Bear-N-Oak Loop is a 1.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Silver Springs, Florida that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This is a short loop trail around Indian Lake that passes through a pack-in recreation area, which has swings, picnic tables, a covered pavilion, restrooms, and charcoal grills on site. Primitive campsites at the recreation area can be reserved online at https://floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/. This trail is part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program. Note that there are no facilities at the trailhead. The $2 day use access fee can be paid online or at the trailhead.
awesome loop follow blue blazes can fish and picnic at lake pit toilet at day use area
HORRIBLE! You will be eatin' ALIVE by mosquitoes! Horrible entrance to trial access road is deep sand! Good Luck!
Very peaceful. Creek had a nice trickling sound to it. There is a picnic shelter, tables and swings facing the lake. Overall nice family outing area.
This is an absolutely gorgeous trail. It offers a mix of swamp and forest, and the recreation area on the north shore of Indian Lake is a peaceful area to take in the views. I'll definitely be back to camp here at some point. However, note that four areas of the trail are currently flooded, with water levels ranging from knee to chest height (I am 6'0", for reference). I was still able to hike the full length of the trail, but I brought quick-drying clothes, trailrunners, and trekking poles. Without that gear, I wouldn't have been able to make it through the flooded sections. Even still, it was difficult to find my way because the trail markers are fairly spread out. Also, bug spray is a must.
Beautifully maintained walk-in-the-park. You won't get your feet wet here unless you jump into the pond. Nice dry trail. Highly recommended.
Very neat trail - would hike again. Liked the small land bridge and the swings to stop at along the trail.
This short loop trail brings you to a nice, pack in only, picnic area. It has a couple of swing chairs that you can sit in overlooking the lake. However, the trail is very poorly marked. I started of taking the trail on the left side of kiosk. I was able to follow it to the picnic area, but then it was hard to follow. I ended up turned back on myself. I then walked back to the trail head. After a short break I took the trail on the right, this time going counter clockwise. This directly was better marked - I didn't get turned around - but there were several sections where guesswork got me through the trail. The good news is that the trail is not in a fee area, so you'll save a couple bucks. On the other hand, there are no facilities either. The road is traveled enough that you may want to park your car in such a way to block your view if you need to relieve yourself.
Used to be an RV park a long time ago that was on the side of Indian Lake but has since been demolished in the 2010’s and is now a campsite with restrooms and a pavilion. There is a swampy side of the lake and a side with huge oak trees that give a diverse feel to the region along with sandy banks. A great place to spend summer days with friends.
Great trail with lots of little cut offs. Took the dog and he loved it, but would recommend keeping on leash and a sharp eye out for moccasins. Followed to creek back into the woods. Just long enough and open enough for a casual walk. Plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable.
Great site seeing loop trail. Trail loops around a small lake teeming with wildlife. We found a water moccasin during our hike. Due to the nature of the wildlife, advise staying alert. There is a great covered picnic area and several hanging bench swings for a quick rest.