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A fantastic trail through dense forests with abundant wildlife and lake access.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.4

KM

Out and Back

1' 0 m

High

-1' 0 m

Low

4' 1 m

Up

4' 1 m

Down

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Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Wildlife

Family Friendly Flat grades, a short distance, and gorgeous, lush forests make this trail a wonderful option for families with children.

RV's are restricted from traveling down Bear Lake Road due to low overhead and limited turn-around space.

Overview

An out-and-back hike along the old Homestead Canal, once used to remove water from the surrounding coastal prairies. The tread of this trail is comprised of crushed limestone that was removed in order to dig out the canal.

Bring a camera and binoculars to spot the abundant plant species and wildlife found in this area.

Description

Wander along the Bear Lake Trail for a truly peaceful Everglades experience.

Starting at the end of Bear Lake Road, head west along the trail, passing through forests bursting with mangroves as well as over 50 different species of tree. Along your journey, keep an eye out for beautiful, forest-dwelling birds that like to perch on the limbs of established hardwoods. At the trail's end, take in the majestic, blue-green waters of Bear Lake before returning the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

Mangroves as well as over 50 species of tree are present along the route. Numerous species of bird are known to perch in the trees along this trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#5554

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#80

in Florida

#5,554

Overall
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792 Since Apr 6, 2016
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 5, 2023
Tom Herr
Hiked the road to get to the trailhead. This was a picturesque trail running along the Homestead Canal, opening onto Bear Lake. Mosquito haven! 7.4mi
Dec 20, 2021
Haden Smith
Nice walk through mangrove forest 3.5mi
Dec 29, 2020
James Ritzema
Road almost impassable. Overgrown trail with little to see — 11h 30m
Dec 3, 2020
Jeroen Hauwelaert
Oct 4, 2018
Cat L
Feb 25, 2000
Katie Stoller
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