Situated on the north shore of its namesake, Lake Harney Wilderness Area protects nearly 300 acres. Now owned and managed by Seminole County, this land has a storied history. Archeological evidence suggests indigenous peoples occupied the area as long as 4,000 years ago, producing shell mounds where the lake empties into the river. In more modern times, the Seminoles established a settlement known as King Philips Town, and the site was later the town of Osceola. This rural wilderness area offers two separate trails; one alongside the Lake Harney, and another near the St. Johns River at the northern terminus of the Flagler Trail.

The Floodplain Loop Trail features an impressive accessible tower overlooking the lake, where blankets of sunflowers can be seen in the distance. From an accessible parking spot at the trailhead, a concrete walkway leads out to a composite decked boardwalk ramp that reaches the overlook after a quarter mile. The loop trail begins at the parking area, providing a much closer look upon the floodplain before returning to the trailhead in 1.1 miles.

Closer to the St. Johns, the River Loop Trail showcases shady oak hammocks and a view of the river where a railroad bridge used to cross over the water. Using the Flagler Trail, a hike in to the river and along the loop makes for a 1.5 mile round-trip.

Official Website 

Official Map 

Florida Hikes Article for Lake Harney Wilderness Area