What a great place to see the native wildlife and plant species. During my walk along the trail, I saw so many birds, turtles, and alligators - it's definitely a place to take photos. Besides hiking, the park also offers biking, bird watching, and horseback riding, plus guided tours. Check out the visitor center, you'll see live fishes and baby alligators, as well as taxidermy displays of the local wildlife. You'll also learn how this wetland functions as an advanced treatment for Orlando's reclaimed water. I thought it was super informative! read more

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Truly a hidden gem! It's free to visi and they offer free tram rides on the weekends. It's sooo vast and beautiful, there's so much wild life to see. On my hike we saw tons of alligators, birds, bunnies and turtles. Even got to see baby owls. There are miles of trails and a board walk. Went at 8am on a Saturday and there weren't too many people out but as we were leaving the groups were picking up. There are benches along some of the trails and picnic tables and bathrooms near the entrance. read more

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This place is a small wildlife heaven, it was built many years ago with the goal of purifying the water, it comes in with lots of sulfites and other impurities and on the way through the park (by gravity and pomps) it get to the other side clear. The magic happened because the plants use the water impurities as fertilizer! But apart from all that side info the main thing here and the reason why many people visit this park is the bast wildlife presence, you can find all kind of pretty birds, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Hawks, Great Blue Heron, Rosetta Spoonbill and on and on... plus lots of alligators too! The electric trolley works from 8am to 2pm on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer and 9am to 4pm during the winter with a few hours on Sundays as well, not sure if starts at 9am and ends around noon or 2pm. The trolleys are free but they work for tips so bring some CAH$! If you are planing on walking around the part being lots of water and a hat or something to protect from the sun since the park has very limited shades. read more

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This place was recommended to me by a patient and was not even under my radar even as someone who has lived in Orlando for 4 years. It is truly an underappreciated gem of a park comparable to, if not even more exciting than the Everglades. There are photographers who come every single day which says something about the diversity and amount of wildlife here. The entire experience is completely free which is a huge plus! I highly recommend the 1-hour tram tour which was informational, and if you go somewhat later in the day, the guides will know the wildlife sighting spots and take you there which saves time since the park has 18 miles of trails. I arrived just after 1:30 pm on a Saturday and was able to join the last tour around 2:30pm. You have to sign up to reserve your spot, so get there early especially on a weekend day! Like many others, I also enjoyed the boardwalk which has a huge population of birds like no other place I've seen before! Overall I was extremely impressed with the nature--this place blew away my expectations! read more

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I've been to the Orlando Wetlands twice now and both times were fantastic. On Fridays and Saturdays you can come between 8am and 2pm for a free tram tour (for groups of less than 10) around the wetlands. It's run by volunteers who love this place and love telling you all about it and the animals who live here, which really adds to the experience. No visit is the same as you never know what animals will grace you with their presence, which makes it so fun to go back again and again. They have a very nice boardwalk where you can get a closer look at the wildlife and also a new visitor center that just opened up. Parking can get crowded, but they have additional parking across the street. Parking is also free! Truly a great place to visit if you're in the Orlando area. I live here and had family from KY visit in April so I had to take them to the wetlands. They loved it!! read more

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A hidden gem for people who love the outdoors, birdwatching and alligators. This is located north of SR 50 by about 4 miles. It has limited parking near the visitors center but an overflow parking lot across the paved road to accommodate the large number of visitors that have been there every time I have visited. There is a set of restrooms and pavilion by the parking lot and steps away from the visitors center. The visitor's center should probably be your first stop for 4 reasons. First, it is very nice and has a ver nice view of some of the wetlands right out the back. Second, the visuals and tanks have something for adults and children to teach them about the park and inhabitants. Third, they have people who can answer your questions. And, fourth, they have a shuttle to drive you around the park if you do not feel like walking the paths to see the sights. We walked across the boardwalk and around the portion by Alligator alley. There were lots of birds and lots of bird watchers. If you want to blend in where khaki and carry a camera with an impossibly large lens. Noone will give you a second glance. There are alligators right along the road. DO NOT APPROACH THEM!. Take your pictures from the road as you pass them by. We saw about 10 separate ones sunning themselves. There are many paths you can take and a good amount of wildlife to view. Bring a hat and water and enjoy. read more

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One of the best birding and wildlife viewing sites I've ever been to! My family visited on a Sunday in March on an 80-degree day and it wasn't too crowded with people but had an absolute abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery. We saw so many birds including baby gallinules and spoonbill nests, multiple alligators, plenty of turtles and fish, and even a snake on the trail. The Cypress Boardwalk going right over the water is definitely the best path for wildlife viewing so don't miss that - our heads were constantly turning with something to see. Bring binoculars or a nice camera if you have them! Some more tips - on weekends volunteers run free tram tours (think big golf carts) which can be a good way to see the wetlands and have a guide point out animals without having to walk, though it does miss the boardwalk. If you choose to walk as my family did, there isn't too much shade so be sure to wear sunscreen but the paths are all flat with benches every so often. The best way might be to take the tram tour of the land trails and then walk up and down the boardwalk so you experience both. There are fully-equipped and well-maintained restrooms at the entrance, as well as a visitor's center that was unfortunately closed when we went. Bottom line, if you're in the Orlando area and have an inclination for nature, this is an unmissable attraction that beats out any amusement park, all for the price of FREE! read more

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This is a great place to get outside, enjoy some nature, and get a good walk. The only downside is that they do not allow dogs.

The Rundown: Fantastic way to explore central Florida ecology and animals. The Review: I've been coming to Orlando Wetlands for years and it continues to only get better. It's developed immensely, though I see the visitor centor that was completed and slated to open in spring 2021 is still yet to open. Starting to become a running joke... But don't let that deter you. The boardwalk they crafted is a great addition, offering a closer and deeper look at the fish ecology in some of the sections. It's even more mobility friendly, offering sidewalks early on and easier access to that new section. Sundays are special, with volunteers offering guided tours in vehicles. No reservation needed, but there might be a brief wait. They do a fantastic job taking you around and sharing insights into the species you encounter along the way. Donations are highly recommended but never pressured - even tipping is not mentioned as they would prefer the money you tip go back to the Wetlands themselves. Bring a hat, a full bottle of water, and set aside at least 1.5 hrs to explore! Majority is out in the open, they do have a wooded trail way in the back as well which is very peaceful. It's a great place to give out of town guests, and yourself, a taste of nature. You're guaranteed to see something different each time if you look close enough! read more

Orlando Wetlands - Visitor Center - opening in about negative 4 years! - Parks Near Me - Christmas, Florida

We came here in hopes of seeing an alligator. We saw a few baby alligators in the water. It was an extremely hot day and there is limited shade. While it was a really hot day, it was still a beautiful day for nature viewing. read more

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As suggested in one of my previous posts, make this a day. Come here first, take a tram tour to see the area ( free but donations are accepted for the wetlands). After the tram go explore on your own. There's a boardwalk over the water, you can see fish like carp, gar etc. TONS of bird species like spoonbills, ibis herons hawk, ducks. They do have restrooms and covered pavillion. I would suggest bringing WATER!!! a lunch, and after spending the moring here head up the street to Fort Christmas. Most of the walkingbis not under tge canopy so hat, sunscreen and, did I say WATER is required. Great day! read more

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I braved this paved nature walk on today with a friend. It was cold out but we bundled up good. The sun was shining bright and it was a bit of a cold breeze but well worth the effort. The trails are nice and easy and the bridge path it nice. The bridge feels good and sturdy. This is a good place to see some wild life and get accomplish a good days walk. Today there were many different species of birds about including ducks. The water was filled with little minnows swimming about. I did see a couple of turtles and at least 4 decent sized gators. We checkout out the bat box but there was no activity, given the time of day that was no surprise. There was a group that brought their horses out for a ride around the trails. Parking is open and free. There are bathrooms and water fountain at the parking lot however once you're on the trails you're out of luck. You may want to consider bringing along water, hat, sunglasses and/or sunscreen. Overall it's a very nice serene and scenic place. I really enjoyed it. read more

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If you love the outdoors, hiking, or taking pictures then you have to go to this park. This place is massive, and has free cart rides if you want to see the whole park with commentary about the wetlands. This place is also amazing if you're a birder. Their boardwalk is beautiful, and goes right through the middle of the largest wetland in the park. We spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon there. We found so many species of animals, and we were told there are many we didn't see that are abundant, like otter. We also found it fascinating that there were no mosquitos. They have a bat sanctuary there which keeps the mosquitoes away. Since moving to Florida this has been my favorite natural park. I highly recommend going if you've never been. You won't regret it. read more

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We came during the Wetlands festival and it was very fun! They had "hay rides" that took you around the wetlands. It was a beautiful day with some cloud coverage. I would recommend coming with sunscreen and sun protective clothing if you're trekking it. A lot of wildlife everywhere, birds and gators. Water is everywhere and informational posts about the whole water purification process. read more

I have hiked the Orlando Wetlands more than 100 times in the past 2 or 3 years, as it has become my "go to" hike for 6 miles relatively close to home. The wetlands are a human-made water reclamation project and afford ample opportunity to view the fresh water Florida eco-system to its fullest! I have generally walked the perimeter of the wetlands, as that gives me a reliable 6 mile hike that typically has a minimum of drainage concerns, but I have also walked all of the interior lanes as well. I have never been disappointed. For inexperienced hikers, especially in Florida, however, it is important to know "how to hike" if a good experience is to be created. First and foremost, there is very little protection from the sun unless a hiker brings his or her own protection. That means, at the very least, wear a hat, wear long sleeves and leggings (especially in summer) and bring water that is appropriate for the season. In winter months, I can manage the perimeter hike with 0-2 bottles of water. In the high heat of summer, I can use up 6 to 10 bottles of water -- in only a two hour hike. if the heat index moves above 105 degrees, even that is not sufficient (for me) so I stay home. Yes, there are also insects, as others have noted. In Florida, this should not be a surprise to anyone. Long sleeves and leggings will protect much of a hiker's body but some form of insect repellent is also advisable. Also, wear appropriate hiking footwear and socks! The Wetlands are a habitat for many wild animals. WILD animals. The mammals may be cute but they are not domesticated. The reptiles may be AWESOME, but they do not view you in the same way. Give them space, both because we should not interfere with them, and because in some cases, they can be dangerous to deadly. (I generally categorize alligators based on whether I think they can bite off a hand, and arm, a leg, or a torso and I give them a wide berth!) Many people come to see alligators at the Wetlands. Depending on the time of year, there are between 1,800 and 3,600 alligators resident in the Wetlands. I have seen alligators less than a foot long and alligators as large as 13-14 feet. Small alligators are interesting. Large alligators are breath taking. Enjoy them from a distance and with your camera or binoculars. Keep in mind that alligators may be sunning themselves on the embankments that surround each lake and they may be very close to the trail. I have also had the pleasure of walking in view of bobcats, river otters, raccoons, deer, and other mammals. The Wetlands can offer great opportunities to observe such animals for an extended period. If a hiker does not get too close to the animals, they will not necessarily run away. The entirety of the Wetlands are a birders paradise, especially the area around Lake Searcy. Depending on the time of year, there are many Roseate Spoonbills, Sand Hill Cranes, Black Bellied Whistling Ducks, Great Blue Herons, and so many more species that can be observed. Red Shouldered hawks are among the year-round inhabitants. After a delay of several years, a new education center will be opening at the Wetlands in 2024. (Photos failed to upload but there is no lack of photos of the wetlands online.) read more

