Protecting nearly 700 acres in the ecologically sensitive St. Johns River floodplain, Black Hammock Wilderness Area presents a rich mosaic of flatwoods, scrub, basin swamp, and hydric hammock communities. Managed by Seminole County, this preserve features an impressive set of boardwalks and a loop trail showcasing its variety of natural landscapes. The first part of this hike offers ample shade, making it a great destination for an early morning trek on a late summer day.

Starting at the small parking area, follow the crushed shell pathway as it leads into an open scrubby flatwoods forest before descending into a deeply shaded hardwood hammock. Cabbage palms strewn with shoestring ferns rise towards a dense canopy of sweetgum, hickory, and magnolia trees. In a tenth of a mile, a lengthy boardwalk elevates visitors above often-flooded lowlands. The wooden walkway ends at a quarter mile, where a leaf-strewn path weaves across a section of high ground before reaching another boardwalk.

Beginning with a slight ascent at the end of the second boardwalk, the trail arrives at the edge of a pine forest near the one-mile mark. From this point, head back to the trailhead for a two mile round trip in the shade, or continue across open flatwoods and scrub habitats, exploring the northern end of the wilderness area along a loop route, returning to this spot in 2.5 miles.

Official Website 

Official Map 

Florida Hikes Article for Black Hammock Wilderness Area