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Hidden Waters Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Running trail in Eustis, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hidden Waters Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Forest preserve featuring hiking trails, plus wildlife viewing and disc golf.
What runners say about Hidden Waters Preserve
“There are some hills to climb, beautiful scenery, a creek running throughout, several bridges, cacti, wild flowers.”
“A mix of shaded and non-shaded parts of the trail.”
“Hard to believe that this wonderful, quiet, peaceful forest preserve is bounded by busy roads and housing subdivisions.”
Hidden Waters Preserve is one of Central Florida’s hidden gems, boasting a 115ft descent into a natural sinkhole. Here are some things to know & expect: - The best time to begin your hike during the warmer months is at sunrise or shortly thereafter - Parking is free and very close to the trailhead - If you plan to…
Decent trail to hike got a few elevation changes which get the heart rate up. 👍😁 For a special moment with nature follow the trail to the stream. If your lucky you might just see a jewelwing Damselfly
Awesome. When entering I didn't think it would end uo as cool and whimsical as it did!! It take a few minutes to get into the good stuff. Definitely take not of the trail map. This is a awesome place right in the city! Really glad I stumbled upon it and I will definitely be coming often!!
Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis offers a fascinating hike with elevation changes and interesting terrain. We did not see where the sinkhole was that is supposedly easy to find. It's a short but sweet Preserve with shaded areas. Free to walk around.
Trail conditions & character
“There are some hills to climb, beautiful scenery, a creek running throughout, several bridges, cacti, wild flowers.”
“No restrooms available but there is an unshaded picnic table at the trailhead.”
“There are some hills to climb, beautiful scenery, a creek running throughout, several bridges, cacti, wild flowers.”
“We found that out after getting there, with our dogs.”
“A mix of shaded and non-shaded parts of the trail.”
“No restrooms available but there is an unshaded picnic table at the trailhead.”
“Hard to believe that this wonderful, quiet, peaceful forest preserve is bounded by busy roads and housing subdivisions.”
Plan your run at Hidden Waters Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitelcwa.org
- Phone+1 352-324-6141
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Eustis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hidden Waters Preserve Entrance
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Hidden Waters Preserve
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Palmetto Point Park
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Ferran Park
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Mt Dora Dog Park
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Public park offering separate areas for large, medium, and small dogs, plus water and toys.