Orlando Wetlands - Anhinga - Parks Near Me - Christmas, Florida

The Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, Florida, is a hidden gem worth exploring. The serene landscape and diverse ecosystem make it a nature lover's paradise. The peaceful trails offer a tranquil escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of wetlands teeming with wildlife. The birdwatching opportunities are exceptional, with a variety of species adding to the allure of this natural haven. Free tram tours are offered 9 AM to 3 PM. Only passive recreation. Activities are allowed at the wetlands. This includes hiking, photography, non-motorized biking, wildlife viewing... however, let's face it, You can't help but see the wildlife here. :) Note, leave the fur friends at home. Pets (leashed or unleashed) are NOT allowed Whether you're a photographer, bird enthusiast, hiker or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Orlando Wetlands delivers an enriching experience. A must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty and serenity of untouched nature. read more

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**Photos from 2 separate visits 6 days apart ** I am so excited to have the Cypress Boardwalk at Orlando Wetlands, it really helps with seeing the beautiful wildlife in its natural habitat. My husband and I used to come and walk the trails around the perimeter or even bike ride and though we may have seen some gators it was mostly birds and much of those from quite the distance. The boardwalk definitely brings the area up close and personal. It's never the same visit twice and definitely worth the drive to experience it. There is a small nature center but a larger one is almost ready to open, bathrooms, picnic tables and tram tours on the weekends (check to see days and hours). No pets allowed. read more

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This was so fun to explore! This place is huge, we spent a few hours walking around and didn't even get to half of it. The boardwalk area is really nice. We saw a lot of gators and beautiful birds. They had a nice picnic area to eat our packed lunch. Went with three young kids and they had a blast. read more

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Parking and entrance is free. Large wet lands park with different trail options. We saw several different birds and 3 gators along our route, one was rather large. There is an education center which was either damaged in a storm/flooding or incomplete. We saw two trams roaming around, which according to signage were closed on the day we went, but maybe since it is spring break they were going. There are pavilions available and bathrooms near the parking. read more

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Hiking and looking for wildlife are some one of my favorite hobbies and wetlands are some of the best places to enjoy these activities. Orlando Wetlands Park was the first wetlands park created in Florida. Located in the town of Christmas, the park is 1650 acres. In the late 1980's Orlando was looking for a way to filter their waste water which they did by purchasing a ranch and converting the open pastures into a series of wetland cells of varying depths. The water is slowly and gently treated before it washes into the St. Johns River Floodplain. While the main purpose of the park is to clean the reclaimed water from Orlando and other local cities, a welcome byproduct of that is that it attracts a lot of wildlife. On my visit I saw many birds, alligators, and even a few harmless snakes. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. There are 20 miles of levees and natural trails in the woods to explore. The two major trail loops that start at the entrance pavilion are the 3.7-mile Lake Searcy Loop to the right and the 2-mile Birding Loop to the left which is the one I took. During my visit there was some construction going on and I look forward to returning when the free tram tours are running and the nature center reopens. Photography and hiking are welcome activities in the park while cars, boats, drones, hunting, and fishing are strictly prohibited. The park is open every day from sunrise until sunset. read more

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This place is huge with so many different paths to take. I spent hours here and definitely have to go back to make sure I see everything. The wildlife was amazing with so many birds, butterflies, and of course alligators. You definitely have to keep your eyes peeled while walking anywhere here, however, as obviously being anywhere near alligators can be dangerous. The buildings and bathrooms were clean and there were an abundance of different pamphlets to take to learn more about the nature, wildlife and history of the wetlands. read more

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Nice place to walk and get some exercise, see wildlife NOT in a cage. Has restrooms and picnic benches. read more

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With clean bathrooms, a working water fountain, pocket maps, and miles of trails and wildlife just 15-20 minutes from civilization, the park was a welcome short getaway from the everyday life of masks and social distancing. And, it's free! Our excursion was an early weekday, before the summer heat melted us. We walked the birding trail, a modest 2.5 miles that was slightly shaded but provided expansive views of this man made park. Not only did we a variety of species of birds, but also a couple gators in the water and a (mangy) raccoon that crossed the trail about 10 yards in front of us. And as a special treat, we shushed away a bunch of vultures close to the end (!) and they obliged by getting out of our way and leaving us alone. Some tips- bring sunscreen, water, a hat and good walking shoes. And then enjoy the outdoors and wildlife! read more

