Families can enjoy fun (free) hiking and camping at Flat Island Preserve

In Leesburg, a short drive north of Orlando on the Florida Turnpike, lies a pretty sanctuary of dense woodland with easy trails for families at the Flat Island Preserve. With free access from 8 a.m. through sunset, well-maintained trails through beautiful forests, and easy-to-reach group and primitive campsites that can be reserved for free, Flat Island Preserve is a great place to introduce children to the outdoors.

Lying on 2,300 acres preserved by the Lake County Water Authority in the Okahumpka Marsh, the Flat Island Preserve contains two islands of densely forested wetlands containing and surrounded by waters that replenish Florida’s aquifers and also flow, by way of Helena Run and Chitty Chatty Creek, into the Oklawaha and Withlacoochee Rivers. It contains approximately four miles of wide trails lovingly maintained by the Highlanders chapter of the Florida Trail Association, named after Rexford and Jean Daubenmire, the botanists who studied the area and were devoted to its preservation. These trails meander through a variety of densely wooded landscapes and can easily be shortened by using side trails that bisect its main loop.

The trails begin at a trailhead with ample parking beside the group campsite reached on a short dirt road. The trailhead also has surprisingly clean bathrooms with flush toilets that are ideal for families. A kiosk with detailed information about the local flora and fauna also has brochures with maps showing distances between points on the trail.

The 3.7-mile main trail leads through a forest that feels much more secluded and enclosed by tall oak and palm trees than one would expect from a trail so easily accessible. A short half-mile connector trail leads to the 2.7 loop on Flat Island, where the forest becomes more secluded and magical.

By turning left at the beginning of the loop to walk around the island clockwise, you reach a short boardwalk less than a mile later. Crossing a watery swamp, the boardwalk leads to a sitting area with two benches and then the highlight, a floating dock and canoe launch that overlooks a scenic bend in a jungle-like river that leads to Lake Denham (despite its appearance, it’s actually a canal). Though the rest of the trail walks along the perimeter of Flat Island, this is the only portion of the trail where you see open water.

If you choose to proceed on the loop rather than return to shorten your hike, you pass through tall oaks, magnolia, and needle pines and other hardwood forest, occasionally passing overturned trees whose gigantic upended root systems rise above head level beside the trail. Benches ideal for tree gazing, bird watching, and allowing younger and older hikers to rest for a snack are placed strategically throughout the Preserve.

After 2.1 miles you reach the junction for the short connector trail to the primitive campsite, in a pretty clearing beneath a gigantic oak containing a firepit, picnic table, and pump for unfiltered water. Reservable by obtaining a free permit, this is a great place for novice backpackers to practice backcountry camping during cooler months. Canoes can also be reserved for free by obtaining a permit in advance and placing a $50 deposit that will be returned if canoes and equipment are returned undamaged.

Sandra Friend warns on FloridaHikes.com that portions of the trail can be wet underfoot and also swarmed with mosquitoes during wetter, warmer months, although I encountered no mosquitoes when I hiked there on a morning in late March. But with clean bathrooms and free access, as well as wide, well-blazed hiking trails of varying distance beneath a canopy of tall trees that provides shade from the Florida sun, Flat Island Preserve is a great place for families to hike and camp.