Spring Hammock Preserve

The first time I explored here was back in 2020. And so much has changed over six years.

When I first visited, the trail seemed to appear out of nowhere, the expansive bike trail pulling focus from the earthy path, entering a Florida forest.

The main trail was made of dirt and leaves formed from the many people who had tread the trail over the years. Along this path were two wooden bridges, weathered over time and several seasons. Eventually, the trail became so overgrown, as though I was hiking in a jungle. Lifting my legs high over logs, winding through bushes of wildflowers until there was no hint of trail or footsteps, only wilderness.

Someone mentioned this preserve to me recently, and I had wanted to revisit it, but I had no inclination of the changes that occurred.

Now, there is a paved trail, a boardwalk, signage, and quaint benches.

This trail got the equivalent of a romcom makeover.

Located in Longwood, just north of Orlando, this trail is special because it quickly transports you, insulating you with its dense foliage and majestic cypress trees, a true tree cocoon, if you will.

As soon as you turn off 419 onto Osprey Trail, you will see parking on your right. Near the parking lot is a map (which is now much more detailed) of the trails, clearly mapped out and notated with different colors.

The two main trails are the Osprey Trail and the Loop Trail. Osprey Trail is paved, perfect for bikes and strollers, and the Loop trail is more rugged.

I began my walk down deja vu lane with the Osprey Trail. Follow the sidewalk from the parking lot and cross the Cross Seminole Bike Trail. If you are needing it, there was a porta-potty at the beginning of this trail.

I clearly remembered walking this path before, but this time it was paved. Because it is paved, there will be bikers, but most of the ones I encountered were very polite to those walking.

Along the trail are benches where you can sit, taking in the moment and basking in nature's presence. And there was a brand new picnic pavilion.

I recognized the two bridges, though they definitely got a facelift since the last time I saw them.

If you cross over Bridge 1, you can take a quick detour on Magnolia Trail, which takes you a little deeper into the preserve, following along the creek, but it comes to an end, with the land becoming wet and marshy.

I recognized the stairs down to the creek, but unfortunately, due to the recent drought, the stairs didn't lead to much.

Bridge 2 just takes you over the water where you can follow the it parallel to the paved bike path on the other side.

Further down the paved path was a new area labeled the Cypress Tree Boardwalk. This short little wooden deck takes you up close to one of the many magnificent cypress trees that have stood watch over this land. There is even a little bench if you want to sit down for a while and take in the shade and history.

The next site was the little spring pool I took a photo at back in 2020. Its murkiness made me think of some smaller springs that I have come across in my adventures. Not quite for swimming, but it is still a nice place to stop and drift away for a while.

Eventually, you will find your way to the long boardwalk leading over wetlands and through a maze of massive cypress trunks out to Lake Jessup.

Before you step onto the boardwalk, there is a rack to place your bike, a trash can, and a bench. There is also another trail off to the side, which I will explore later.

There was lots of action out on the water the day I went—Florida birds of all kinds squawking and diving for a midafternoon snack. A hawk caught the wind, hovering as it kept a close eye on some unsuspecting morsel. Closer to the dock, turtles lingered near the reeds and lily pads.

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Having taken in the sight and some sun, I headed back down the boardwalk to check out the Unpaved Osprey Trail. It is a short, covered path that ends right when you reach the stream running off from Lake Jessup.

There was no way I was going to stop here again after all this time and not visit both trails.

Heading from the boardwalk back, almost to the original trail entrance, is the sign to hop on the Loop Trail.

Now this is more like what I remember from my first visit to this place. If you want to go rugged all-terrain hiking, this is your trail.

It continues along Soldier Creek for a majority of the trail, winding you around exposed tree roots, limbo-ing under fallen tree trunks, and playing hopscotch over swampy terrain.

The trail is very well marked with red arrows pointing the way. I enjoyed the little stop-offs along Osprey Trail, but this one was my favorite—just soaking in Florida and its wild side.

It was so nice to visit this trail again after all this time, but next time I won’t wait too long in between visits. People need a place to get away from the city noise, that’s why Central Park in New York City was created. But here in Orlando, we have sweet little Spring Hammock Preserve.