Florida Lake

Though there is nothing too tropical about Florida Lake, it is a beautiful place to walk. It can, however, be quite wet, especially in spring. (It’s named after Florida because the lake’s shape resembles the state.) There are bog bridges, and pretty boardwalks, as well as flat embankments along the lakeshore to sit on or stroll along while listening to birds. Bring your binoculars! Some people bring their canoes.

The preserve is one of Freeport Conservation Trust’s two northern parcels, along with Hidden Pond. A 2.1-mile loop trail makes its way around the shallow lake. Another 1-mile loop takes you to a view of a little stream, Collins Brook.

As you walk into the preserve from the main parking area off Route 125, you will follow what appear to be old canals and waterways. A friend dug up this historical information on the preserve (from a town report): Beavers built a dam on Collins Brook in the 1940s, according to the Cummings family who farmed the land there for many years, flooding almost 30 acres. In the 1960s, the Cummings, “like many farmers in the area,” began offering recreational opportunities on their property, including installing a small railroad and stocking the lake with trout. When the Cummings sold the property, it was converted into a campground until the town purchased it in 2002.” 

Directions: To get there, take Route 136 north of I-295. At the blinking yellow light, turn right onto Route 125 (Wardtown Road).  Drive 2.4 miles to a blue Florida Lake sign on the right. Follow the dead-end access road to the parking area. There is an additional parking area, for several cars, off Baker Road that is less well used.