Black Bear Wilderness Area

Boars and Birds! Had my first visit to the Black Bear Wilderness Area yesterday, it was awesome! The area is near I-4 and SR 46 in the Sanford Florida region. Nesteled against a curve of the St. John's River, it presents a variety of terrain to explore. The path follows closely the ridge of the canal excavation spoils from years and years ago. The typical top of mound is frequently cleared and maintained in wide clear fashion at many conservation areas...but not this one! The trail follows the mound top, but has seen decades of vegetation growth not removed. The current condition is one of a fairly wild walk, roots and elevation changes, going around, over, and through many tree obstructiond for the length of the 7 mile loop. Once you start on the loop, deciding how far that you want to walk is important, as its just a loop, having no interior short-cuts back to the parking area. Once started, its go all the way for 7 miles or stop partway and backtrack. The majority of the hike is in forest / jungle canopy, well shaded. Short stretches in full Florida sun, so of course be prepared with your Florida compliment of hats, sunshade, water, bug repellant, etc.... The path is not presented for biking, it would be very difficult to bike this path with the tree obstructions, drop off edges and root crossing so prevalent, not recommended. The wildlife seen yesterday was nice: Boars, Barred Owls, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker along with many other smaller birds- heard - not seen- in the canopy and brush. It was great.