Longleaf Pine Preserve

Located east of Interstate 4 on the outskirts of DeLand, Longleaf Pine Preserve protects over 12,000 acres of natural landscapes.

This property was acquired through the Volusia Forever program, a county taxpayer funded conservation initiative.

Flatwoods pond in Longleaf Pine Preserve

The portion open to the public consists mostly of pine flatwood and basin swamp habitats, with two separate trailheads providing access.

The eastern trailhead along Pioneer Trail is for the Blue Trail, an equestrian-friendly round-trip of 12 miles.

Hikers should head for the western trailhead, which offers access to three loops. This route includes portions of all three.

Information kiosk at entrance to trailhead

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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Overview

Location: Deland
Length: 8.1 mile loop
Trailhead: 29.029519, -81.182487
Address: 3637 E. New York Ave, Deland, FL 32724
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes, portable toilet at the campground.
Land manager: Volusia County
Phone: 386-943-7081

Open sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Trails are open to hiking, cyclists, and equestrian use. Groups wishing to use the campground must contact the county in advance to reserve.

Directions

From Interstate 4 exit 118, DeLand, head east on SR 44 for 2.8 miles. A small sign points out the left across the westbound lanes onto Sundy Trail. This unpaved road brings you to a kiosk, pointing to the trailhead parking area down a dirt road to the right.

Hike

A kiosk at the northwest corner of the parking area displays information about the preserve, and a map of the property.

The trailhead is located at the northeast corner of the parking area, next to a fence with a red trail marker affixed.

Picnic table near the trailhead for the Red Trail

The trail begins at an access road that may be soggy or dry depending on the time of year.

Flooding is normal for the surrounding pinewoods habitat, and the water typically only rises to calf-deep height in the middle of the corridor.

Soggy trail

Reaching 0.2 mile, the road enters a section where a degree of flooding is common most times of the year.

A lengthy boardwalk provides passage over the water. The e wooden surface can be extremely slick. Use caution.

Long boardwalk

Red-topped posts guide the way, joined by orange posts for a short section where the two trails share the same path.

At 0.4 mile, the Red Trail turns north onto a dirt road leading deeper into the preserve.

Old Sawmill Rd

Clusters of shrubs line the edges of the wide pathway, including staggerbush, fetterbush, and beautyberry.

St John’s wort sports butter-yellow blooms alongside the pink-hued flowers of marsh fleabane and sunshine mimosa.

Coastal plain staggerbush

Continue following red blazes along the road for 2.2 miles before turning left onto the Lake Tuscora Walking Trail.

Green directional markers lead the way along a berm created by the manmade lake, which is flanked by a cypress strand on the opposite shore.

Lakeside boardwalk

Sounds of traffic fill the air as the trail approaches the nearby interstate, although this quickly subsides on the north edge of the lake where a boardwalk leads away from the highway.

The Green Trail ends after 0.8 mile, opening to a group campsite in a large clearing.