I didn't know about Hidden Waters Preserve until today, but I will never forget it now. Where else can you find a steephead ravine ecosystem 45 minutes outside of Orlando?
A small plot of land with clear creeks and churning cascades, Hidden Waters is a worthy visit for Central Florida locals and those skeptical of the subtle beauty the Sunshine State has to offer.
I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed my visit to this outstanding locale.
Trees form a tunnel through the woods.
Blooms abound in the open fields.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower II
A steephead stream winds its way through the woods.
The stream eventually ends up in a lake created in a sinkhole.
Another look at this crystal clear creek.
A smaller tributary flows under a puncheon.
The stream is so clear you can barely tell there is any water.
The puncheon passes over the pale stream.
Lake Bryant, a lake in a large sinkhole.
A lush path leads to the lakeshore.
A small hollow in Hidden Waters.
The stream slithers towards the horizon.
The white sand reminds me of the Panhandle beaches.
A complex of staggered roots creates cascades in the creek.
A closer look at the cascades, replenished by recent rains.
Looking down the creek from the top of a small hill.
The portion of the creek just before the cascades.
One last look at the hollow of Hidden Waters.
Love this. The creek looks like its actually carving its way. If that is the case, I wonder how natural the landscape is and if so, if it is dynamic.
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