By:
Submission
The St. Johns River Water Management District purchased this 2,228-acre property in 1996 as part of the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) project. Acquisition of this site provides protection for Lake Norris’s hardwood swamp and Blackwater Creek, a major tributary of the Wekiva River. The property’s uplands provide important habitat for the threatened black bear and for species of special concern including gopher tortoises and burrowing owls. The Water Authority entered into an agreement with the District to become the lead manager for this site and provide recreational opportunities.
Cool place you can see deer bears Panthers bobcats and the fishing is really good back there so definitely check it out.
And you can take horses or just hike.
Beautiful nature preserve. Old, undeveloped Florida in its true beauty.
This is another one of Central Florida's hidden gems. An easy one mile paddle down Blackwater Creek takes you to Lake Norris. I typically don't enjoy kayaking on big lakes, the full sun and stronger winds can be unpleasant on open water and there is typically less wildlife than you would see on rivers and creeks. Lake Norris is a pleasant surprise, the dwarf cypress trees that circle around the lake are beautiful and fun to paddle through.
What a wonderful area to go for a walk. The fireflies this time of year in April are incredible at twilight. Beautiful watching the sunset here. The trail is well manicured and you can hear the frogs and other wildlife great. It is a beautiful place!
