Amid the trials presented by the sometimes busy, stressful nuances of everyday life, sometimes the simplest joys come from escaping into nature for an hour or two.
The 625-acre Chuluota Wilderness Area, one of nine Seminole County lands with such a designation, offers peace of mind for visitors seeking hiking, cycling or equestrian opportunities.
Set along a dead-end road east of Chuluota and north of Christmas, the tract of public land shares a border with the Charles H. Bronson State Forest and gives recreationists a look at unspoiled wild Florida. The area also contains a storied history as home to Seminole Indians before serving the turpentine and logging industries.
Today, visitors can explore natural sand pine scrub, hardwood swamp and wet flatwood habitats. Starting off from the trailhead, it’s possible to connect with an orange-blazed section of the Florida Trail, the 1,500-mile route that runs the length of the state. This option is available for those traveling on foot only. Consider yourself lucky to be the third or fourth hiker of the day — the first gets stuck clearing the path of spiderwebs, whether on purpose or not (a practice known to some as “silk blazing”).
At an intersection where all the trails meet, a red-shouldered hawk screeches to alert the other forest inhabitants of a human visitor. Gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer and other birds of prey also call the wilderness area home.
The east loop is open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians, providing a 2.7-mile journey through wet flatwoods. This section of trail should become drier in the coming months but retain ankle-deep puddles of water during the summer season. Trails were still significantly waterlogged during a recent visit.
The 2.6-mile west loop should keep feet dry, traversing habitats with sandy, xeric soil. On this route, it’s fairly open and sunny but trail users can find pine and oak trees that provide occasional shade.
Important information
Location: 3895 Curryville Road in Chuluota
Hours: Open dawn to dusk daily
Amenities: Hiking trails, equestrian access, benches, parking
Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Accessibility: While some Seminole County parks and public lands are accessible, this area is not among them. The trails of Chuluota Wilderness area are sandy and sometimes rugged, which would prove difficult for wheelchair users. Consider visiting the paved Cross Seminole Trail or Sanford RiverWalk instead.
What to bring: Bring sunscreen, drinking water and bug spray to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. Footwear is a consideration, especially when attempting the sometimes wet east loop. Quick-drying shoes are ideal, as puddles are sometimes too deep for waterproof boots.
What not to bring: Prohibited activities on Seminole County natural lands include hunting, swimming, camping, using motorized vehicles and disturbing plants and wildlife. Alcoholic beverages, fires and littering are also against the rules.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed at Chuluota Wilderness Area.
Pro tips: It’s best to avoid the east loop, at least for another month or two. Trails are still waterlogged and will almost certainly result in drenched feet. The wilderness area offers a number of other trails to explore, just be sure to carry a paper or digital map to stay on track.
More information: 407-665-2211 or seminolecountyfl.gov
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