Explore central Florida’s best-kept secret: Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park

The sun rises over the District’s Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, a property that helps protect water resources in Orange County.

Covering 9,387 acres in Orange County, Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park is a true hidden gem. Located just east of bustling Orlando, the St. Johns River Water Management District property not only protects critical regional water resources but also offers a serene natural setting for various outdoor activities.

The District, in collaboration with Orange County, began acquiring the parcels that make up Hal Scott to safeguard the water resources of the Econlockhatchee River and the broader Middle St. Johns River Basin. The preserve encompasses approximately 5 miles of shoreline along the river and includes several tributaries, as well as extensive floodplain wetlands.

Prescribed fire is a vital tool for land management at Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park.

“It’s rare to find such a large, intact natural ecosystem so close to a major city,” says Graham Williams, the District’s South Central Region land manager. “It’s a beautiful property that’s well maintained through prescribed burns, which helps sustain its ecosystem.”

Hal Scott features miles of marked trails that wind through the property that connect to Long Branch Park and Pine Lily Preserve to the northeast. Whether you’re hiking, trail running, biking or horseback riding, Hal Scott offers a variety of ways to experience its natural beauty. Additionally, an unimproved launch provides access to the property’s pond, where visitors can explore by canoe or kayak (permit required). For those looking for a more immersive experience, primitive tent-only camping is available at one reservable and two first-come/first-served campsites.

Red-cockaded woodpeckers, an endangered species, make their home at Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park.

Named in honor of a former president and executive director of the Florida Audubon Society, Hal Scott is an important sanctuary for central Florida’s forest birds. “Endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers make their home here,” Williams explains. “It’s one of the few remaining places in the Orlando area where you can find this species.”

Don’t miss the chance to explore Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park! Visit our online recreation guide for a property map, driving directions and more: www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/hal-scott.