Lake Placid Scrub, Lake Wales Ridge WEA

Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area consists of protected tracts of land along one of the most significant landforms in the Florida peninsula.

Lake Placid Scrub is one of the most diverse properties, with a trail system that crosses dry, sandy terrain as well as forested wetlands.

In addition to hiking, fishing and bicycling are allowed, although soft sands on many of the paths may be difficult on a bike.

Entering the diminutive scrub

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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Overview

Location: Lake Placid
Length: 3.5 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.219727, -81.381679
Address: 5339 Placid View Dr, Lake Placid
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Phone: 863-699-3937

Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs allowed.

Use sun protection as shade is very limited.

Directions

From the intersection of US 27 and CR 621 E in Lake Placid, head south on US 27 S for 1.6 miles before turning right at Lake Mirror Dr. In one mile, turn left at Placid View Dr. The parking area will be on the left in 3.9 miles.

Hike

Starting at the parking area, head through the fence gap next to a large kiosk displaying a property map and information about the unique species that inhabit the area.

Turning right onto a sandy road, make another right in less than a hundred feet to head south along a short, yellow-blazed loop.

Large kiosk with map and interpretive panels

Information Kiosk

Families of Florida scrub-jays inhabit the area, and it is possible these curious birds may greet hikers near the trailhead.

Easily identifiable by their light blue plumage and raspy call, they work together to determine potential threats, darting from tree to tree while communicating with various clicks and chirps.

Florida scrub-jay on a pine branch

In the harsh, desert like environment of Florida scrub, distinct plants in this community have adapted to retain water and survive periodic fire.

Scrub oaks and palmettos have branches that emerge from the sand, while most of their trunk remains protected below ground.

Scrub palmetto

At the end of the loop trail in 0.6 mile, turn right, crossing a small creek on a bridge before turning southbound onto a wide, stark white pathway.

Loose sugar sand underfoot offers little traction while climbing an ancient sand dune lined with thick shrubs.

Trail junction sign in front of distant bridge in pine forest

Bridge over creek

Within this dense array of greenery, hog plums, myrtle oaks, and Florida rosemary stand alongside a few different species of lyonia that produce pink and white bell-shaped flowers in the winter.

In a half mile, the trail takes a ninety-degree turn to the east before making a significant descent into a low area.

tiny white bell blossoms close up on lyonia

Lyonia in bloom

This quick drop in elevation changes the landscape dramatically, noted by an increase of pines, grasses, and blueberry bushes.

At 1.6 miles, the trail turns to the north where scrub jays may perch atop tall snags, keeping a watchful eye at the edge of the scrub.

Two track road up hill flanked by orange colored grasses

Slash pines and golden grasses

A panorama of open water comes into view in a half mile as the trail approaches Lake Placid.

Tracing the shoreline for 0.4 mile before reaching a sandy road, the path can be overgrown at times, and tricky to follow.

Lake Placid

Shortly after reaching the road, a marker indicates the trail leading into thick scrub forest.

This narrow corridor is particularly immersive as it weaves though the brush, slowly ascending towards an observation platform situated on the highest point.

The platform was closed for repairs, but scheduled to re-open in the future.