Creating a loop through upland habitats perfect for gopher tortoise survival, the Blue Trail is one of two separate trails through the 550-acre Isle of Pine Preserve, located beyond the southeast edge of the Isle of Pine subdivision. Pines, scrub forest, and cypress domes dominate the open landscape, providing a place where it’s easy to spot bald eagles circling overhead and osprey winging their way between the nearby lakes.
Resources
Overview
Location: Narcoossee
Length: 1.8 miles
Lat-Long: 28.362015, -81.163210
Type: round-trip with loop
Fees / Permits: free
Difficulty: moderate
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: none
The preserve is open sunrise to sunset. Dogs are not permitted, but equestrians are welcome. Trails are shared with equestrians.
Directions
From Orlando, follow SR 528 (Beachline Expressway) east past the Orlando International Airport. Take the exit for Narcoossee Rd (CR 15). Drive south 2.8 miles to Moss Park Road. Turn left, and follow Moss Park Road 4.5 miles to where you can see the park entrance. Turn left and follow Lake Mary Jane Road for 2.6 miles to Capri Road. Turn left and follow Capri Road onto Lacebark Pine Road. The trailhead is just past Canary Pine Court, and is roomy enough for horse trailers.
Hike
The trail system makes a loop through pine flatwoods and scrub, reaching a fenceline with an orange grove at its far point. The footpath is an old road, marked with arrow markers.
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