Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park

Enjoy a remote-feeling, wilderness experience within 15 minutes of historic downtown Lake Placid at this state park. This scrub sanctuary on the west side of Lake June-in-Winter is nestled in the highlands of the Lake Wales Ridge, a series of ancient sand dunes home to numerous rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Florida Scrub-Jays, are a year-round resident of this property and be on the lookout for Florida Scrub Lizard, Florida Mouse, Gopher Tortoise and Bobcat. To see scrub-jays, hike the Bobcat Trail south from the entrance gate into the scrub habitat. From the parking area, the brief Tomoka Trail runs through a hammock with a spring-fed creek perfect for Neotropical migrants. Check the lakefront for Great Egret, Great Blue Heron and Wood Duck. Bring a canoe or kayak if you are up for paddling the lake to see waterbirds including King Rail. Short-tailed Hawk are possible and Osprey and Bald Eagle both breed in the park. Pileated, Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers are common in the flatwoods. Remember that scrub is a hot, sandy environment, so don’t forget to bring plenty of water (no drinking water is available here), plus a hat, sunglasses and sun protection. While the park has very few amenities other than the 4 miles of hiking trails, picnic area and a composting toilet, the beauty and solitude here will keep you coming back for more.