The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve is a remarkable place to experience natural Florida. Located just south of Orlando, the preserve protects the headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem. This 12,000-acre preserve is an innovative model of ecological restoration and one of the largest off-site wetlands mitigation projects ever undertaken in the United States. 

The preserve is bordered by Lake Russell, one of the last remaining undeveloped lakes in central Florida. It is also home to hundreds of wildlife species, many of which are rare, such as bald eagles, Florida scrub-jays, sandhill cranes and gopher tortoises.

A hiking trail is available to visitors who want to learn about the preserve’s resident plants and animals and the Conservancy’s efforts to restore and protect them.

Visiting the Preserve

The Disney Wilderness Preserve offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida and see land restoration in progress.

Hours
The preserve is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. Please call the preserve before visiting (407) 935-0002. It is occasionally closed during normal hours due to flooding or restoration activities.

Hiking Trail
All hikers must register at the self-serve stand prior to setting out. For your safety and comfort, bring drinking water, hats, sun protection, bug repellent, and wear appropriate footwear. Hikers should always be aware of changing weather conditions.

The hiking trail leaves from the Conservation Learning Center. It includes a one-mile trip to Lake Russell, one of the last remaining pristine lakes in central Florida. For those wishing a longer experience, the trail continues beyond Lake Russell, covering a 2.5-mile loop offering a closer look at the preserve’s natural communities and its resident plants and animals.

Pets are not allowed on the preserve.

Directions

(see map)

From I-4:
Exit onto Hwy. 535 and head south.
Follow 535 to Poinciana Blvd. Turn right (south) onto Poinciana Blvd.
Follow Poinciana Blvd. approximately 15 miles until you reach the intersection of Poinciana Blvd. and Pleasant Hill Road. Turn right onto Pleasant Hill Rd.
Continue to the first stop light, which is Dover Plum.
Turn left onto Dover Plum and continue until you come to the second stop sign, which is at the end of Dover Plum.
Turn right and shortly thereafter turn left at the first left drive onto Scrub Jay Trail following it into the preserve to the parking lot.

Call the preserve for directions from other locations.

Contact Us

The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve
2700 Scrub Jay Trail
Kissimmee, FL 34759
Phone: (407) 935-0002

Nature picture credits (left to right): Lake Russell © Ian Adams; Red-cockaded Woodpecker © James Hanula/USFWS.