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.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
Managing Agency
FL Dept. of Environmental Protection, Div. of Recreation and Parks
Operational Hours: 8am to sunset
Size: 845 acres
