Hal Scott Preserve

The Hal Scott Preserve is located in Orlando, Florida, a historic place of bogs and prairie lands. It is especially popular for its camping sites and beautiful hiking trails.

The preserve makes people fall in love with it with little effort because it is like the wilderness in the middle of a city. Being so close to the international airport, many find it hard to believe that it still exists and that it exists at all within such a built up area.

The preserve hosts grassy areas where wildflowers bloom as if urbanization had not yet been discovered. Many of them can be seen by walking and hiking across the hillsides and many bloom all year round. In fact, many guides are available to help visitors discover hidden treasures in the preserve. A long trail extends about five miles with varied loops along the way. Visitors can see many birds and small animals, even tropical plants. Though primitive types of camping are allowed, the preserve is well guarded by rangers and so permits are advised.

The Hal Scott Preserve can be tricky to navigate without maps and a compass. It may seem small from the roadway, but it has many areas to get lost in. It is also a good idea to take bug spray as the first part of the trail crosses varied drainage spots, a prime area for mosquitoes.