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed within the preserve.
Pro tips: Because there are puddles and small water crossings on portions of the trail, wearing the appropriate footwear is imperative for hikers. Cycling is the best way to experience most of the preserve in one visit, so consider traveling by bicycle to see the most amount of land in several hours.
More information: 386-329-4404 or sjrwmd. com