Made up of 14 communities along the St. Johns River, West Volusia is a dream for those who wish to explore the waters and natural habitats of the state. Conveniently located near Daytona Beach and Orlando, FL, this is where Old Florida lives and thrives. With trails that wander through scenic landscapes, historic settlements, and riverside parks, the appeal of West Volusia lies in its ability to offer adventures that satisfy the soul of every explorer. Whether you’re seeking a serious challenge or a refreshing outing, our trails appeal to hikers of all skill levels.
Hike Away
Blue Spring State Park (2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763; 386-775-3663) is celebrated for its crystal-clear, constant 72° spring and the winter haven it provides for manatees. Spanning over 2,600 acres the park has several options for memorable hiking, biking, and eco-rovering. The Pine Island Trail is a 3.6-mile (one-way) trail that takes you through numerous plant communities from the desert-like scrub to the blackwater stream known as the St. Johns River. The shorter .25-mile loop Sand Pine Scrub Trail is a great place to check out some of the Florida scrub-jay flying from tree to tree. The 1-mile Boardwalk Trail features many informational signs along the way and offers a great view of the boil at the end. EcoRover chairs are now available for those who are mobility impaired. Contact the park in advance for reservations.
DeLeon Springs State Park (601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130; 386-985-4212) is home not only to the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, where guests can cook pancakes at their tables, but also two great trails. The Monkey Island Trail (0.8 miles) winds through an area that was the background for a themed “jungle cruise” during the park’s days as a kitsch 1960s tourist attraction. The longer Wild Persimmon Trail (4.2 miles) is a great way to observe how the river and Spring have shaped the ecology of the area. Weaving through habitat shared by deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and Florida black bears, this trail is the best way to experience the area’s abundant animal and plant life. EcoRover chairs are also available at this park.
Lyonia Preserve (2150 Eustace Ave, Deltona, FL 32725; 386-789-7207) is a 360-acre preserve offering three hiking trails (0.4 miles, 1.2 miles, and 2.4 miles) through Florida scrub habitat, home to the endangered Florida scrub jay. Don’t forget to stop inside the Lyonia Environmental Center, where you can get a deeper understanding of the intricate web of an ecosystem the Florida Scrub is, and the more than 250 species of plants and animals that call Lyonia home.
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (2045 Mud Lake Rd, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130; 386-985-4673) is a 22,000-acre Federally managed refuge with trails and dikes perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Florida’s wetlands and forests. The Spring Garden Creek and Pools Loop is a 5.6-mile trail on a grassy path with streams on both sides of the trail. A popular short option among birders and photographers is the Impoundment Pool Loop (1.5 mi). Check out the observation tower at the junction of the impoundment. Other options include the Live Oak Trail (0.4 mi), the Hammock Trail, and the Myakka Loop (0.7 mi).
Gemini Springs Park (37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, FL 32713; 386-668-3810) is a great place for family fun and cookouts. Gemini Springs is a great place to bring pets due to its sizeable dog park. The 1.7-mile Gemini Springs Park Loop is a quick hike featuring many spur trails looking to explore more and check out some scenic spots along the St. Johns River. Paths are both paved and unpaved.
Hickory Bluff Preserve (598 Guise Rd, Osteen, FL 32764; 386-424-6834) is a 150-acre preserve that overlooks the St. Johns River and contains mesic and scrubby flatwoods, oak hammocks, cypress domes, floodplain swamps, and wet prairies. The park has two hiking trails, The Red Trail (1.5 mi) and The Blue Trail (0.7 mi).
Wiregrass Prairie Preserve (1751 Lopez Rd, Osteen, FL 32764; 386-943-7081) has 5 trails on over 1,400 acres situated almost entirely in the St. Johns River valley. The Longest trail is the Yellow Trail (2.2 mi), while the shortest is the Blue Trail (1.1 mi).
Grab your Bike
The St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop (SJR2C) is a 260-mile paved multi-use trail project underway in northeast Florida that runs through five Florida counties. It also overlaps with the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail and the Heart of Florida Loop.
The Spring-to-Spring Trail is a section of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop within West Volusia. Covering over 25 miles, the trail runs from DeLeon Springs State Park to Green Springs Park in Enterprise, FL. This scenic path consists of many side trails for short hikes, and connects several springs, parks, and communities along the way, providing views of wildlife and Florida landscapes on an accessible path perfect for biking.
Each of these trails offers a unique way to explore the natural and cultural richness of West Volusia, from serene springs and historical paths to scenic trails and conservation areas. Every hike is an adventure waiting to be discovered.
More information on West Volusia County can be picked in the Visitor Center located at 116 W. New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand, FL, or can be found online at www.visitwestvolusia.com. Please call 386-734-0162 for more information.