While a within a relatively small natural area, a floodplain buffer between neighborhoods, the beauty of Bear Creek is highlighted by its surrounding hardwood forest.
Radiating in both directions from the small trailhead, the trail system provides connections for residents while showcasing the creek basin from scenic overlooks.
Resources
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Overview
Location: Winter Springs
Length: 0.9 miles
Trailhead: 28.677795, -81.245833
Address: 1555 Winter Springs Blvd, Winter Springs
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land Manager: City of Winter Springs
Phone: 407-327-1800
Day use only. Several picnic tables are provided. The parking lot is very small. Low areas may flood or may be muddy.
Directions
28.6778,-81.2458
From SR 426 in Oviedo, drive 1.5 miles south on Winter Springs Blvd. The park is on the right, at a small parking corral with a brown sign. Winter Springs Blvd can also be accessed from Tuskawilla Rd.
Hike
The loop is not well marked, but the small size of the wilderness area will keep you from getting lost.
From the parking area, walk into the woods and follow the creek as far as you can; the trail stays atop bluffs along the creek for the most part.
At the retention pond area beneath the powerlines, look for the trail to continue farther into the woods, where it finally shrinks down and ends among the dense saw palmetto.
On the return trip, there is a side trail through the uplands to a boardwalk that leads to Winter Springs Boulevard, but if you pass that and retrace your route, you can continue downstream.
Pass the parking lot for another few glimpses of the creek before you reach the park boundary.
Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking the Bear Creek Nature Trail
Slideshow
See our photos from the Bear Creek Nature Trail
Nearby Adventures
Cross Seminole Trail A 27.6 mile paved bike path connecting to the Orange and Volusia county lines, the Cross Seminole Trail provides access to a massive network of Central Florida bike trails.
Spring Hammock Preserve Accessible pathways and boardwalks wind through an old-growth floodplain forest to a scenic overlook of Lake Jesup, passing massive cypresses and a cloudy blue spring along the way. 
Big Tree Park While the iconic Senator is no more, Big Tree Park continues to fascinate visitors with its enormous cypress trees, including Lady Liberty. The park provides access to the Cross Seminole Trail.
Cross Seminole Trail North Connected to a vast network of bike paths, this 21 mile corridor between Oviedo and Sanford hosts portions of the Florida Trail and the Florida Coast to Coast Trail.
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026