This month we return to one of Orange County’s hidden gems, Savage Christmas Creek Preserve. This property’s holiday moniker comes from the headwaters of a creek which takes its name from nearby town and a fort built in the Second Seminole War. Located in a rural northeastern corner of the county, the preserve showcases a fantastic variety of natural habitats along its trail network, ranging from wet and scrubby flatwoods to sandhills, shady oak hammocks and cypress swamps. Recent additions to the impressive trail system include interpretative signage on the white loop, nicknamed the Historical Trail, and a light blue spur that adds a 1.3 mile round trip through soggy habitats on the eastern side. 

A portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs through this parcel, although it is disconnected from the main trail, being part of a future reroute. FTA volunteers completed maintenance along this stretch on December 9th, so the paths are freshly cut!

Our accompanying guided hike this month is deemed The Night Hike Before Christmas, taking place after hours at Savage Christmas Creek Preserve. Our chapter has special permission to access the property at night for the event, as the preserve is officially open from sunrise to sundown, and the parking area gate is locked at dusk. For nearby night hiking fully accessible at any time, check out Seminole Ranch and Econ Sandhills Conservation Areas.