Hidden Lake Road

Trail Overview

Hidden Lake Road is a short, high-clearance, 4WD-required trail that leads to unique hiking trails and scenic locations within the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Hilochee extends into both Polk and Lake Counties. The Hilochee WMA is a 10,000+ acre WMA that is part of the Green Swamp ecosystem and water quality management system. Hilochee is a short drive from Lakeland, Clermont, and several major theme park areas. Hilochee is open to public recreational use year-round; however, this is limited to travel by foot, bicycle, or horse. This requires a day-use permit, which is $3 per person or $6 per vehicle. Access by motor vehicle is limited to those who possess the WMA-specific fishing permit or hunting quota permit, along with the state WMA permit. Individuals having one fishing permit may access the WMA on Saturdays and Sundays and during periods open to hunting. Those having quota hunt permits may access the area one day prior to the designated hunt period and during the period of the hunting period awarded. Fishing permits are free and may be obtained by calling the Southwest Regional Office at (863) 648-3200. Signage is posted that 4WD vehicles only access these trails. This trail travels through longleaf pine sandhills, upland hardwoods, and pine flatwoods, and arrives at scenic overlooks of ponds and lakes. The opportunity to observe wildlife is very good.

Photos of Hidden Lake Road

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

The trail is an uneven, rutted, dirt/sand trail road that is single vehicle wide. There are numerous areas where pulling off to allow passing is on edges or ledges with sharp drop-offs into ponds or deep grades. The trails are not maintained, and some large obstacles (e.g., fallen trees) could impact or block trails and requiring bypassing through fire breaks composed of deep, loose sand or soft, muddy pond banks. Signage is posted that 4WD vehicles only access these trails.

Technical Rating

Hidden Lake Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV