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I knew very little about this park when going there. Just another one of those parks I found searching Google Maps for parks. Driving the main road there is a parking lot for the trials. It has about a dozen spaces and one spot for a bus to park. A kiosk has a map and park information in it. It even has a pamphlet with a map on it. The trails have good signage but a map is always helpful.
There is a canoe/kayak floating dock a few feet down the trail. A sign points to the shore fishing area. A paved trail goes half a mile into the park. The paved path ends at a bridge that goes over the water. The bridge has a covered shelter in the middle with benches to sit at and enjoy the great view. It was late in the day and the sun was low in the sky making it an extra beautiful spot to relax. Looking down from the middle of the bridge there was a large gator just hanging out giving me a great photo from above which you don’t get to see often.
Once across the bridge the trail divides into three different trails. You can decide how far you want to talk and take one of these trails. This is where I had to turn around as it was late and the park closes at sunset. I went back across the bridge and took the trail instead of the paved path back. The trail follows the river. I was thinking about the large gator and hoped there wasn’t one on this trail.
I will come back and explore the other side of the bridge. It’s a great park. The only issue I have is that there aren't any bathrooms. It’s still a...
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Located to the south of both Dyer Park and the R.C. Bush Pilots airport, Winding Waters Natural Area is a 548 acre preserve composed largely of a variety of original and restored wetlands.
The small parking lot, which holds less than a dozen cars and sports an informational kiosk, leads to a kayak/canoe launch, a designated catch-and-release fishing area and miles of different walking paths both paved (perfect for someone in a wheelchair or who needs a firm, stable path) and unpaved.
It's a favorite spot among local birders at it provides quite a number of species for viewing including herons, gallinules, coots, eagles, roseate spoonbills, cranes and anhinga. Of course you'll see the ever-present lizard warming in the sun, as well as badger tortoises (look for one of their burrows!) and the occasional gator.
There are no facilities here, so if you need a bathroom or source of fresh water, you're best bet is to drive north to one of the facilities at adjacent Dyer Park.
Overall, it feels a bit solitary but I suppose that is the idea. It's still a great local resource for bird watching, nature walks and kayak excursions. It could only be improved by providing some amenities that include potable, running water, bathrooms, a picnic table or two and a few chickees to provide some much needed shade...
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I didn't feel particularly safe walking this trail solo as a woman. I turned around once I got about 1 mile out because there were men out there drinking and fishing. In the parking lot, a bunch of cars would roll up with loud music and then drive away. Super bizarre and created paranoia for me.
From the beginning of the trail head if you veer right, note that the path ends and the side walk becomes flooded with water.
Wear boots as there are parts of the yellow hiking trail that are also flooded and require one to wade through puddles.
Tons of cool wildlife and I did see a gator by the dock near the entrance. I didn't see any others but I am curious now how many are out there.
This park is not safe for dogs - the hiking path is directly next to the water making them easy gator bait.
I might come back when my husband can...
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