Spring Hammock Preserve — Attraction in Florida

This is a wonderful place to come and explore. Some of these photos were taken passed points of trail, which I'm sure you can imagine, can be very tricky, and isn't maintained at all, so the trail that once was there, is sometimes hard to see.

The trails that are present are nice. Obviously not completely picked up from Irma. Still some trees and limbs still lying about, however nothing detrimental!

Most of the boardwalks are done for. Mainly the ones that looked to be the most interesting, which is a shame. I went on one of them, and if you love to bob and weave, climb over things, all that, Is recommend going on them, anyway! Just be careful! The boardwalks that lead into the "mud walk" portion, if you went to the mud walk field trip in fifth grade, are well maintained, and you can walk through tons of mud and water! Really fun to bring kids through this part!

The one that leads to Lake Jesup is ruined, and above water. Obviously, you can try it, however, you risk falling into the water if you're not careful. I only went a little out onto it. I fell in coming back, which was fun!

Overall, great place. Would love to see the whole circle restored, but I think that's wishful...

Even though the trail is technically in disrepair, it actual feels like a legitimate hike while heading East through the woods along the river. You actually do need to pay attention if you go on the less traveled trail. It’s close to the river and I did see one decent size gator and later some baby gators, so you know mom is around. Also seems like a good place for snakes 🐍 to hang out though I saw none. If you only go on the wider and well worn trails it seems much safer, but feels less like “hiking” and more like a leisurely stroll through the woods. There are many boardwalks but none seem very useable. It would be nice if they would start fixing the boardwalks one at a time, so the park could still be used whilst being repaired. Anyhow it still gets a 5 for the ruggedness of the river trail and the feeling of escaping from civilization aside from the occasional plane ✈️ noise and a loud muffler (impressing no one) in the distance! Also majority of the trail is covered, which offers reprieve from the brutal Florida sun, big bonus! Would not advise going after heavy rains and definitely bring bug spray in the warmer...

Very nice county park that could be on par with a state park with some infrastructure improvements. There is very little signage or a trail map. As a 1st time visitor, I didn't know where I was supposed to go (go to the end of the paved road).

The property is managed by three agencies, and the numerous side trails off the main Osprey Trail were let go into disrepair by one of them. There is talk that a couple of them will be renovated in the coming few years.

There is a lovely education center operated by the school system, with a pretty garden next to it that is open to the public.

It also has the paved Cross Seminole bike trail run through it.

There's a small area of pine flatwoods near the parking area, but most of the property is a hydric hammock, with many clear creeks, frogs, birds, hardwood trees, ferns, and wildflowers that like wet conditions. The main Ospery Trail is high and hard packed. I didn't make it very far on my trip, but I did get to see one of the big cypress trees on an old derelict trail. I'd enjoy coming back again when the...