Spending time in nature can sometimes have the effect of making one feel small, but not in a bad way. It’s more a sense of awe and humility when surrounded by nature’s wonders, such as towering live oak trees.
Within the 43-acre Lake Runnymede Conservation Area in St. Cloud, these forest inhabitants stood long before the surrounding developments on land nestled between East Lake Tohopekaliga and Lake Runnymede. It’s almost like time-traveling when passing through the oak hammock, plus surrounding scrub and wetland habitats.
The main loop trail spans three-quarters of a mile, taking hikers through the oak forest and then into a sandy scrub habitat. Picnic tables and a pavilion can be found along the way, plus a campfire ring for overnight guests who reserve a site. The paths aren’t very well-marked, but hikers are never far from the road within the small preserve.
Several benches provide a place to sit and read a book, have a picnic and observe textures found in the land: Spanish moss swaying in the breeze, the wrinkles of bark, plus moss and ferns growing on outstretched branches.
Hear songbirds chirp, see the occasional cardinal flutter by and keep an eye out for gopher tortoises wandering the land.
From the trailhead, a shorter route is available on the live oak trail, which spans about a quarter of a mile. Find shade beneath these formidable trees, pondering what they must have witnessed throughout their decades of life.
Important information
Location: 4600 Rummell Road in St. Cloud
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset daily
Amenities: Benches, hiking trails, trash cans, pavilion, group campsites, charcoal grills, vault toilet, parking
Activities: Hiking, primitive camping (by reservation), picnicking, wildlife viewing
Accessibility: The trails of Lake Runnymede are relatively flat but have some roots to navigate, which may prove difficult for wheelchair users.
What to bring: Bring a camera to capture the natural beauty of the public land or a book to enjoy on a bench beneath a canopy of oak branches and Spanish moss. The conservation area would also make a nice venue for a picnic, with charcoal grills and a pavilion available.
What not to bring: Alcohol, smoking, fireworks and swimming are all prohibited within Lake Runnymede Conservation Area. It’s against the rules to remove or disturb plants and animals.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed at Lake Runnymede Conservation Area.
Pro tips: Though Lake Runnymede doesn’t provide a large swath of natural land, it can provide a quick dose of nature for people living nearby in Osceola County. It’s also a great place to practice photography skills or read a book beneath the shade of a massive live oak tree.
More information: 407-742-0200 or osceola.org
Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
