Near the north end of the Lake Wales Ridge, Scrub Point Preserve presents contoured upland habitats sloping towards Johns Lake.
Its trail system consists of a mile long loop with a few side spurs, bisected by the linear 0.6 mile Point Trail.
At the end of the Point Trail, a set of kayaks with paddles and life jackets are available to rent from the county for further exploration on the water.
Beach on Johns LakeResources
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Overview
Location: Clermont
Length: 1.8 miles
Trailhead: 28.521472, -81.665611
Address: 1200 Eddy Dr, Clermont
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Lake County
Phone: 352-324-6141
Open sunrise to sunset. No pets allowed. Do not approach alligators. Call 352-324-6141 in advance for kayak reservations.
Directions
From the junction of US 27 and SR 50 in Clermont, head south on US 27 for 3.3 miles before turning left onto Hartwood Marsh Rd. In 4.1 miles, turn left onto Eddy Dr, a dirt road. Continue for a half mile to the end of the road where a paved parking area sits next to the trailhead.
Hike
Beginning at the entrance, walk through a metal gate and head north, passing a large map kiosk and interpretative panel about various beetles found within the preserve.
Turn left at the first intersection to begin the orange blazed Scrub Loop Trail.
Trailhead kioskIn a hundred feet, turn left again to follow white blazes on a spur trail heading west. This side path climbs over a hill before descending to an open view of Johns Lake.
Returning to the orange loop in 0.3 miles, make a left onto a wide corridor bordered by shrubby oaks, redbay, and saw palmettos.
Lake viewA canopy of Spanish moss-laden live oaks casts shade onto the sandy trail as it traces a straight line to the northwestern corner of the loop.
A short spur at this junction leads to a bench overlooking a grassy cove. Turn right to continue along the Scrub Loop.
Shady canopyReaching the Point Trail at 0.8 miles, turn left, following blue blazes as the path descends into a hardwood forest sprinkled with wild coffee, beautyberry, and coontie.
The trail ends in 0.3 miles, where a pair of picnic benches sit under stately oaks alongside the lake.
Picnic area at the pointTurn back, climbing to a junction of the Scrub Loop and Point Trails. From this intersection, a left turn continues along the orange blazed loop.
Continue through densely forested landscapes, returning to the trailhead in a half mile. Stay straight on the Point Trail as it leads into an open sandhill habitat.
Sandhill habitatIn this environment, turkey and bluejack oaks sprout from yellow-tinted soils, alongside wiregrass and lupines.
Endemic Florida greeneyes emit a scent oddly similar to chocolate when in bloom.
From this high point in the preserve, follow the trail southward, reaching the trailhead in 0.3 miles.
Greeneyes in bloomTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Scrub Point Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Crooked River Preserve On a 1.7-mile loop, Crooked River Preserve showcases a wide variety of habitats in a short hike on the northernmost extent of the Lake Wales Ridge in Clermont.
Lake Louisa Hiking Trail Using the decades-old Lake Louisa Hiking Trail as its backbone, this 7.7-mile loop spans natural wetlands and rolling hills at Lake Louisa State Park.
Palatlakaha River Park Picturesque waters flow between two lakes on a narrow river, immersing visitors who paddle within a corridor of cypress swamp abounding with wildlife. 
Pasture Reserve Amid scattered ranches along the eastern edge of Green Swamp, Pasture Reserve offers miles of multi-use trails crossing a medley of uplands and wetlands.
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