Last week we took to Indian Lake State Forest for our first Adventure Friday of the year. We left later in the day, after Gary had a chance to sleep since he is now on night shift. Then an accident on I-75 and bad Friday evening traffic slowed us. What was planned as a late afternoon hike, turned into an early evening hike at dusk. But it made for some beautiful pictures.
It was a bit difficult to find the start of the trail, because there are a number of sand trails and paths around the lake. These are left over from when the area was an RV park due to the proximity to Silver Springs State Park. The forestry service acquired this piece of land due to it being a primary watershed for Silver Springs. Indian Lake is actually a sinkhole where the water directly flows into the Florida Aquifer which then feeds Silver Springs. The day we went, there was no breeze and the water was as smooth as glass, it is also surrounded by a white sand beach complete with picnic tables and a few swings to enjoy the area.
Eventually as we worked our way around the lake we did find some of the trail markers, and followed the trail back to our starting point. About one third of the trail goes around the lake and the other 2/3 stretch through the woods nearby a skirt a swamp area near the lake. The trail is 1.4 miles and while having some elevation gain, is mostly flat except for a short section. It is also plenty wide enough to walk next to the little boys and hold their hand while hiking. The state forest also has camping sites here, and so we plan to perhaps come back and enjoy some more time here in the future.
We would recommend the area as a hidden scenic gem. No where near as well known as Silver Springs, it is a close by state forest with some lovely views as well. After hiking, we enjoyed sitting at a picnic table and having a sandwich supper while we watched the sun sink behind the trees across the lake. We probably stayed a little longer than closing time, but we really enjoyed our time here.
If you'd like to make a trip the address to the recreation site at Indian Lake State Forest is 8423 NE 58th Avenue, Anthony, Florida. The state forest is open from sunrise to sunset, everyday. Entrance to the Park is $2 for a car load of up to 6 people over the age of six.
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