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Central Florida Section Trails

FT Lake Jesup

Length: 29.2 miles (linear)

The Lake Jesup section passes through deep woods and along village streets and roads and follows along the beautiful Econlockhatchee River.

Grab and Go Hike: Little Big Econ

Overview

American Bald Eagle (Carl M. Anglesea) Much of the area is developed property. The Orlando Wetlands Park is a birdwatcher's dream. The restored Seminole Indian War fort and museum at Ft. Christmas recreate the 1830s when the fort was one of a chain of wilderness forts extending the length of Florida. Pause at Mills Lake Park to enjoy a picnic by the lake, as well as restrooms and camping and a boardwalk through a floodplain forest lush with ferns.

In downtown Oviedo, you’ll encounter the famous roosters strutting along Railroad Street near Popeye’s Fried Chicken. The post office and restaurants are just a few steps off the trail. Once on the Cross Seminole Trail, you’re in the backyards of suburbia for a stretch, although hidden gems like an eagle’s nest at Black Hammock trailhead and the deeply canopied shade of Howell Branch Creek (just off the trail) await. This section ends at Spring Hammock Preserve, a palm hammock along the shores of Lake Jesup which preserves some of the nation’s largest cypress trees.

Map

22 Lake Jesup The north end is at the junction of General Hutchinson Parkway and US 17-92, 0.8 mile south of the CR 419 and US 17-92 intersection near Longwood. The south end is on Wheeler Road at the entrance to Orlando Wetlands Park, a half mile east of CR 420/Ft Christmas Rd.

Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey.

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Near the north end, park at the Soldier Creek Park ballfield on CR 419, at the Barr St trailhead (3 miles northeast of Oviedo), at Mills Lake Park in Chuluota (with permission), or at Seminole Ranch (on Wheeler Road 1.6 miles east of CR 420).

Features

Bridges

Econlockhatchee River

History

Chuluota

Conditions

This dry, all weather trail passes through woods, small towns and suburbs, along highways, country roads, under power lines, and follows the Cross Seminole Trail a paved multi-use path.

Precautions

Read maps and data carefully when passing through towns of Oviedo and Winter Springs. Some of this trail is on private property. Carry FTA membership card. The trail goes through a heavily developed part of greater Orlando. Watch blazes and signs! Note: Building construction is underway in the area of SR 434 and Tuskawilla. If blazes are missing hikers can follow SR 434 east and west.

Restrictions

Camping is prohibited during special hunts in Seminole Ranch. Seminole Ranch, the Econlockhatchee State Forest, and Soldier Creek Park are open for hiking year round. West of Lockwood Rd. there are no authorized camping locations as you pass through suburban Central Florida.