Cypress Creek Preserve

Parking is free, but at what cost? lol It's a 6-7 minute walk on asphalt/sidewalk without shade to get to the entrance of the park. I completed the Red Loop and there was no shade for the majority of the trail. I went around midday and it was brutal - so arrive early/later to avoid peak sun and bring a hat and/or sunscreen. I saw very little wildlife, but that could be due to the time that I walked. There were a few butterflies, dragonflies, a couple birds, some hawks and a squirrel! While there were plenty of fallen trees, the path was clear. Also, unless you enjoy backtracking a lot, stay on the loop trail. You'll see many offshoots but at least 2 of them I know for a fact are dead ends, LOL. I also heard the road on every part of the Red Loop, so be aware of that if it's a pet peeve. If you happen to reach a fence, you'll probably see quite a bit of trash, unfortunately. I also didn't see any benches throughout the entire walk :( They have shelters and picnic tables in the parking lot, which is nice, but no bathrooms. I'm sure this park will have more to offer once spring is in full swing and we get some rain!

Beautiful nature trails. Pristine example of our beautiful Florida ecosystem. Oaks, pines, palmettos, ferns. I’ve seen armadillo, turtle, egrets, horses (on trail/not wild). It’s a local treasure.

The main trail is almost all sun with very little shade. Parts of it are stroller friendly, but watch out for holes. If it had rained in the last week, there will likely be flooding and mud on the trail. The first side trail to the left has a decent loop, but it isn’t well maintained, so get ready for knee-high grass in certain areas.

Enjoyable place to take a walk. Most of the trail is shell road and in the sun which would be great for families who want to bike or have strollers. Might be brutal hot in the summer. *Second trip on 10/14/23. Walked the 4 mile trail that starts just past the entrance. The trail was OK, but I wouldn't do it again as it is not particularly scenic. Both times I have visited though there are odd characters on the trails. Hard to put a finger on it. I think they might come to do drugs in the woods. I know that sounds strange, but it is off-putting. I wouldn't return alone.

Really big place with allot of trails. Sometimes trails are marked and sometimes they aren't. Many of them splinter off...which isn't noted on map(nor distance). Because of this I'd recommend bringing water, a phone and compass. We walked on a trail for probably 5-6 miles but didn't realize it was going to be so long. We turned around. Trails are really wide in majority of places and well maintained. Trails are great for horses, dogs, families, bikes and hiking. There are two campgrounds one for equestrians and one for regular campers. Many families were also using the trails while we were there so we weren't alone for long. Seemed very popular. Beautiful preserve with ponds, cypress swamps, pine groves and hardwood forests. Lots of wildlife seen. Watch out for the alligators. Some trails have spots that are very wet and/or muddy so wear good shoes. Bug repellent not needed while we were there(February) but I can imagine certain months you'd need it. We will be back to do more trails.

This place is magical-heard & saw many birds; including swallowtail kite! Unfortunately, though there was a dead alligator in the pond... After a 4-mile walk, we went back to the pond and saw the vultures eating it! He was about 6 ft.

Beautiful park for hiking, biking. I did not visit the camping area. Maybe next time.