Cypress Creek Preserve: Get In Touch with the Great Outdoors in Your Own Backyard for Free

Nature lovers and families with a small entertainment budget, rejoice! Cypress Creek Preserve right next to Pine View Middle School provides a great outdoor getaway at the best price: free.

The nature preserve, which was created as a water supply source as well as an area for flood protection, provides so much more than utility for the local community. The nature preserve, in which the Cypress Creek runs through, features five miles of paved and unpaved rollerblading and biking trails— all with scenic views of the preserve. Hikers are welcome year-round, but fishing is only available during high water periods. Nevertheless, there's never a shortage of things to do in the preserve.

Cypress Creek Preserve is not only a cheap getaway for families looking for a fun weekend activity, but also for nature lovers. Cypress Creek Preserve is home to many species of animals, such as birds and butterflies which are not only great for watching, but make for a excellent photography subjects as well. Plant life is just as diverse in the park with species that include pine flat woods, hardwood swamps and palmettos.

Though the park does have an untouched glimpse of nature feel, there are still basic hospitality services available. The park features portable toilets, grills and picnic tables, all free for public use.

And visitors can set up and stay awhile: Free group and equestrian camping are available at the park. Yes, free camping! The park only requires a reservation prior to arrival, so grab the kids, a good camera and all of your camping gear and enjoy an exciting weekend at Cypress Creek Preserve. Just make sure to bring plenty of bug spray and look out for wild hogs.

Happy trails!

For more information about the park, visit the website or give the preserve staff a call at (352) 796-7211, Ext. 4470.