Named after a distinguished flatwoods lake on the western aspect of the property, Lake Proctor Wilderness Space showcases a powerful mosaic of ecosystems alongside almost 5 miles of trails.
Acquired by Seminole County in 1999, the land has undergone intensive restoration efforts to return these environments to a extra pure state.
The hydrology of this space has altered considerably through the years, leading to durations of upper water ranges in Lake Proctor.
Lake ProctorIn consequence, the shoreline of the lake has modified quickly, with many pines alongside the water’s edge changing into snags.
Parts of the Blue and Orange trails find yourself underwater throughout the wet season.
Even when these aspect routes aren’t accessible, the Pink Path might be hiked alone as a scenic 2.5 mile loop trek.
Flooded bench on the Orange PathSources
Overview
Location: GenevaLength: 4.6 milesTrailhead: 28.726639, -81.099083Address: 920 E. State Street 46, GenevaFees: FreeRestrooms: NoneLand supervisor: Seminole CountyPhone: 407-665-2211
Open dawn to sundown. Leashed canines welcome.
Instructions
Hike
Beginning on the trailhead, take a minute to take a look at the data kiosk and choose up a paper map.
The path begins alongside a shaded hall for 200 toes earlier than opening to a sandhill habitat present process restoration.
This part of the forest had skilled a protracted historical past of fireside suppression and was handled mechanically to take away the overgrown understory.
Path entranceReaching an intersection at a tenth of a mile, flip proper to stay on the Pink Path, following the arrows northward alongside a large, sandy pathway for 0.2 miles.
Make one other proper to start the loop. In a brief distance, the route turns sharply northward, main in a straight line underneath excessive pressure energy poles.
Distinctive wildflowers bloom alongside the sun-drenched edges on this stretch of path.
Velvet-leaved milkweed in bloomLeaving the powerlines at 0.6 miles, comply with crimson arrows because the path weaves throughout a sandhill habitat the place native lupines produce showy purple inflorescences in early spring.
After crossing a small melancholy that could be moist relying on the time of yr, ascend an historical sand dune because the panorama shortly transitions to clean.
Climbing the sandy ridgeThe trail snakes throughout this relict ridge, flanked by a dense wall of shrubby oaks, rusty lyonia, and silk bay.
Reaching a junction with the Yellow Path at 1.2 miles, flip left after which make a direct proper to start a trek by very totally different habitats on the japanese aspect of the property.
Path junctionShade shortly envelops the path because it dives right into a lush baygall neighborhood lined in noticed palmetto, grassy sedges, fetterbush lyonia, and cinnamon ferns.
In 1 / 4 mile, the path emerges from the woods to journey underneath one other powerline easement the place yellow bachelor’s buttons bloom profusely alongside the raised berm.
Bachelor’s buttonsIn a half mile, the path bends to go away the utility hall, getting into a baygall for a brief stretch.
It reaches the bottom of the ridge at a pointy ecotone between scrub and mesic flatwoods habitats.
From this level, comply with yellow arrows northward for a half mile earlier than closing the loop and persevering with straight to rejoin the Pink Path.
Baygall habitatCurving westward throughout the scrub, the Pink Path passes a shelter and small melancholy marsh earlier than crossing underneath the powerlines once more.
Arrive at one other shelter on the northwest nook of the loop. Flip south at this landmark, following crimson arrows for 0.2 miles to a choice level on the subsequent path junction.
Trailside shelterThe Blue Path branches off right here, which is a way more scenic route – if it’s not flooded.
It is going to be evident when the trail is inundated, wherein case, get pleasure from a scenic view of the lake and return to the Pink Path to proceed southward.
If the path is dry, comply with blue arrows throughout bumpy terrain whereas tracing the shoreline of Lake Proctor, retaining a watch out for spoonbills, herons, kingfishers, and sandhill cranes.
Lake Proctor viewOn the subsequent intersection in 0.4 miles, flip proper to discover the southernmost arm of the lake alongside the Orange Path.
It curves alongside the water’s edge earlier than returning to the Pink Path in a half mile.
From this level, proceed straight for one more tenth of a mile to complete the hike on the trailhead.
Orange LoopPath Map
Discover Extra!
Video
Mountaineering Lake Proctor Wilderness Space
Slideshow
See our images from Lake Proctor Wilderness
Close by Adventures
Path Map (PDF) Official Web site
