Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park
A peaceful Old Florida escape with moss-draped oaks, serene creek views, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for quiet hikes and nature appreciation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, cooler, best wildlife
Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park
Best Time
Peaceful, cooler, best wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful Old Florida escape with moss-draped oaks, serene creek views, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for quiet hikes and nature appreciation.
"A quiet, magical pocket of Old Florida that makes you slow down and appreciate the little things."
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Weekdays are ideal for a quiet escape. Arrive early on weekends to snag a good parking spot and enjoy the trails before they get busy.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
While some trails are wide and packed, others become narrow with roots and small hills. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moss-Draped Oaks
Throughout the park
Wander beneath ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating a truly magical Old Florida ambiance.
Creek Views & Boardwalks
Along the trails
Enjoy the calming ripple of Hickey Creek from scenic boardwalks and well-marked paths.
Wildlife Encounters
Near trails and water
Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, bunnies, and even barred owls in this vibrant ecosystem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quiet: Best Times to Visit
Park Entry & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Weekdays are ideal for a quiet escape. Arrive early on weekends to snag a good parking spot and enjoy the trails before they get busy.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
While some trails are wide and packed, others become narrow with roots and small hills. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
🤫 Be a Quiet Hiker
To maximize wildlife sightings, tread lightly and listen. Many visitors report seeing bunnies and other creatures when they are quiet.
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is $1 per hour or $5 for the entire day. Bring small bills or be prepared to pay by the hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Weekdays are ideal for a quiet escape. Arrive early on weekends to snag a good parking spot and enjoy the trails before they get busy.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
While some trails are wide and packed, others become narrow with roots and small hills. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
🤫 Be a Quiet Hiker
To maximize wildlife sightings, tread lightly and listen. Many visitors report seeing bunnies and other creatures when they are quiet.
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is $1 per hour or $5 for the entire day. Bring small bills or be prepared to pay by the hour.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
This is a nature preserve, so leave your furry friends at home. Enjoy the park's natural inhabitants without them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park as a quiet, magical pocket of Old Florida, perfect for slowing down and appreciating nature. The well-maintained, shaded trails, boardwalks, and opportunities for wildlife sightings are frequently praised. While some find parts of the trails rustic and narrow, the overall sentiment is one of peace and natural beauty, making it a local treasure for those seeking quiet time in the woods.
"A quiet, magical pocket of Old Florida.
Hickey Creek is the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate the little things—moss-draped oaks, gopher tortoises wandering near the trail, and the calming ripple of the creek itself. The loop trail is well-marked and shaded in spots, with beautiful boardwalks and interpretive signs that give you a sense of the ecosystem. I even caught a glimpse of a barred owl perched silently in the trees. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly peaceful, and perfect for a solo nature walk or an afternoon with the family. A true local treasure if you’re into wildlife, photography, or just some much-needed quiet time in the woods."
Luis Bezanilla
"Great park with somewhat lengthy trails if you want to challenge yourself beyond a simple stroll. Still mostly flat because, well, Florida, but nice variation of brush and tree canopy coverage and winding passages. Bathrooms seemed to be really well maintained. The $1 parking per hour is reasonable. Lots of picnic areas both at front of trails and further in. Will definitely be back soon."
Holden Meisner
"Nice trail. We did the red and blue loops together. Towards the end the trail did get skinnier, and we heard something pretty big running in the woods then into the water. Kind of spooked us.
Quiet during the week. Parking is $5 per day or $1 per hour"
Elliott Gervais
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park is located in Alva, Florida. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access the park. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the park entrance.
The park is generally well-marked, especially if you are using GPS. Visitors often share their positive experiences finding the park without issue.
While specific directions can vary based on your starting point, using a GPS app with the park's name will guide you efficiently. The park is situated in a natural setting, so enjoy the scenic drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking at Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park costs $1 per hour or $5 for a full day. This fee is quite reasonable for the natural beauty and tranquility offered. +1
No advance ticket purchase is necessary. You pay for parking upon arrival, either hourly or for the full day.
While specific hours aren't always listed, parks like this are typically open during daylight hours. It's best to plan your visit during the day to fully experience the trails and scenery.
Yes, dogs are not permitted in Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park as it is a nature preserve. This ensures the safety and tranquility of the local wildlife.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The red trail is a popular choice, offering a 2.16-mile loop that starts wide and packed but becomes a narrower, more rustic path with roots and small hills. Combining red and blue loops is also recommended for a longer hike. +1
Absolutely! Visitors praise the park for its beautiful, well-maintained trails that offer a good challenge beyond a simple stroll, with variations in brush and tree canopy.
Yes, the park is known for its wildlife. Visitors have spotted gopher tortoises, wild bunnies, and even barred owls. Being quiet increases your chances of sightings. +1
Yes, the park features well-maintained restrooms and numerous picnic areas, both near the entrance and further into the trails, making it great for a family outing.
The initial parts of trails like the red loop are hard-packed and wide, making them manageable for some elderly visitors. However, the second half can become narrow with roots and small hills, which might be challenging. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The moss-draped oaks and the serene creek views offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Early morning light can enhance the magical atmosphere of this Old Florida landscape.
Yes, with patience and quiet observation, you can capture images of gopher tortoises, birds, and other small creatures that inhabit the park.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the old oaks, and close-ups of flora and fauna are ideal. The park's rustic charm lends itself well to naturalistic photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to be quiet observers to spot wildlife like gopher tortoises and bunnies, turning the hike into an exciting nature scavenger hunt. The interpretive signs can also add an educational element to the experience. While some later trail sections can be narrow and rooty, the overall experience is a peaceful and engaging way to spend time outdoors together.
🚶 Solo Nature Seekers
The well-marked trails, particularly the red loop, provide a satisfying hiking experience with varied terrain. The opportunity to spot wildlife like owls and tortoises adds an element of discovery to your solo adventure. It's a perfect place to decompress, reflect, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Old Florida.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Hickey's Creek
For those seeking a longer trek, combining the red and blue loops is a popular option, allowing for a more extensive exploration of the park's diverse ecosystems. The trails wind through brush and tree canopy, offering shaded sections and glimpses of the creek itself. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the local flora and fauna, enhancing the educational aspect of your visit.
While the trails are generally well-marked, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially in the more secluded sections. The rustic nature of some paths adds to the park's charm, offering an authentic nature experience away from heavily paved walkways.
Wildlife Watching and Nature Appreciation
The park's avian population is also noteworthy. Barred owls have been observed perched silently in the trees, and other bird species contribute to the park's natural soundscape. To increase your chances of observing wildlife, visitors strongly recommend being a quiet hiker. Minimizing noise allows you to blend in with the environment and observe animals in their natural behavior without disturbing them.
Beyond the visible fauna, the park's ecosystem is rich with plant life, including the iconic moss-draped oaks that create a picturesque Old Florida atmosphere. The creek itself is a vital part of this habitat, supporting various aquatic and terrestrial species. It’s a place where you can truly slow down and appreciate the subtle beauty of the natural world.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit