Lake Arbuckle Hiking Trail - Wag!
Florida is a gorgeous natural experience. Although it's not much for uphill hikes, the Lake Arbuckle Hiking Trail still provides a gorgeous experience for those wanting to see the natural aspects of the area. The trail loops around Arbuckle Lake, and winds through a variety of landscapes like wetlands, beaches, and forests. The trail itself is a 4-foot wide, and made of dirt, crushed stone, and boardwalks.
The trail begins in Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground, where a number of great features can be found before heading out on the trail. The park and trail offer open space to run around and play with Fido, along with restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables to eat before hiking. Dogs have to be on a leash inside the campground specifically, but inside the park and on the trail they are allowed to roam free off-leash.
An abundance of wildlife and vegetation lives in the area, including tall forests that feature oak, hardwood hammocks, pine-palmetto, and sand pine scrubs. The trail even opens up to some fields and flat wetlands that have access to the lake, where wildlife like osprey, sandhill cranes, and eagles breed. In the fields, you can run into some cattle, since the area is leased by ranchers.
The forests are peaceful and quiet, giving you and Fido some much-needed space to walk and play together while exploring the area, and you only need to remember to bring some water and clean-up bags along the way. The trail loops back around, but it may be shorter to turn around and hike back since no amenities are offered. If you want to explore at a more leisurely pace, stay at the Lake Arbuckle Campsite, which is located in Lake Arbuckle Park where pups are allowed.
With a beautiful lake to see, dense forests to explore, and a gorgeous Florida sunset on the horizon, who wouldn't love to hike this trail?
Florida temperatures get very hot, so make sure to take a break if you feel you or your pup is getting overheated. There is also some open space you have to walk through, so bring some sunscreen. The trail is also around alligator habitats, so watch out for them as they can enter the trail.