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CALLING ALL BIRD LOVERS this is the perfect park for seeing up close unique birds. at least i thought they were unique, but maybe this is just another day for floridians. the park's boardwalk is so cute and i enjoyed alligator searching. the only downside is that theres really no shade, which means the florida heat is actively trying to kill you as you try to enjoy the park, so stay hydrated!! read more

Orlando Wetlands - Parks Near Me - Christmas, Florida

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This is my favorite place to hike in Orlando. Attendance is up and the parking lot has been full during recent visits. Once the education center is complete this will probably worsen but I'm happy to see the public benefit from the beauty here. Bring your camera but leave your dogs at home. The main trails are full sun. There are smaller trails in the woods but bring bug spray because the mosquitoes will eat you alive. Respect wildlife and enjoy! read more

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For birders, hikers, bikers and folks who'd love to see a gator up close and personal! Great nature trails where you can see herons, egrets, spoonbills, ibises, ducks, vultures and more. Perfect for nature photography and folks who like to get outside. Lots of places to walk and ride bikes, they have an official birding loop and they have golf shuttles to take non-walkers out to view the wildlife and park. Wear comfy clothes and walking shoes. A great place to take the family and admission is free! read more

Orlando Wetlands - Parks Near Me - Christmas, Florida

In the words of the great Sam Cooke, "the best things in life are free." This statement without a doubt stands true at Orlando Wetlands Park, located in Christmas, FL. I may have been expecting to see Santa Clause vacationing when I heard about Christmas, FL, but unbeknownst to me it's home to about 7 miles of amazing trails. There is a lot of beauty to behold at Orlando Wetlands Park. During my visit I saw a great deal of wildlife, with the highlight being a group of river otters. There is very little shade so I caution you to bring enough water and sunscreen. Also, bring insect repellent so you don't get completely wrecked by horseflies like I did! If you're looking for a place to hike or bird watch I highly recommend Orlando Wetlands Park. read more

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A hidden gem in Christmas, Florida (just east of Orlando). This park brings us back to the Florida that once was before theme parks and housing developments became the most prominent feature of the Florida landscape. I have been coming here for years and truly enjoy this park. It is a park where you can regularly see alligators and other Florida wildlife. It is a park when you can walk beyond the confines of civilization and into a realm before man rose to the prominence of a deity of sorts, fashioning from the earth skyscrapers to reach for the clouds, covering the soil of the world with concrete and asphalt. It is a place to behold the majestic beauty of true creation. To walk this park is to walk in awe and to grasp the realization that despite all of the wonders that have been forged by the hands of man, what we shall bring forth to this planet shall never compare to the wonder and bounty of this planet. That what we build shall never surpass what we have been given. read more

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What a neat place to visit. Who knew learning could be fun? Anytime we have out of town guests who are out of money from the theme parks and restaurants, we take them here. The visitor center has a nice model of the wetlands park, and although it's beautiful, it's also functional in keeping our water potable. If you go on a weekend, they offer free tours (on a golf cart), but you can also walk, bike, or ride a horse on the trails. What a great excuse to finally buy that horse you've always wanted. The tour guides are great at pointing out different species of birds, plants, and other wildlife in the park. You may even get to see some eagles. Although it's free, I recommend having some cash on hand for a donation or a tip to the volunteer tour guides. They really do deserve it! read more

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It's impossible to say enough great things about this place. I will say I'll probably regret giving it five stars because it could mean that way too many other people will know where my favorite park is. Be sure to bring binoculars a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Food might also be a good idea because there isn't a place to eat within miles. Birds galore! read more

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Third time to the wetlands and still love it! Nice peaceful place for a walk. Best times to go for us is first thing in the morning just after sunrise. All the wildlife is just waking us and it's very active. Outdoor photographers paradise! read more

