Managed by Seminole County, Lake Jesup Wilderness Space is considered one of a number of conservation lands that collectively shield miles of shoreline and wetlands round its namesake lake.
Adjoining an often busy boat ramp, the wilderness space includes a community of multi-use trails for hikers, off-road cyclists, and equestrians.
Tunnel of palms within the hammockMany of the path lies within the floodplain with a excessive potential for flooding within the wet season, though a portion of the route travels atop raised berms.
Every year in late September and October, the open marshlands are carpeted with swamp sunflowers, lining the pathways with myriad vibrant yellow blooms.
Sunflowers on the marshSources
Overview
Location: SanfordLength: 4 milesTrailhead: 28.727250, -81.263528Address: 5951 S. Sanford Ave, Sanford, 32773Fees: FreeRestrooms: NoneLand supervisor: Seminole CountyPhone: 407-665-2211
Open dawn to sundown. Leashed canines allowed.
Instructions
Hike
Beginning on the Wilderness Space signal, observe crimson path markers eastward because the path weaves by way of a set of tall cabbage palms
Attain a big kiosk with maps and details about the property.
Begin your hike right hereCrimson arrows point out the route because it tunnels by way of a shady hammock to emerge onto a large grassy pathway on the fringe of the marsh.
Wildflowers border the trail in hotter months, with fluffy pink mimosas and showy marsh mallows within the springtime, and an array of swamp sunflower blooms in early fall.
Mimosas in bloomAt a half mile, the path curves left, passing a lined bench earlier than crossing an outdated canal on a sturdy bridge.
Reaching a berm on the other aspect of the bridge, flip proper to discover the bigger of the 2 loops first.
Coated bench on the bridgeColumns of cabbage palms stand up on either side as the trail heads nearer to the lake, thriving in drier circumstances afforded by the artificially-raised earth.
Palm fronds crunch underfoot because the berm continues for 100 ft to a washout, the primary of some dips which can be usually underwater in the summertime months.
Cabbage palm hallIf the terrain is just too moist, flip round right here and observe the path north to the Yellow Loop, which tends to be drier.
Persevering with southward, the lake’s shoreline comes into view within the distance to the appropriate, as clusters of marsh mallows crowd the marshlands to the left.
Lake within the distanceKeep straight the place the loop begins on the one mile mark, following the ridge for an additional 0.1 mile earlier than taking a pointy flip to the appropriate.
The path drops all the way down to weave by way of a lush palm and oak hammock that’s seasonally inundated, evidenced by water marks on the bushes.
Cypress within the hammockInitially, the site visitors from the close by freeway echoes by way of the forest, nevertheless it shortly fades away, buffered by dense foliage.
Reaching the berm once more at two miles, head again to the path junction the place yellow markers paved the way alongside a smaller loop.
Bench on Yellow LoopTraverse barely greater floor that helps a wider vary of vegetation together with beautyberries, pawpaws, and cedar bushes.
Returning to the T one final time at 3.5 miles, cross over the bridge to observe the wildflower-lined path again to the trailhead.
Seasonal sunflowers on this partPath Map
Discover Extra!
Study extra about Lake Jesup Conservation Space
Lake Jesup Conservation Space Defending massive swaths of marshy shoreline, the Lake Jesup Conservation Space filters runoff from surrounding suburbia whereas offering locations to hike alongside Lake Jesup.Video
Climbing Lake Jesup Wilderness
Slideshow
See older photographs from this hike
Slideshow
Previous visits to Lake Jesup Wilderness
Close by Adventures
Path Map (PDF) Official Web site
