An area in Central Florida along the Wekiva River is maintained as different State Parks.

My first park to explore is the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park. The website says the main entrance is closed due to some repair work underway but you can still enter a portion of the park at Katie’s Landing.

After parking my car, it is a short walk down to the landing area. A kayaker is just getting ready to take off in his kayak on the river. It’s quite picturesque.

Across from the entrance to Katie’s landing is a trail head. A short 30 minute walk on the loop trail through the remains of a scrub forest that had burned some time ago and left mostly only the pine trees sticking up. Eventually, the trail meets up with the woods.

I did not venture too far into the woods as there was a sign warning that this is bear country. Large pine cones and little yellow flowers line the trail. One noticeable feature is the puddles of water are brown. This is caused when the water in the soil becomes rich with tannins. Tannins come from the breaking down of organic material like leaves, bark and roots and is part of a natural process. Ancient lands or as the sign says “the Real Florida.”

A nice place to stop. It would be fun to set off in a kayak from this location. There were also picnic areas with grills ready for a fun day along the river.