Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail

Black Bear Wilderness Area protects 1,600 acres of floodplain forest along the St. Johns River, offering Central Florida’s best opportunity to experience this wild river corridor on foot. The trail system includes extensive boardwalks that wind through cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, and along the river’s edge where alligators, wading birds, and occasional black bears can be spotted. The 7-mile loop provides a genuine wilderness experience surprisingly close to Orlando’s sprawl, passing through habitats that have changed little since the first humans explored this landscape. The river views are particularly scenic, with sweeping vistas across the broad St. Johns floodplain. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife activity and cooler temperatures.