Located about 16 miles south of Orlando, the Split Oak Forest Trail is a system of trails that traverse a wildlife and nature preserve. This area is for the preservation of the Gopher Tortoise and other wildlife associated with their burrows. It is also a great birding area because of the many diverse bird species that can be seen here.
There are two main trailheads and parking areas. One is located in Moss Park. There are no bathrooms in the preservation area, but there are some located in Moss Park. The other parking lot for the trail is located at 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, FL 32832, on the other side of the forest.
The forest gets its name from the oak trees that have been split in half by lightning but each half continued to grow and thrive. If you just want to see a split oak, there is one near the Moss Park entrance. Although this is the only one designated with a signage as a split oak, there are several more along the trails. There are more spectacular split oaks near the blue trail, a loop that takes you to the Bonnet Pond overlook. The Bonnet Pond overlook is a dock over the shores of Lake Hart. A nice place for pictures of Lake Hart and the many wading birds in the area.
The main trail that goes around the forest is just over 5 miles, but taking the other meandering paths and crosstrails can get you more than 9 miles of unpaved trails. There’s a short spur that takes you to another point along the shore of Lake Hart for more photo opportunities. There is also an overlook near the Clapp Simms Duda road entrance that is over Lake Pond.
Horses are the only domesticated animals allowed here. Pet dogs are not allowed. No bikes allowed, too. Hiking this trail would be more enjoyable during the cooler months of Florida, from late fall to early spring. Otherwise, it could get too hot and the mosquitoes and other bugs will get you.
There is no bathrooms in Clapp Simms Duda road parking area, but it is about a mile from the Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is worth a visit if you are on this side of the forest. Rescued wildlife are treated here with the goal of getting them back into the wild. The place is maintained and run by mostly volunteers. Last time we visited, there was a fox, a couple of owls, an emu, a lemur, and other interesting animals. There is a 5 dollar entrance fee to help with the rehab efforts. Well worth it to see these animals.
Watch our YOUTUBE video of our hike: https://youtu.be/BYjJoAAqY68
The Split Oak Forest trail is a good place for a hike. Since it is mostly flat, it it not too strenuous. A lot of locals come here during the cooler months, but it is far from crowded. You can still enjoy some moments of solitude and time for yourself here. The area near the Clapp Simms Duda entrance is a wide space with a grass carpet that is great for sunrise photo shoots.
This is a great hiking area in the Lake Nona area. If you’ve been here before or would like to visit this place, leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
