tosohatchee state reserve

Drew_Heath

This is a pleasant wilderness area midway between Orlando and Daytona Beach. We went to do some birdwatching and were disappointed by the diversity, but the area looks quite pleasant from a botany and hiking point of view. Horseback riding and hunting are also allowed. My chief complaint was that the visitor's center is closed on the weekend. Since one can assume the majority of park guests arrive on the weekend, that makes no sense to me.

kareno880

Beautiful park area. Secluded and very remote feeling. Would have loved to hike on the trails, but some were very swampy as the summer rain seems to flood quite a bit of the park. We got caught in a torrential rain storm that lasted a good hour and the driving was very difficult as the divots in the road filled up with water and the water on the sides of the road came up and over the road in some spots. It was a stressful drive out of the park to say the least. Look forward to returning in the winter when it may be a little drier.

ratchel12345

Lots of wild life, flowers and trials....and forest cows! Watch out for sugar sand on the roads. The swampy areas are very beautiful after the rain in the spring.

CEWAIT

I have passed the turn off several times on my way to the coast. Today I decided to make the turn as I only had a short amount of time to explore. My first thoughts were a lot of road and not so much wildlife. I parked at a grassy trail and explored for a while and spotted several bird species, a few gators and a mama hog. I the birds I did spot maybe 8 Bald Eagles including 4 juveniles. I did not go off too deep as it is still hunting season. I ended up spending about 4 hours in the reserve.I would say that if you are visiting the Orlando area and only have a small amount of time to see the real Florida, stay on 50 and head to Merritt Island. If you are looking for fewer water birds and more land birds, make the turn and spend some time here.

ramsoccer2

let me start by saying that yes the main roads are long and dull not much to see but if you venture off the main roads and go for a hike or a ride there is so much to explore and see...You can walk for miles on the banks of the st johns river lookin at gators and birds galor. Brought my dog along and we hiked various trails that meadered throughout the woods. all easily marked. make sure you grab the color map from the front where you sign in. it will make your hikes easier to navigate..Try to find time to check out the lakes its a great place to relax, fish and canoe. overall its a great expeirence if you like the outdoors

Aworld2explor

We visited Tosochatchee for birdwatching. While we did see a bald eagle and wood stork it was a long drive down boring roads and not worth the effort. The main road follows beneath major power lines and goes on forever, we got bored and took another side road which was equally boring but at least we had some trees rather than powe rlines to look at.

taz321

We love driving out here, you never know what you might see. Butterflies, wildflowers, gators, turtles, turkeys, deer, cattle, always birds... the list goes on and on. There are places to walk, places to ride your bike. Powerline Rd. goes on forever, all the way to the St. Johns, with roads and trails going off of it. Two cool old wooden bridges to cross and there's a creek and lakes to check out. Just sign in and pay the cheap fee of $3.00 and spend the day there easy.

JoshuaS331

You can drive for HOURS in this WMA. Clean trails fit for even normal cars. Several man made lakes with easy canoe access for fishing or paddling. Miles and miles of trails. Even access to the St John's river. This place is the BEST $3 I've ever spent. There is a solid wall bathroom and several picnic tables the main lake on the south side of the property. You will almost 100% guaranteed see gators, armadillos, every bird in Florida, raccoon, and occasional deer and pig.

hubjeanne

Great area, although roads can sometimes be bumpy, muddy, and/or often smooth. I usually see alligators, Bald Eagles, woodpeckers, and in the fall beautiful fields of flowers. Make sure you drive all the way down to the river. Gorgeous view!!!!!

ijg1018

What a great place! We are birders and were thrilled to see thousands of birds, everything from blue heron to vultures. We saw a 12 foot alligator up close and personal as well as armadillo. The park was almost empty and is overwhelming in size. Thank you, state of Florida.

zippergrrl

this is a state park without the frills. drive in a certain distance, and walk the trails. bring a tent and camp. see the real florida away from orlando and mickey. bring binoculars and camera, bug spray and sunscreen, and good walking shoes.

LAGBolt

We go out there about once a year, usually backpacking. The new group sites are excellent for Scout Troops and groups. Lots of trails and riverfront.

Lifelister

This has fields and woods, plus a long drive out , shell - packed, Powerline Road bordered by deep ditches, and huge marshes. It was very empty on a sunny, Sunday in winter but I enjoyed the solitude and got some nice birds in the late afternoon. Sora rails, wading birds, harriers. You must leave at dusk so could not check out possible short eared owls. Loads of alligators and their young on the banks flanking the berm road. This is not as good at Merritt Island Blackpoint drive, but for outdoor lovers, it is a worthwhile exploration.

gwgMimsFlorida

Not known by many off SR50 near Orlando and Titusville. We enjoyed miles of walks and saw gators, many birds ,deer and hunters as they are allowed in the appropriate season-so wear bright clothes! Can drive around a bit too.