Flat Island Preserve - Leesburg

“After two days of rain on Friday and Saturday the Sun was in full force today drying the forest and warming the air to an ideal Florida winter hiking temp of about 65F.

Went for a short dayhike on the Daubenmire Trail at the Flat Island Preserve just south of Leesburg, FL. A very pretty walk, well maintained and well blazed. There is a primitive campsight (potable well, about 6 tent sights and a fire pit) at the out end of the 4 mile loop. There is also canoe dock for pre-arranged rentals out to Lake Denham. Looks like a good place to take a family with younger kids for an overnight.”

“Coop, What type of vegetation? Scrub, hammock?”

“From the Lake County Water Authority... "This property safeguards an impressive and relatively undisturbed natural area consisting of marshes, hardwood swamps, and upland hardwood hammocks."

Tango - it's not a very long trail for the drive, but it's pretty. If you've done all the trails closer to Orlando then this one is a nice weekend morning hike.”

“I am thinking of doing the Little Econ this weekend. But I heard we might get more rain Saturday. Thanks for the info. I had never even heard of that trail.”

“I found it in a 64 page pamphelt produced by the Central Flroida Chapter of the Florida Trail Assoc. called "Central Florida's Best Day Hikes." It's a good collection of 27 different trails in the area.”

“Yep. I was out canoe camping this weekend on Rock Spring Run: paddling in the rain, cooking under a tarp, hiking on the trail in ankle high water after dark, just have a good time out there.

Anyone been to Hal Scott Preserve east of Orlando? It's a nice little area for a short backpacking trip, it gets very little traffic.”

“I like the Rick Springs Run trails - good for dayhikes. Never done the run itself. Saturday was cruddy, but then you get to use all that rain gear.

I've never been to Hal Scott, another dayhike destination!”