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Clouds reflecting in wetlands

Seminole Ranch Snake Creek Levee

At the north end of Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, this 1.4-mile round-trip leads to an observation tower with an extensive panorama across Loughman Lake and Salt Lake.

Seminole Ranch Conservation Area  |  Mims
( 28.630965,-80.947454 )      1.4 miles


CLOSED DANGEROUS flooding from Hurricane Ian as of Oct 1.


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, this easy-to-follow trail leads to an observation tower.

observation tower view of lake View towards the old Lake Loughman Fish Camp


To the north, it provides a panorama across Loughman Lake, one of the larger salt lakes draining towards the river.

To the south, the wetlands extend to Salt Lake. A hint of salt air is on the breeze.

Wetlands The marsh is up close and personal on this hike


Lined by marsh on both sides, the causeway provides an excellent spot for birding.

Look for flocks of glossy ibis, darting chimney swifts, and the yellow-crowned night heron.

Airboat in marsh Airboats send the birds flying


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Mims
Length: 1.4 miles round-trip
Trailhead: 28.630965,-80.947454
Type: round-trip
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: St. Johns River Water Management District
Phone: 386-329‑4500

This hike is halfway between the Ellis Lake Trail access at Lake Loughman Rd and the Puzzle Lake trailhead. The gate is signposted. Park nearby but don’t block the gate.

Expect wet feet in low-lying spots. Keep alert for alligators and snakes.

Levee with cabbage palms


Directions

 
From Interstate 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.
Sign at gate Sign marking the start of the trail



Hike

Use the gap adjoining the trail sign and gate to access the forest road leading to Snake Creek Levee.

This grassy road leads through a palm and oak hammock to meet the vast floodplain between the salt lakes.

Sunflowers Sunflowers in a cove at the marsh margin


The cove on the right is showy with sunflowers during the October bloom, with marsh mallows during the summer.

The levee extends to the distant tower, hardly a speck on the horizon as you start out across the expanse.

Grassy levee Along the grassy levee


Grassy underfoot, it is wet wherever it is low. Avoid the red ant mounds hiding in the grass.

One unique crossing enables airboats to cross the levee without tearing the levee open or roughing up their hulls.

Airboat crossing boards Wooden boards for airboat crossing


Depending on river levels, the water on both sides may lap close to the high point of the levee.

We got our feet wet in several low marshy spots, including one where the water flowed across the width of the levee.

Soggy trail Marsh creeping across the levee


Watch the open water of Snake Creek for alligators. We saw a rather large one as we approached the tower.

It ducked underwater, always a good thing. Alligators can sun on the levee, so be prepared for encounters and don’t get too close.

Reflections in water Snake Creek in the marsh


After 0.7 mile, you reach the observation tower. It forms a bridge over the strong flow between Loughman Lake and Puzzle Lake.

Between the two towers, the bridge offers a fabulous panorama of these salt lakes.

observation tower and bridge A pair of towers with a bridge between


The trail became impassable shortly beyond the second tower because of the amount of water across it.

However, when that levee is dry, you can continue across it to connect to the trail system at Salt Lake WMA.

Soggy levee in marsh The levee continues to Salt Lake WMA but is often impassable on foot


Otherwise, return the way you came. The walk seems shorter on the return trip.

Another fringe of wildflowers grows close to the palm hammock shoreline on the right as you return to the edge of the marsh.

View of levee and wetlands View back along the levee towards the trailhead


Trail Map

Snake Creek Levee Trail Map


Explore More!

Slideshow

See our photos from the Snake Creek Levee Trail


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Grassy strip into floodplain forest

Seminole Ranch Puzzle Lake

At the northern end of Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, roam 8.4 miles along the marshy eastern shore of Puzzle Lake, part of the St. Johns River system.

Forest road between tall trees

Salt Lake WMA

Spanning nearly 8,000 acres between Salt Lake, Lake Loughman, and South Lake, Salt Lake WMA is a popular birding and fishing destination with many miles of trails

Trail through scrub

Buck Lake East Loop

On this 1.5-mile loop atop a scrub ridge in the southeast corner of Buck Lake Conservation Area, watch for a flash of blue- Florida scrub-jays are found here.

Sandy trail through scrub forest

South Lake Conservation Area

A scrub preserve on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge in Titusville, South Lake Conservation Area provides a surprisingly hilly loop hike through the territory of Florida scrub-jay families

Trail Map (PDF) Hunt Dates Official Website

Category: Central Florida, Day Hikes, Hikes, Water Management Areas, Wildlife Management AreasTag: Birding, Lakefront, Mims, Observation Towers, Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, St. Johns River, Titusville, Wildflowers

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