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Unread 11-09-2011, 08:46 AM
 
Location: Winter Springs, FL.
292 posts, read 186,963 times
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Default Natural attractions to see in Orlando?

I know Orlando has plenty of man-made attractions to see, but what about natural attractions? I see Lakes Apopka, Jesup, and Monroe nearby. I suppose people boat, swim, and fish there? I like birding and with so many water pockets around the city, I imagine there's a large variety of birds to see. Anything else I'm missing? (I know the beach is less than an hour away - I was just refering to greater Orlando).
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Unread 11-09-2011, 09:50 AM
 
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Oakland Nature preserve and Tibet Butler preserve are both some areas that I've been to and enjoy. Both have nature centers and some hiking trails.
Oakland Nature Preserve: Welcome To Our Preserve
Florida Hikes! | Tibet-Butler Preserve | Hiking the Trails of Florida (http://www.floridahikes.com/tibet-butler - broken link)

On the northwest side of Lake Apopka there's a portion of the restoration area that's open to the public, including some hiking and an overlook on Lake Apopka. GREAT bird watching along that trail and from the lookout.
http://www.sjrwmd.com/trailguides/images/lakeapopka.gif (broken link)

A bit north, but the natural springs at Rock Springs are both beautiful and a great place to spend a hot summer day.
Welcome to Florida State Parks
Similar to that, Ocala Nat'l Forest has a number of springs and lots of hiking/camping/fishing opportunities. Beautiful up there.
Ocala National Forest- Home

There's also Lake Louisa state park just west of Orlando (though I haven't been there yet so I can't comment on it from personal experience).
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Unread 11-09-2011, 09:56 AM
 
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Actually the lakes are not considered safe to swim in due to possibility of lethal bacterial infection as well as run-off of pesticides and other pollutants. Boating is fine but I wouldn't recommend swimming or water-skiing.
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Unread 11-09-2011, 09:59 AM
 
8,109 posts, read 5,831,554 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FL2MT View Post
Oakland Nature preserve and Tibet Butler preserve are both some areas that I've been to and enjoy. Both have nature centers and some hiking trails.
Oakland Nature Preserve: Welcome To Our Preserve
Florida Hikes! | Tibet-Butler Preserve | Hiking the Trails of Florida (http://www.floridahikes.com/tibet-butler - broken link)

On the northwest side of Lake Apopka there's a portion of the restoration area that's open to the public, including some hiking and an overlook on Lake Apopka. GREAT bird watching along that trail and from the lookout.
http://www.sjrwmd.com/trailguides/images/lakeapopka.gif (broken link)

A bit north, but the natural springs at Rock Springs are both beautiful and a great place to spend a hot summer day.
Welcome to Florida State Parks
Similar to that, Ocala Nat'l Forest has a number of springs and lots of hiking/camping/fishing opportunities. Beautiful up there.
Ocala National Forest- Home

There's also Lake Louisa state park just west of Orlando (though I haven't been there yet so I can't comment on it from personal experience).
^^^ I highly recommend the springs as mentioned. Wekiwa Springs in Seminole County is a nice one too.

Welcome to Florida State Parks
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Unread 11-09-2011, 11:57 AM
 
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I would also highly recommend the springs. Wekiva Springs State park also has a hiking trail is great for birdwatching and wildlife. Other areas springs are Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park, Blue Springs and Ichetucknee a little further north. There are also great biking trails throughout CFL including the West Orange Trail, Cady Way Trail, West Seminole Trail.
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Unread 11-09-2011, 07:32 PM
 
Location: Lake Mary, FL for now
7,455 posts, read 10,226,375 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kyle19125 View Post
Actually the lakes are not considered safe to swim in due to possibility of lethal bacterial infection as well as run-off of pesticides and other pollutants. Boating is fine but I wouldn't recommend swimming or water-skiing.
And.....What about the gators Springs are the best bet

Last edited by beckycat; 11-09-2011 at 07:42 PM..
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Unread 11-09-2011, 08:34 PM
 
Location: Orlando Metro Area
2,706 posts, read 1,842,673 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kyle19125 View Post
Actually the lakes are not considered safe to swim in due to possibility of lethal bacterial infection as well as run-off of pesticides and other pollutants. Boating is fine but I wouldn't recommend swimming or water-skiing.
If you are talking Lake Jessup, Monroe, and Apopka then yes, but this is simply not true of the majority of lakes in the area.
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Unread 11-10-2011, 09:29 AM
 
3,407 posts, read 2,099,580 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster View Post
I would also highly recommend the springs. Wekiva Springs State park also has a hiking trail is great for birdwatching and wildlife. Other areas springs are Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park, Blue Springs and Ichetucknee a little further north. There are also great biking trails throughout CFL including the West Orange Trail, Cady Way Trail, West Seminole Trail.

Blue springs is great the next few months for watching manatees. When the water starts to cool elsewhere, the manatees are attracted to the springs and their constant 72 degree temperature.
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