Sand Lake Trail

The Sand Lake Trail loops through the upland heart of Wekiwa Springs State Park, traversing longleaf pine flatwoods, Florida scrub, and sand pine scrub—the latter being one of the most endangered habitat types in the state, existing only on the ancient marine terraces of Central Florida's Lake Wales Ridge. The trail passes the shores of Sand Lake, a softwater lake characteristic of the scrub ecosystem, where you can observe the abrupt transition from open white sand scrub to dense sand pine canopy.

Florida scrub-jays—a federally threatened species found only in Florida—occupy the scrub sections, and their cooperative family groups are easily observed foraging and caching acorns in the open scrub. Gopher tortoises are abundant throughout the pine flatwood sections. The longleaf pine community hosts red-cockaded woodpeckers, though sightings require luck. The trail's moderate rating comes from its length and occasional deep sand sections that slow pace considerably. The loop dips to a seasonal creek drainage mid-route where ferns and swamp bay grow, providing a dramatic contrast with the xeric scrub surrounding it.