United States
Florida (FL)
Central Florida
Sanford
Things to Do in Sanford
Black Bear Wilderness Area
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Black Bear Wilderness Area

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See all things to do
Black Bear Wilderness Area
4.5
48
#4 of 30 things to do in Sanford
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
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More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Black Bear Wilderness Area and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
95 within 3 miles
Oasis on the River
13
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Connie's Deli
7
1.5 mi$
The Marina Deli
7
1.5 miDeli
Otters On the River
53
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Pizza Hut
1
1.6 mi
Tijuana Flats
38
1.7 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Southwestern
Cracker Barrel
206
1.8 mi$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Tiger Loves Pizza
11
1.7 mi$ • Italian • Pizza
Bambu Vietnamese Restaurant
44
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Vietnamese • Soups
China II
6
1.6 miChinese
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Attractions
32 within 6 miles
Historic Downtown Sanford
396
Neighborhoods
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
800
2.3 miZoos
Sanford RiverWalk
97
Piers & Boardwalks
Gemini Springs Park
157
Parks
Sun Rail
42
2.3 miTrams
Lake Monroe Park
42
1.9 miParks
River City Nature Park
1
1.4 miParks
DeBary Hall Historic Site
71
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Spring to Spring Trail
18
2 miHiking Trails
Katie's Wekiva River Landing
37
2.8 miBodies of Water
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
12
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
John B
Sanford, FL25 contributions
Great Hikes
Solo
I usually go here once or twice a week. I absolutely love it. I’m not an extreme hiker so the trails here are just perfect for me. Yes it is root heavy in parts but it’s not something that is so challenging you can’t step over, unless maybe you’re 103 and can’t walk well.
The wildlife here can be hit or miss, ive been days where I’ve seen lots of gators, birds, snakes, turkeys, etc. and I’ve been days I haven’t seen anything but an annoying fly.
The trees provide perfect cover from the sun but it still gets very hot, pack plenty of water. The 7 mile loop can be done in about 3 hours if you’re there to walk, but if you’re like me and stop a lot to look for wildlife it’s gonna take awhile.

Highly recommended, weekdays are very quiet here.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Savvy Adventurer
12 contributions
Nice Evening Hike
Great, easy 7 mile hike in Florida. We did not see any bears or snakes like we hoped but we saw many hogs, birds and 2 armadillos. People who walked on the trail earlier that day said they saw pygmy rattlesnakes and an otter. When we visit Florida again, we will definitely be back to try and see more!

I recommend wearing good shoes, and expect to get a little muddy if you decide to walk the trail.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debra C
Kissimmee, FL844 contributions
Nice hike
Couples
We arrived to hike this 7.1 mile loop trail at 8:30am. The small parking area already had several cars. The trail winds through marsh & floodplains with an abundance of hardwoods & foliage which borders several miles of St Johns River. We started the loop counter clockwise & glad we did. We enjoyed this direction better as the last couple miles were the least visually appealing & less strenuous. The trail was narrow with numerous tree roots, drop offs & required careful footing. Glad we wore proper hiking shoes. We were surprised to see people running by. The many boardwalks & peekaboo views of St Johns River along the way are nice. The trail is mostly shaded by the many trees & foliage. There are park benches occasionally along the way. We saw a deer, alligators, butterflies & many birds. Approximately 3.5 miles in there is a primitive camp site with a bbq & picnic bench one of which is covered. There are no restroom facilities anywhere on site. To hike the entire trail with stopping for pictures & nourishment took us 3.5 hours.
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Xterri6
New Port Richey, FL44 contributions
Excellent Hike
Friends
This is an excellent hike! Plenty of varied terrain, instead of just flats that we’re used to in Florida. Saw a few gators, birds and snakes. My only complaint of this area is the parking situation is terrible. The parking lot is small and you have to wait for someone to leave because there is nowhere to park close by.
Written May 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewn4U
18 contributions
Okay if you like swamp lands
Family
I am a Florida native and the swamp lands do not really excite me; however, I do love an adventure and decided to give this place a try. It took my family with teens 3.5 hours to hike the 7 miles. I wish I could have enjoyed the scenery more but was constantly looking where I walked to avoid tripping on a tree root. We did see a baby gator, eggs or some sort, and tons of large snail shells along the river. The weather was cool but the mosquitoes were out in full force. I was also stung by a wasp. Overall, a decent hike but a little long for the teenagers to walk - they were wiped at the 5 miles mark.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BearFacts
Alabama311 contributions
Primitive Florida
We have been wanting to visit this site for a while. It is primitive with narrow trails, tree roots galore, and some steep drop-offs but we enjoyed it. We walked to the St Johns and back and then went about a half mile in the other direction from the boardwalk. We wanted to enjoy the diversity. It is a bit of a rough walk but no worse than mountain hiking. We went on a cool day and we luckily did not experience mosquitoes. Due to the cool temperature, we saw water birds and that's it. But we still enjoyed being out there.
There are no bathrooms and parking is unpaved,
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe Getsabout
Lancaster, PA59 contributions
Sweaty,and AWESOME!
Solo
This trail is usually not crowded, and mostly in shade. BUT, bring water and comfortable, sturdy shoes. Best in mornings while it's a little cooler. A perfect trail to get away for a couple hours, and right in our own neighborhood. Hogs, Deer, Gators, and many species of birds. There's also a small picnic area about half way. Nice trail.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DiMauro72
88 contributions
Nice day hike
Couples
Its a great 7.1 hike. Able to see animals. The path can be a little rough at times if you are unsteady. Bring water and snacks as it can take 3-4 hours. Follows the river in places. Nice day getaway
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darrin
Wellington, New Zealand23 contributions
Surprisingly good hike
Family
Walks in Florida can be hit or miss, but this one was surprisingly good. Plenty of wildlife in attendance, although no bears or alligators this time around. The walk is easy, with lots of scenery to take in. Highly recommended.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dan T
Daytona Beach, FL138 contributions
This was great hiking
Hitting Central Florida trails and parks. Stop 4. Came here with my wife. Looking for a good hiking trail and found it here. Feeling adventurous we did the 7 mile loop. Suggest hiking boots for this. The first half of the trail (go right) is great with some tight climbs, narrow paths and deep foliage and trees & St johns river. Be careful walking as there are lots of tree roots to navigate.This might be tough for young kids. There were several types of birds throughout from woodpeckers to egrets and herons. Caught a good view of an alligator wading off the side in a marshy area. The second half of the trail, after the small camp site,is flatter and more open. Not much to see there. would go back for the first half of trail and turn around.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Black Bear Wilderness Area (Sanford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Black Bear Wilderness Area
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