Felts Audubon Preserve
A free, hidden gem preserve teeming with diverse wildlife, offering peaceful nature trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Felts Audubon Preserve
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, hidden gem preserve teeming with diverse wildlife, offering peaceful nature trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
"A nice little find, a hidden gem with lots of wildlife and nicely done trails."
👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!
Protect your feet from fire ants and uneven, root-filled trails.
🦟 Bring insect repellent
Stay comfortable and ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the preserve
Spot diverse bird species, snakes, spiders, skinks, and butterflies in their natural habitat.
The Bird Blind Experience
Designated bird blind structure
Observe local and migratory birds, including potential sightings of painted buntings.
Nature Journaling Opportunities
Various scenic spots
Engage with nature by journaling, sketching, or documenting the flora and fauna you encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: What to Know Before You Go
Navigating the Trails and Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!
Protect your feet from fire ants and uneven, root-filled trails.
🦟 Bring insect repellent
Stay comfortable and ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
☀️ Sunscreen is essential
Protect your skin during your outdoor exploration.
💧 No potable water available
Bring your own water supply for the duration of your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!
Protect your feet from fire ants and uneven, root-filled trails.
🦟 Bring insect repellent
Stay comfortable and ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
☀️ Sunscreen is essential
Protect your skin during your outdoor exploration.
💧 No potable water available
Bring your own water supply for the duration of your visit.
💰 Free admission, donations welcome
Support the preserve's conservation efforts with a small donation.
📸 Nature journaling encouraged
Bring a notebook and pen to document your discoveries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Felts Audubon Preserve is a highly-rated, free nature escape praised for its abundant wildlife and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained trails and the opportunity for birdwatching, though some note the rustic nature of the facilities. It's a true hidden gem for nature lovers.
"Nice little find, a hidden gem. Short hike, but very nicely done. Lots of benches for resting. There is a portable toilet-very clean; no potable water. Saw so cute and curious Black-bellied Whistling decks, and some butterflies. One spot had a low arch and it was down on all fours to get under; just added to the fun. Rough trail was mainly roots, lots of roots - some high some low. No dogs."
Judy Knotts (Hikingnymph)
"Cute little place. I was surprised at how much wildlife I actually saw. The trails were also pretty nice and felt secluded, unless you heard a car drive by, but you couldn't see them. I saw 4 snakes, a crazy looking spider, hawks, a blue tailed skink, and tons of birds I've never seen. My bird app identified a lot of birds that were either uncommon and even rare. The fire arts are real though so closed toes shoes are necessary. There are plenty of benches along the paths to sit and relax as well as a bird blind you can go in. Only thing that wasn't so great is it says they have a bathroom, which they do, but it's a porta potty, but at least it's there."
Victoria Violet
"Felts Reserve is off the beaten path, with no parking lot; just a little gate to enter. There are no boardwalks, but instead, a mowed path that is easy to follow. There is an amazing bird blind building where I was able to observe a painted bunting, but alas, too far away to get a good pic. We only saw 2 other people while we were there, so you really feel immersed in nature. We saw a turtle, many birds, some ducks, black vultures, dragonflies of every color, butterflies, and many beautiful wild flowers. We had a great experience here, and it is free admission."
cathy wrigley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Felts Audubon Preserve is located off the beaten path and does not have a designated parking lot. Look for a small gate to enter the preserve.
There is no formal parking lot. Visitors typically park near the entrance gate.
It's considered a bit off the beaten path, so using GPS and looking for the entrance gate is recommended.
Information on public transportation access is limited, so driving is likely the most convenient option.
Specific GPS coordinates can be helpful for navigation, though it's best to rely on local signage once you're close. (Note: Specific coordinates not provided in sources).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Felts Audubon Preserve is free! Donations are appreciated to support the preserve's upkeep and conservation efforts. +1
The preserve itself is free to enter. However, consider making a donation to help maintain this natural space.
The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing for ample time to explore. (Note: Specific hours not explicitly stated in sources, but implied by 'dawn to dusk' from similar Audubon locations ).
No advance booking is required as admission is free and it's a natural preserve.
Yes, there is a donation box at the entrance where visitors can contribute to the preserve's maintenance.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The preserve features mowed paths that are generally easy to follow, though some sections can be root-filled and may require ducking under low arches. +1
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with many unique and rare species identified by visitors. The bird blind offers excellent viewing opportunities. +2
Expect to see a variety of wildlife including birds (hawks, painted buntings, whistling ducks), snakes, spiders, skinks, butterflies, and turtles. +3
There is a portable toilet on-site, which visitors have noted as being clean. There is no potable water available.
Yes, it's described as a nice little find with short, well-maintained trails perfect for a nature hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The bird blind offers excellent opportunities for bird photography, and the diverse wildlife and natural scenery throughout the preserve are also great subjects. +1
Some wildlife, like a specific raccoon mentioned by a visitor, can get quite close and show no fear. However, always maintain a respectful distance.
Look for colorful butterflies, various bird species like cardinals and red-shouldered hawks, and interesting insects. 
Morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for wildlife and landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
A telephoto lens can be very beneficial for capturing clear shots of birds and other wildlife from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
📸 Photographers
+1 The bird blind is a prime spot for capturing detailed bird photographs, and the natural light in the morning and late afternoon can create stunning images. The preserve's natural beauty also lends itself to landscape and macro photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Discovering the Wildlife of Felts Audubon Preserve
To enhance your wildlife viewing experience, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are typically most active.
For those interested in documenting their sightings, Felts Audubon Preserve is an excellent location for nature journaling and photography. The diverse flora and fauna provide ample subjects, from intricate spiderwebs to the vibrant plumage of birds.
+1 The opportunity to see animals like a friendly raccoon that approaches visitors adds a unique element to the experience. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife to ensure their well-being and your safety.Navigating the Trails and Terrain
Due to the natural environment, it's highly recommended to wear closed-toe shoes. This is crucial for protecting your feet from potential hazards like fire ants, which are present in the area, as well as from the uneven ground and roots.
While there are no boardwalks, the mowed paths are well-defined. Benches are strategically placed along the paths, offering opportunities to rest and take in the surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit