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 PreserveThe 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 trailheadResources
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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 TrailThe 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 trailReaching 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 boardwalkRed-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 RdClusters 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 staggerbushContinue 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 boardwalkSounds 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.
Group campsiteDirectly across from the campsite, a red post marks the access point to the Red Trail as the main loop continues in a clockwise direction.
Countless slash and longleaf pines rise in every direction from a dense understory of saw palmettos and wax myrtles.
Into the pine flatwoodsThe damp, acidic soils harbor carnivorous plants, including sundew, butterworts, bladderworts, and hooded pitcher plants.
A wide, grassy, well-maintained trail traverses this expansive pine flatwood habitat for 3 miles before completing the loop at a dirt road.
Turning left at the road, retrace your steps along the Red Trail for 1.6 miles to return to the trailhead.
Hooded pitcher plant in bloomTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A virtual walk in the woods at Longleaf Pine Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Lake Ashby Park Explore the cypress-lined shore of Lake Ashby on a gentle trail system consisting of a boardwalk and easy pathways beneath deep shade along the lakeshore.
Deep Creek Preserve Restoring a ranch back to natural habitats takes time, but brings to life the natural beauty of these soggy habitats in the Deep Creek basin near Lake Ashby.
Palm Bluff Conservation Area Discover a parade of habitats in the Deep Creek basin on three loop hikes within 3,300 acres east of Deltona.
Wiregrass Prairie Preserve Pull on your swamp shoes to explore one of Volusia County's most remote trail systems along a massive basin swamp in the St. Johns River floodplain.
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