One of the mysteries of the St. Johns River is its salt lakes, fed by pockets of prehistoric salt water less than ten miles from the Atlantic Ocean. At the northern end of Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, an easy-to-follow trail to an observation tower provides a panorama across Loughman Lake, one of the larger salt lakes draining towards the river. Lined by sea myrtles, the causeway provides an excellent spot for bird watching—look for flocks of glossy ibis, darting chimney swifts, and the yellow-crowned night heron.
Resources
Overview
Location: Mims
Length: 1.2 miles
Lat-Long: 28.630965,-80.947454
Type: round-trip
Fees / Permits: free
Difficulty: easy
Bug factor: moderate to high
Restroom: none
Depending on the season, you might find a portable toilet stationed down at the boat ramp at Hatbill Park, 1.3 miles farther along Hatbill Road. This hike is right down the street from Puzzle Lake.
Seminole Ranch Conservation Area website
Directions
From I-95 exit 223, Mims, drive 4.2 miles to Hatbill Road. Turn left at the sign for Lake Loughman. Drive 1.3 miles south on Hatbill Rd to the parking area off to the left, next to a gate. Do not block the gate.
Hike
Walk in on the causeway for 0.6 mile, ending your hike at an observation tower. The trail becomes impassable for hikers shortly thereafter, as Loughman Lake drains across the causeway, flowing towards Puzzle Lake. The trail continues extensively beyond the break, as shown on the conservation area map.
Trails not groomed…knee to waist high grass…park look abandoned and neglected..did not hike as trails where so bad…very Sad
Unfortunately, St. Johns Water Management District hasn’t been keeping up some of their trail systems: they are the land manager and that’s their responsibility, since they have to mow and mark it when the blazes fade. Since our contact there has retired, we suggest you call 386-329‑4500 during business hours and ask for the recreational lands manager. Describe the current condition of the trail as you saw it. Mention this is hiking season. That may prompt him or her to get a crew out there to take care of it. Thanks!