lake woodruff national wildlife refuge

We always stop at the ranger station, because we get the best information for the most interesting sightings and trail information. This time it was no exception. The volunteers at the station are obviously passionate about their work and even took the time to take us to the eagle nest. We got a sighting of the Bald Eagle feeding the two chicks. 2 Limpkins feeding, Sandhill Crane on the nest, many other wading birds, and of course lots of alligators of all sizes . Beautiful well kept trails for easy walking. Thanks for all the information not only about the Refuge, but also about life in a camper. We have been thinking about this type of travelling life and it answered a lot of questions. Hope we run into you again some time

We visited the nature refuge on a very cold day and there were a lot of animals out to photograph. We saw a Giant Blue Heron, White heron, egrets, Hawks, and Eagle, Alligator and several species of ducks. We only did one loop of the park due to the cold but the wildlife was spectacular

As a native of Florida, I've only experienced a handful of hiking trails. However, the great expanse of wild habitat is truly a beauty to behold at Lake Woodruff. The only sounds you will hear are the wind blowing through the trees, squeaky calls of Moorhens, and maybe the cries of an osprey. There are many different routes to take, depending on how much time you'd like to spend. For me, I'd love to be out there all day. I was very excited to spot four alligators on our way, which I'd never seen in their natural habitat before! We will definitely return, but with sunscreen. There is a lot of land to cover with no shade. =)

If you have a penchant for wildlife in it's natural habitat, in a natural atmosphere that reflects what Florida looked like before developers found it and ruined so much of it, then please come here. Walk a shorter or much longer distance, marvel at the birds, reptiles, and mammals, and let your blood pressure slowly go down.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife a Refuge is free and a perfect place to hike and see lots of birds, some gators and an occasional animal. We love taking visitors there and seeing their excitement as we come upon bald eagles or even coots. Perfect place for photography and fishing. Stay as long as you like and maybe continue on over to DeLeon Springs Sugar Mill for pancakes.

We really enjoyed hiking around Pool 1. The path is hard packed and accessible. We did see two people using electric scooters on the path. Our goal was to see wildlife and we did! We saw lots of birds (eagles, anhingas, moorhens, coots, vultures, egrets, herons, sandhill cranes..including one sitting on a nest). We also saw a bobcat and a large alligator. :) The observation deck was nice and gave you a great view of the area. Lots of benches along the path. I'd rate the hike as easy...flat, level, hard packed ground. Saw lots of people fishing...didn't know until after we arrived that fishing was permitted. It was really a neat place to enjoy wild Florida and bonus....it's FREE! The visitor's center was okay (but if you don't know how wetlands work or about alligators, you may find it more interesting). Staff was very friendly. There are two parking areas with hiking trails. We chose to park in the lot near the pools and hike. FYI...there is a handicap accessible path near parking lot 2, but honestly I think most electric scooters/wheelchairs would be fine on the regular paths unless there has been a lot of recent rain. We will be back!

There are three looping trails in the main refuge area, ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 miles in length. It's a fairly easy trail to walk on, almost like a dirt road. Depending on the time of year, you will see many different birds and animals. This past trip we saw a family of 5 otters running and playing on the trail, just picture a pile of puppies playing ! Alligators, turtles, sandhill cranes, egrets, herons are some of the things you will see. At the first parking area, there is an eagles nest not far from the lot and if your lucky, you might even see a baby or two at the nest. If you've never been her before, stop at the visitors center and the people there will tell you all about the place.

A beautiful place to walk and see alot of wildlife. Lots of water birds a birder's paradise, go in the iwnter, the bugs are bad in summer