A popular destination for paddling and boating, Lake Griffin State Park protects over 600 acres near the shore of its namesake lake, which is the historic headwaters of the Ocklawaha River.
The park encompasses the Dead River, a river floodplain lake surrounded by basin marshes and swamps, with upland communities on the fringes of these expansive wetlands.
Along the floodplain boardwalkAlthough many of the park’s activities center around the water, a set of trails wind through lush hammocks and across swampy landscapes on a lengthy boardwalk.
Not to be missed, a short path leads from the main trailhead to the Mammoth Oak, a stately live oak at the top of a hill.
Under the oaksResources
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Overview
Location: Fruitland Park
Length: 1.8 miles
Trailhead: 28.857306, -81.901861
Address: 3089 US 441, Fruitland Park
Fees: $5 per vehicle
Restrooms: at the picnic area
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 352-360-6760
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
The park entrance is prominently along US 27-441 on the northbound side of the four-lane highway 2.5 miles north of where US 27 and US 441 merge in Leesburg, immediately south of Fruitland Park.
Hike
Beginning at a trailhead next to the ranger station, cross the main park drive and look to the left for a sign indicating the start of the nature trail.
The path immediately dips down into a shady hammock alongside a swampy depression.
Beginning of the trailReaching 0.2 miles, the trail emerges at the campground before crossing a road and delving back into the woods.
A large, twisted oak covered in resurrection ferns arches over the pathway next to the Spur Trail, which is marked with a map kiosk.
Spur Trail kioskRed markers lead the way northward along a corridor lined with mixed hardwoods and cabbage palms.
As the trail climbs a small hill to round a bend, an inviting bench sits underneath a stand of large oaks in the dappled sunlight.
Picnic spotFollow the path as it descends towards a basin marsh where verdant royal ferns border a wooden walkway leading across seasonally flooded wetlands.
Tall loblolly bays, pines, and red maples line the boardwalk as it zigzags across soggy soils before reaching a picnic table at the edge of a xeric hammock.
Wetland boardwalkThe trail follows a wide sandy pathway to the property line, then curves back through a dense forest, returning to the picnic bench after making a 0.3 mile loop.
From this point, head back along the boardwalk to the beginning of the spur trail and take a left.
Tall palmettos in the hammockA well-defined pathway winds past marshes lined with dahoon hollies before ending at the perimeter of the day use area.
Walk across a grassy lawn, passing the playground and picnic tables on the way back to the trailhead.
Before finishing the hike, continue past the trailhead on a short path to the Mammoth Oak, where a bench sits alongside a sign describing this magnificent tree.
Mammoth OakTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Lake Griffin State Park
Lake Griffin State Park Lake Griffin State Park sits along the marshy shore of Lake Griffin, its campground and canoe launch its biggest draws, but its land-based highlights aren't subtle: giant live oaks.Video
Hiking Lake Griffin State Park
Slideshow
See older photos from this park
Nearby Adventures
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Bourlay Historic Nature Park Rich with the history of Leesburg’s early settlers, Bourlay Historic Nature Park features quaint century-old buildings and a system of short nature trails. 
PEAR Environmental Park Discover a deeply shaded walk on a nature trail that follows the trickle that is now the Palatlakaha River flowing towards Lake Harris. 
Trout Lake Nature Center On 230 forested acres on the northern shore of Trout Lake, Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis offers a fun network of family-friendly interpretive nature trails. 
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