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Reported: March 2013

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge... Florida

Biking and Hiking with Panoramic Views and Wildlife

Popular for bird watching (especially in the winter), Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in DeLeon Springs, Florida, is an excellent Florida eco-biking destination with over 15 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The berms around the impoundments are relatively easy to ride (some areas are sandy) but many of the trails are better suited for fat-tire bikes. Note: This ride is recommended during dry weather, the trails and berms can be muddy when wet. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link...
Lake Woodruff NWR Eco-biking

Location: Volusia County
Mileage: 15 miles of trails for hiking and biking, about 7 miles on earthen berms
Surface: Packed dirt, sand, grass
Nearby Points of interest: DeLeon Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, Daytona Beach

Support and Advocacy:
Friends of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

LAKE WOODRUFF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE... Comments and Photos

Tip #1: Dry weather only. Beware along the SW corner of " Impoundment 3” especially (see Google map above), the sandy clay base when wet becomes the stickiest mud we have ever encountered. Avoid when wet.

Tip #2: Winter is best. More birds, fewer bugs, drier weather, clearer skies, and better sunsets. Along with the wildlife, great panoramic sunsets attract serious photographers from all over. You can find many splendid photos online.

Tip #3: Be aware that the temperature can drop quickly. One January day shortly before sunset, we were biking in sunny 70 degree weather. By the time the sun had completely set and our bikes were back on the car, it was 48 degrees. Walkers and bikers all became sprinters that evening. Glad we had bikes.

Tip #4: A good short workout is the grassy trail through Jones Island (best if mowed recently). There are sandy side trails here, but way too soft for us. Overall for outdoor lovers.

Biking at Lake Woodruff

To reach the Refuge from US 17 in DeLeon Springs, turn west on Reynolds Road, then left (south) on Grand Avenue. Continue south to Mud Lake Road (just under 1 mile), turn right and go straight to the parking area (a little over 1 mile).

Biking on the Impoundments

From parking lot to impoundments

Along the impoundment

Views from the Observation Tower

From the Observation Tower

From the Observation Tower

Coots

One of many benches for resting and bird watching

A sandy stretch, becomes sticky mud when wet

Gator (that's just its tail, it had to be huge)

Pygmy rattlesnake

Other trails

On Jones Island

On Jones Island

Hammock Trail Loop

Hammock Trail Loop

Live Oak Trail at the parking lot

More About Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge:

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge covers over 21,000 acres. Refuge habitats include freshwater marsh, hardwood and cypress swamp, plus lakes, streams and canals. Over 215 species of bird have been counted including endangered species; other wildlife include alligator, otter, snake, and manatee. A Visitors Center and guided bird walks are available. While the refuge has no boat launches, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular (launch from DeLeon Springs State Park); motorboats are prohibited.

Resources:

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge