Shingle Creek Trail

Now that Florida winter has passed, it’s time to break out the sneakers, bike, or kayak and go exploring. I just recently discovered Shingle Creek Trail, and I’m in love.
To get there you’ll need to park at Hunter’s Creek Middle School. I think it’s the second entrance for the bus loop, and you can park along the fence. The trail is marked, but just barely. Also, you’ll only be able to access the trail at this spot when school isn’t in session.
It’s a short walk from the parking lot down a path to the river. Since we were kayaking, and have a pretty heavy kayak, the short walk was a little bit challenging, but otherwise it should be no problem. There is a little clearing where the trail meets the river to launch your kayak. Someone has posted a kind of creepy clown sign at this spot, so you’ll want to look for the creepy clown when you return down the river so you get out at the right spot.
Kayaking here was beautiful. The bike/​hiking path runs along the river and we saw a handful of people on the path, but there was nobody on the water. It was perfectly peaceful and quiet. There are a few spots where water plants have clustered and could be hard to get through, but we didn’t have any problems.
This spot was a great find, I’m sure we’ll be back here often.

Would never have known about this had it not been for Unilocal.Still and serene paths clearly marked to walk and clear the mind. Apparently a lot of other people have found out about it as many were walking as I was.
Now, I started my walk behind the middle school in Hunters’ Creek, and encountered huge birds, butterflies, and pretty flowers.. .
and humans smoking substances that did not smell legal.. .
I love nature trails.. .

Really enjoyed this hike. Was in town from DE on business, and looking for a place to take a walk. Had a little trouble finding the trail head, but once I found the middle school there was signage directing me around the left side of the school to the back trail lot. Beautiful walk along the creek/​canal (?). Didn’t see any gators but probably a good thing. :)

Discovered this trail a couple of days ago. Turned ou it is practically in my back yard and I had never heard of it. It’s not very big and a bit deserted. But great for a bike ride and to be in touch with nature. When you are there… it’s hard to believe you are in the city. Seems miles away.
Take a short stroll on a nature trail behind the Marriott, or hike four miles into the heart of the Shingle Creek Management Area. Either way, you’ll get a good look at the initial headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem. The creek is the major water source for Lake Tohopekaliga, which is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and forms the headwater of the Everglades.
Adjacent to major tourist attractions and growth areas, it is the last remaining natural area of its size in southwest Orange and northwest Osceola counties. The District has restored portions of the swamp with funding provided as mitigation to offset wetland impacts associated with construction of the Orlando Beltway. Because of the land’s significance to the Everglades, the creek is featured on the Everglades Trail. Go to
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There are a number of ways you can enjoy the property. You can access a nature trail (small boardwalk and mulched segments) behind the Marriott or hike or bicycle four miles of dirt power line roads from Hunter’s Vista subdivision. Another three miles of trail along the Shingle Creek canal, with side trails to the pine islands, are ideal for hiking. Finally you can hike into the property at Hunter’s Creek Middle School where access is open during non-​school hours. Or enjoy the creek in a canoe. Put in your canoe anywhere along the creek’s west bank and slip away.
Bring your fishing pole. Cypress, gum trees, and wet prairies that ring pine islands are evidence the land stays mostly wet. Try your luck for pan fish in the channelized five-​mile portion of the creek. A variety of wildlife such as white-​tailed deer, alligators, turkey and birds thrive in the Shingle Creek corridor.
NOTE: This site has a canoe boat launch only!
DIRECTIONS
* The Marriott Trail entrance: about one-​half mile south from Central Florida Parkway on International Drive. Hunter’s Creek Middle School entrance: One-​half mile down Town Loop Blvd. from John Young Parkway in Hunter’s Creek.
* Power line entrance: Behind Hunter’s Vista of the Vistas subdivision, approximately one mile west on Town Center Blvd. from John Young Parkway.
SHINGLE CREEK TRAIL ACTIVITIES

Bicycling
Boat Ramps
Boating
Canoeing
Fishing
Hiking
Kayaking