Oakland Nature Preserve

"This isn’t a long trail but great fun for kiddos. The boardwalk trail is handicap accessible. The red of the trail is not. We have seen a bob cat here while being very quiet but if you’re making noise you’re not likely to see any birds or wildlife. We see butterflies and sometimes alligators at the end of the boardwalk. This is a great imaginative creative nature play area for kids."

"I was here the week after Christmas. Really pleasant place. Entrance is accessible by the bike trail. Pretty scenery, dense plant life, nice views of the lake. Trails are short and easy, but I spent 4 hours here and never had to re-trace my steps. Good birding, particularly by the lake, amongst the pine trees near the visitors' center, and on the yellow trail."

"The Oakland Nature Preserve is such a well-kept and beautiful location to visit. My family loves walking the raised trails and spotting squirrels, racoons, a variety of birds, turtles, frogs, alligators and more along the way. The lake view at the end is so nice and always a fun little stop before heading back. We visited several times without realizing there is an amazing indoor educational room open to the public as well. My children love reading through the all of the nature books and viewing all of the small, live creatures inside. If you've never stopped in, it's definitely worth checking out. Though I've never attended an event here, I have seen several advertised: wine walks, art galleries, holiday and seasonal events, etc. Definitely follow them on social media for more information."

"Really nice natural trails and park. There is a great mix of both dirt and boardwalk trails. The beautiful boardwalk path leads to a nice lakeside dock at Lake Apopka. The views are spectacular! Very cool and informative exhibit center/museum. Everything is free! Can’t beat that! As with any other nature trail in Florida, be prepared in advance for biting insects - mosquitoes, horseflies, ticks, etc! Do not wear perfume. Folks who don’t like snakes: be warned you may encounter snakes. I have twice, and one was a coral snake (check out the pics). At the Lake Apopka section of the boardwalk, look carefully along the sides just before the dock - small, young adult gators and turtles like to hang close to the sides. Very large gators will also hang in the lake no too far from the dock."

"This is a beautiful location. Short but picturesque hiking trails with lots of stops to talk about the environment. Great for younger kids. Includes a small museum and learning center. Everyone was kind and welcoming. The boardwalk to Lake Apopka was really nice and the pavilion at the end of the walk is quiet and has a beautiful view of the lake and shore environment."