Lake Lotus Short Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The majority of the trail is in low-lying areas, and while much of it is boardwalk, there are a few areas that can be muddy at times. A longer trail is currently being repaired due to damage from Hurricane Irma.

This mostly boardwalk trail meanders through the swamp and hammock forest on the banks of Lake Lotus. There are a couple of places to start the trail at the parking lot, with a few short connector trails dispersed throughout the grounds. The trail is easy to follow, with all trails leading back to the central parking lot.

Starting from the parking lot, head south along the entrance road until you reach a bridge. Enter the trail on the right, heading into dense hammock and forest. Follow the mulched path until you reach the boardwalk, which circles back around in a clockwise fashion to the western shoreline of Lake Lotus. The northernmost loop is currently closed and under repair; however, you can follow a short boardwalk along the lake's shore to an enclosed viewing area of the lake.

Continuing clockwise on the trail, you'll venture out onto the fishing dock, where alligators and wading birds are commonly seen. The trail continues along a creek, before returning to the parking lot.

Alligators and wading birds are commonly seen along the edge of the lake. Barred owls, various song birds, squirrels, and raccoons are the most common sights along the trail.