Forest hiking trails in Sanford, Florida

Black Bear Wilderness Area is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 5301 Michigan Avenue in Sanford, Florida, United States. This tranquil and natural oasis is home to a variety of wildlife, including the iconic black bear. Visitors can explore the area through hiking trails that wind through lush forests, wetlands, and along the scenic shores of the St. Johns River. Birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to spot a wide array of avian species in their natural habitat. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature or an exciting outdoor adventure, Black Bear Wilderness Area offers something for everyone.

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, located at 8300 Florida 46 in Sanford, Florida, is a beautiful natural oasis in Central Florida. Due to the construction of the Wekiva Parkway, the State Road 46 entrance is currently closed, but visitors can still access the park through the trailhead at Katie's Landing or the Wekiwa Springs State Park - Markham Woods Trailhead. This park is home to 4 miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek, where visitors can observe a variety of wildlife including black bears, river otters, alligators, wood storks, and sandhill cranes. The Sand Hill Nature Trail offers a self-guided tour of the native Florida plants and animals in the park, while canoeists can paddle along the Wekiva River.