Bear Creek Nature Trail — Attraction in Winter Springs

Oh man, so I went to Bear Creek Nature Trail and it was a total disaster! I was trying to be all nature-y and stuff, but really I was just a hot mess.

Tip: bring your professional camera so you can take these awesome photos like i did!

First, I tripped on a root and face-planted into a bush. I mean, it was like the earth itself was trying to swallow me whole. I stood up, brushed myself off, and continued on my way.

Then, I saw a sign that said "Bear Creek" and I'm like, "Oh cool, a creek! I love creeks!" So I follow the sign and end up at this tiny little stream that's maybe a foot wide. I'm like, "Uh, this is the creek? I've seen bigger puddles in my backyard!"

When suddenly, I had to take a break. You know, for a bathroom moment. And, well, I didn't want to wander too far from the trail, so I figured, why not just use the stream?

I know, I know, it's not the most glamorous thing to do, but hey, when nature calls, right? So, I squatted down and did my thing... and that's when the fish started swimming around my feet! I mean, I was expecting maybe a few curious ones, but NOPE! It was like the whole school of them was like, "Oh, warm water! Let's go check it out!"

They were swimming around my feet, nudging my toes, and I'm just standing there, trying to... um, finish my business... while laughing at the absurdity of it all! I mean, who expects to have a fish party while peeing in the woods?!

After that, I quickly pulled up my pants and continued on my way, leaving the fish to their warm water wonderland. It was definitely a memorable moment, and I'll never forget the time I accidentally created a fish spa in the stream!

But the best part was when I tried to take a selfie with a squirrel. I'm posing, smiling, and the squirrel is just chillin' in the background... until it suddenly darts out and starts chasing me! I'm running down the trail, screaming, with this tiny squirrel hot on my heels. I finally lose it in a thicket, but not before it gives me a little nip on the ankle.

All in all, I'd give Bear Creek Nature Trail 5 out of 5 stars. It's a great place to go if you want to trip, get chased by wildlife, and question your life choices. But hey, at least the scenery is nice!

Review:

4/5 stars Great for: Hiking, tripping, squirrel-chasing Not great for: Dignity, self-respect, personal safety

Would I go back? Maybe. But only with a helmet and a...

Bear Creek Trail was a fun discovery on a recent trip to Winter Springs. There is a small parking area at the trailhead. From the parking area the trail radiates in both directions through a small hammock area with ancient cypress, oaks, and cabbage palms. The natural area serves as a floodplain buffer between two neighborhoods in the Tuscawilla community. The trail is maintained by the City of Winter Springs.

Bear Creek Nature Trail is narrow and sandy. It runs parallel to Bear Creek. There are changes in elevation which makes it more interesting and you cross two small bridges. When you are high above the creek you have to be cognizant of your footing so that you don't accidentally step off the trail and fall. There are also picnic tables available. The length of the trail is .9 of a mile.

Bear Creek Nature Trail was an easy and fun hike and I enjoyed the view of the creek. It also had the added bonus of being mostly shaded...

For what it is (a tiny trail in a neighborhood), this trail is decent. The creek is nice and the trail is well marked, but it's not worth a long drive if you are an avid hiker or anything like that because it's so short. If you live locally and want to get a glimpse of some nature, give this place a shot. We saw many species of fish and a couple migratory birds that I had never seen in Florida before so that was cool. My biggest complaint is that they have put up fences and signs telling you "trail ends, go no further" at two of the most interesting points on the trail. You can, of course, ignore the signs and meander on down to a nice little sand beach along the creek at one point which is a nice place to sit and watch fish. Passed a group of kids who had clearly just put out a joint but hey, people gotta smoke...