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A natural water reclamation. Great place to go on a hike. I definitely recommend to view natural beauty. A well diverse habitat. read more

Orlando Wetlands - Parks Near Me - Christmas, Florida

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Really great park with miles and miles of trails. We did the lake today. Really pretty. Great place to go bird watching. Definitely saw both horse and deer tracks on the trail. No gator sighting today. Tons of plants, insects, and birds to take in. Really enjoyed spending an hour here and getting some exercise. I will be back to explore more. read more

Orlando Wetlands - Parks Near Me - Christmas, Florida

A very nice hiking spot and nature trail. I came across many animals during my hike. Don't forget to respect the animals that lives there!! It's their habitat :) read more

You will honestly not find anything quite like the Orlando Wetlands Park and that alone is worth a visit. It's uniqueness is unlike anything you will pay for at the tourist traps especially considering that this is totally and completely free. When you first drive in, they have a grass/rock paved lot along with signs and pictures of what you are likely to encounter and do not take this warning lightly as you very probably are likely to encounter a wide variety of animals including but not limited to: Gators, Florida panthers, foxes, bears, otters, various birds, armadillo's, racoons, etc. You are required to sign your name in order to enter and then you are free to roam the various trails ahead. One thing I will say about this park, I would not come here alone, even if I knew there would be lots of people there that day. On three occasions my friends and I biked along trails where there were sizable alligators just mere feet away from the trail, looking at us like tasty morsels,.. well maybe not but.. they were there, no fence, no nothing so please be cognizant of this, and don't be stupid and try to mess with them because it can cost you a limb if not your life. We encountered a lot of feathers scattered a long the trail so these animals are no joke. There is a hill at the very center where if you climb up, you can get a great view of the park as a whole and a lot of a good photo ops. Along the trails there are various places with benches where you can sit if you get tired. My friend described this park looking something akin to an African Safari, and even though I've personally never been to one, I would imagine it would actually look something like this, and when you go, you'll understand it really is beautiful and not your ordinary park. Come prepared with walking/hiking shoes, water, and for goodness sake; don't feed the animals. Be safe. read more

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Orlando wetlands park is free and a good experience to see nature. Plenty of miles to walk so bring a water. No dogs allowed.

We loved it here! Just to be out breathing fresh area looking around at all the nature. It's absolutely breath taking. There is so many paths to walk along and overall the wetland is HUGE! We walked 2 miles and that wasn't even all of the trails. So happy we went, a great experience and can't wait to go back! read more

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Overall a nice walk. I saw plenty of wildlife to include alligators, birds, deer, and a snake. There is a bald eagle habitat on the far north side of the reservation but I didn't see any on my trip. The trails are basically gravel roads that are Florida flat. There are a couple of trails that head off the main paths but I didn't go very far down them. I would say I went approximately 200 feet down one of them and almost got run over by three deer. Unfortunately I wasn't ready for that excitement and couldn't get my camera up fast enough. Aside from the deer, from what I saw the trails were kinda overgrown and I didn't feel like getting zapped by a rattlesnake in the brush. Otherwise, bring some sunscreen. The main "trails" are open to the environment and provides approximately zero shade. There are observation decks that allow you to get out of the sun if need be. Also, this is Florida and afternoon thunderstorms can creep up and surprise you so bring an umbrella or poncho or get wet. Otherwise, this park made for a great afternoon of sight seeing Florida nature at its finest :) read more

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It's a nice park, though very hot. I was able to see alligators from a far view. The walk is not so far, and the view is enjoyable. read more

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Nice spot to go for a hike, nature watching, and trail riding. The trails are neatly kept and offer many options and loops. We saw many types of birds and wildlife. Beware, the alligators are seen to hang out on the trail edge. The trails are quite open so shade is limited. Can be hot during the summer days. read more

Orlando Wetlands - Alligator - Parks Near Me - Christmas, Florida