Lake Jesup Conservation Area East Tract Trailhead - Oviedo, Florida

Andrew

This is a really nice local hidden gem hidden amongst the Black Hammock area along Lake Jesup. The entire loop seems to be really well maintained. The western part of the loop is quite wide. However, except for the section along the berm/levee, the eastern half the loop is much narrower, often with low hanging brush.

You’re bound to see some wildlife out here, like eagles, ospreys, hawks, gopher tortoises, and other birds. Watch out for gators too! Bring your binoculars for when you get to the observation deck - all kinds of birds in the reeds and vegetation along the lakeshore.

The observation deck is well maintained too. Though it is set back a bit from the shoreline, you do get a decent view of Lake Jesup. They also seem to keep the brush away and clear of the structure fairly well so it’s easy to access and walk up.

Cell service is really spotty, so you may not want to venture out here alone. Though the local fire-rescue does check in on the area, it’s always better to bring a buddy.

The elevation is extremely low, so it’s most enjoyable during the dry season. This will help ensure you don’t have much muck or mosquitoes to deal with. Most of the trail is pretty well shaded, so it makes for an overall nice hiking loop. Oh, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a tall, healthy orange tree too.

Peter Davulis

Nice area, remote but we'll maintained. Trail near tower flooded Nov 2024. I often see deer and wildlife here so good if you have some expectation to be flexible.

Patrick

A warm mid days walk through the forest with song birds, yellow butterfly’s and The crackle of dried leaves as I stride. A bald eagle took flight.Palmetto damage show signs that Orks have been here. Also, on the tower of Modor the first stairway is weakened from battle and carvings left by Orks on the top floor. Otherwise a very pleasant traverse. Mother nature at her basic best. Enjoy!

Andrew Schulz

This is a beautiful nature trail! Trails are a Nice width, every intersection is marked with a white diamond to show where the trail continues, and the observation tower had a nice view from the top. Trail is a loop that took our group about an hour and a half to complete. Definitely recommend visit for a chill nature walk.

Exxa Kraper

Beautiful trail that was easy to navigate. Not a lot of parking so I can see it filling up in a busy weekend. It was nice and dry today, but after a few rainy days I can see a lot of spots getting pretty muddy or even flooded. There are a few little bridges to counteract this. The view from the platform was amazing ?

T

Easy hike marked by white diamonds, was clearly marked until right before the observation tower. Trails need to be cleaned up a bit. Lots of mosquitoes and a bit muddy in some spots.

Kyle cassity

Nice little trail out to a lookout tower. Tons of wildlife. PIGS ARE ON THIS TRAIL so make a little noise as ya walk to keep em at a distance. We walked right up on a couple big sows. They scooted on but gave us a good jump. Lol.

Scott McDonald

Seems to be re-opened though the trail is hard to see in some spots and could use more frequent markers. The last half of the trail was all on muddy caterpillar tracks (presumably from work being done) but was still a pleasant hike.