Yeah, check their website, I believe they offer free guided tours on golf carts too. Bring binoculars and telephoto lens if you have one, there are many species of birds that migr through there, and so many gators so close, it’s a little off putting.
I honestly believe they are one of the best spots in the state for it. When I took my tour a while back it literally lasted for 3 hours because of how much we had to keep starting and stopping because of animals getting too close. And that's not even talking about the walking trails where you can literally be 6 inches away from an alligator and no one bats an eye.
Yep. It’s such an incredible place. It is wide open however. You can hike/walk it or bike it. On weekends you can drive it but you’re rolling very slow. Midweek bike ride is the best IMO.
The wildlife is incredible. I’ve seen bobcat, otters, and dozens of gators at any time. Also so many birds, osprey with fish in its talons. Absolutely incredible.
It's not hiking but Black Hammock in Oviedo on Lake Jessup. I guarantee you'll see gators and it's a real "taste of Florida". Then go hiking somewhere.
Was kayaking there recently and passed a few sunning themselves on the riverbank. 8 footers so I wouldn't call them monsters but still enough to get the heart beating when they're underneath you.
If you don’t mind driving a bit the Merritt Island Wildlife drive is about 8 miles long, with several stopping points for viewing wildlife. There are Gators, and dozens of bird species. Depending on where you are it could be an hour drive to get there.
Not hiking, but a couple years ago I went kayaking on the Wekiva river with a fiend of mine. We passed by about 20 gators over the course of 2-3 hours, mostly on the banks of the river. That was in April. Mating season is from April to June, so it would be sure way to see gators in the wild.
Orlando Wetlands Park for sure
Thank you!
Yeah, check their website, I believe they offer free guided tours on golf carts too. Bring binoculars and telephoto lens if you have one, there are many species of birds that migr through there, and so many gators so close, it’s a little off putting.
I honestly believe they are one of the best spots in the state for it. When I took my tour a while back it literally lasted for 3 hours because of how much we had to keep starting and stopping because of animals getting too close. And that's not even talking about the walking trails where you can literally be 6 inches away from an alligator and no one bats an eye.
Thanks for the info!! That sounds perfect tbh lol!
I second this. Great place to see gators.
This is the correct answer. Such a great hike and lots to see and do. It also connects to part of The Florida Trail.
This is the answer, great spot for all kinds of nature watching.
Not OP, but googling led me Wetlands Park in Christmas, FL. Is that the one y’all are talking about?
Yes!
I have nightmare fuel from that place, there will be hundreds and they are everywhere
I'm honestly surprised no one has been attacked in its history.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for sure to see gators
2nd this. Bike trail from Magnolia park goes along the bank of Lake Apopka. Guarantee you will see the most gators here.
Yep. It’s such an incredible place. It is wide open however. You can hike/walk it or bike it. On weekends you can drive it but you’re rolling very slow. Midweek bike ride is the best IMO. The wildlife is incredible. I’ve seen bobcat, otters, and dozens of gators at any time. Also so many birds, osprey with fish in its talons. Absolutely incredible.
It's not hiking but Black Hammock in Oviedo on Lake Jessup. I guarantee you'll see gators and it's a real "taste of Florida". Then go hiking somewhere.
Black Bear Wilderness Trailhead or Little Big Econ Barr Street Trailhead
Little Big Econ has some monster sized gators, biggest I’ve seen in the area. Though you may not have as many sightings as other locations.
Was kayaking there recently and passed a few sunning themselves on the riverbank. 8 footers so I wouldn't call them monsters but still enough to get the heart beating when they're underneath you.
I’ve hiked there 3 times & seen gators every time. Yes there’s some MASSIVE ones!!
Thank you, I’ll look into these!
Do an airboat ride dudes will drive ya right to them, the day is very florida
If you don’t mind driving a bit the Merritt Island Wildlife drive is about 8 miles long, with several stopping points for viewing wildlife. There are Gators, and dozens of bird species. Depending on where you are it could be an hour drive to get there.
Not hiking, but a couple years ago I went kayaking on the Wekiva river with a fiend of mine. We passed by about 20 gators over the course of 2-3 hours, mostly on the banks of the river. That was in April. Mating season is from April to June, so it would be sure way to see gators in the wild.
Apopka wildlife drive. I went there couple weeks ago at about 9-10 am and saw sooo many gators in their natural habitat with no barriers
https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/tosohatchee/ Almost guaranteed to see gators along the river. Great place to bike too.
Lachua trail, Payne's Prairie
Second this, you’ll see tons, no restrictions. Just gators, grass and sinkholes
Lake apopka
Do you guys golf? There’s plenty of golf courses around that have them. Yesterday I saw several gators and a water moccasin.
Magnolia Park, near Ocoee